Try the same thing but in 4H - I bet it would go right up, with all the traction control nannies on. Like others have said, power goes to the path with the least resistance.

I think comparing the Ridgeline to a full-size truck is a bit like comparing apples to oranges, they are different beasts. FWD bias vs RWD bias, one with a real transfer case, Ridgeline probably uses something different (someone mentioned clutch packs to send power through maybe some sort of angle gear? Just not up to snuff on that system) and I think the list goes on and on.

The other day I was in 4H on some snow and was amazed how I could feel it claw through - and those stock Goodyear Wranglers suck. I should have left it in 2H and pulled the **** for the locker instead to see what would happen.

I haven't used 4L in my truck yet. When I was younger, my Dad and I were up in BC and found a forest road and decided to drive up it. We hit a steep portion and he decided to put it in 4L (1997 F-150) and it crawled right up - wasn't slippery - hard packed dirt and rocks - 4L also helped going down. Makes me wonder if the tires played a big role here as well.