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skilled: Distinctive mattress performance; Nice on-road experience and dealing with; subtle customary all-wheel-drive system; Extra family-friendly inside than different small vehicles
Shortcoming: Controversial design; shallow mattress peak; restricted floor clearance; Much less family-friendly inside than crossover SUVs
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is clearly not a traditional truck. It has extra in frequent with the car-based “utes” offered in Australia than the F-150s and Tacomas of this world. When you settle for that it's okay to be completely different, and settle for trying a bit of nerdy, the Ridgeline could make plenty of sense. Its under-bed trunk compartment by no means ceases to be helpful. Its flat rear cabin ground and flip-up seat backside give it the flexibility of a full-size truck in a midsize package deal. Its experience and dealing with are far superior to any “correct” truck.
We might go on, however principally, the Ridgeline might be thought-about an alternative choice to midsize vehicles or midsize crossover SUVs. As for the latter group, we're betting there are lots of people who will use the Ridgeline's mattress and underfloor trunk extra typically than the Honda Pilot's third row, for instance. Certainly one of our editors introduced dwelling a 5-foot-tall tree utilizing a Ridgeline mattress/trunk – which wasn't occurring within the Pilot. Now, there isn't a lot legroom within the again seat, so it's undoubtedly much less pleasant from a passenger perspective. And, going again to midsize vehicles for a second, you gained't have the ability to tow as a lot or go as far off the street.
So, Ridgeline definitely gained't be for everybody, however it should at all times be uniquely enticing to these inside a selected location.
Inside & Know-how | Passenger and cargo house Efficiency & Gas Economic system
How is it to drive? Pricing and Trim Ranges | Crash Score and Security Options
What's new for 2024?
The massive information is the brand new Ridgeline TrailSport, which adopts most of the identical parts because the all-new Pilot TrailSport and the just lately revealed up to date Passport TrailSport. The suspension will get distinctive spring charges, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars. The tires are Basic Grabber A/T Sports activities. Visually, the TrailSport will get a singular grille insert with Pewter Grey ending, a shade additionally on the exclusive-to-TrailSport 18-inch wheels and decrease fascia garnish. Metal underbody safety has been added with unchanged floor clearance beneath.
As for the remainder of the lineup, each 2024 mannequin comes with RIDGELINE stamped on the tailgate, together with some notable inside adjustments. The devices are new and the infotainment system has been up to date to a brand new, sharper system with a 9-inch touchscreen and a small ledge added on the backside to relaxation your hand when making inputs. The middle console was additionally redesigned to broaden the phone-holding tray and change its minivan-like middle bin and seat-mounted armrest with a smaller however extra standard bin and cantilever armrest/cowl.
How are the Ridgeline inside and in-car tech?
The Ridgeline is predicated on the earlier technology Honda Pilot, and the inside from the B pillars ahead reveals this clearly. It was a boring design for a three-row household crossover, and it stays an actual unhappy trombone for a pickup. Supplies and construct high quality are at the very least excellent for a pickup on this worth vary. Modifications had been made for 2024 (which had been additionally shared with the associated Honda Passport), however they fall into the “performance” folder moderately than “type.”
Amongst these purposeful adjustments is the brand new middle console. Technically, it's rather less helpful – you might beforehand put a handbag in its central compartment, however you may now not do this. Nevertheless, folks didn't just like the previous minivan-style armrests hooked up to the seats, so a extra conventional middle bin/armrest combo will certainly be extra common. The wi-fi charging and grippy floor in addition to the enlarged phone-holding tray for ever-expanding smartphones must be universally appreciated.
One other enchancment is the infotainment system, which lastly will get a correct improve. It's not precisely Honda's newest and biggest, however it has an even bigger display (9 inches), faster responses, and higher performance in each manner. Is it nonetheless largely delayed? Certain, however it's straightforward to make use of, and that's a very powerful factor for many individuals.
How massive is the ridgeline?
On the surface, the Ridgeline is principally the identical size and peak as different midsize crew cab pickups. Its wheelbase isn't as lengthy, and it has much less floor clearance (7.6 inches), however it's noticeably wider. Nevertheless, the Ridgeline's unibody “crossover” development signifies that these identical dimensions on the surface don’t translate into the identical measurements on the within. Merely put, the Ridgeline cabin is roomier and extra snug for passengers. You’ll be able to see this most when it comes to rear seat legroom, and that additional width leads to a corresponding acquire in shoulder house. In case you're contemplating the Ridgeline as an alternative choice to bigger crossover SUVs just like the Pilot or Passport, it's value noting that rear seat legroom is brief and the seat doesn't recline.
By way of storage, the Ridgeline's again seat has a flat ground (very like full-size crew cab vehicles and in contrast to numerous midsize vehicles), which suggests it's extra spacious for storing baggage and different objects. Is beneficial. The seat backside additionally folds up in a 60/40-split association that means you should utilize it for folks and their baggage. Even higher, you may neglect about preserving baggage within the cabin altogether. The Ridgeline has a 7.9 cubic-foot, water-tight trunk compartment underneath the mattress that we discovered can maintain three small suitcases or plenty of different issues (you gained't consider what number of ice baggage it takes to fill it).
The mattress itself is out there in just one dimension, 5-foot-4-inches, which is according to the smaller beds that sometimes come customary with mid-size crew cab vehicles (it's much like the cargo areas of mid-size SUVs). is for much longer than). Nevertheless, its partitions are very small in peak. To entry the mattress in addition to the trunk, the Ridgeline incorporates a distinctive twin motion tailgate that swings outward along with dropping down. We discovered ourselves swinging it largely as a result of you may attain contained in the mattress – the drop-down perform isn't impaired both. This could occur in 2024.
What are the Ridgeline gasoline financial system and efficiency specs?
The Ridgeline definitely retains issues easy by providing only one powertrain and drivetrain mixture: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque via a nine-speed automated and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. Sends to the drive system. You need rear-wheel drive? Too dangerous, the Ridgeline is predicated on a front-wheel-drive platform. Would you like front-wheel drive? No, in fact you don't. You're not alone, Honda has discontinued that choice with its 2021 refresh.
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system is available in at 18 miles per gallon metropolis, 24 mpg freeway and 21 mpg mixed for many trim ranges. Trailsport returns on 18/23/20. It's principally the identical as different midsize vehicles, if really a bit of worse. Nevertheless, an all-wheel-drive Honda Pilot is nearly similar.
What's the Ridgeline prefer to drive?
There's little question that the Ridgeline has the smoothest experience and finest on-road dealing with of any midsize pickup. It even has a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which shunts energy to every rear wheel to enhance dealing with and traction. Mainly, the Ridgeline drives extra like a crossover than a body-on-frame truck – as a result of that's precisely what it’s. The experience is a bit of firmer than the Pilot or Passport (particularly with the TrailSport's all-terrain tires), however each Ridgeline is a really civilized pickup to drive.
After all, there are some damaging elements too. Its 7.6 inches of floor clearance isn't a lot, even for a crossover, and whereas its all-wheel-drive system, off-road driving modes, and HPD package deal upgrades make it surprisingly succesful off-the-beaten observe, it doesn't even contact Extra primary variations of mid-size vehicles. Heck, even some crossovers have extra floor clearance and capability.
The identical might be mentioned for the towing capability, which is lower than 5,000 kilos. Its payload of 1,583 kilos is at the very least comparable.
What different Honda Ridgeline evaluations can I learn?
2021 Honda Ridgeline First Drive
In our first drive of the revised 2021 Ridgeline, we dive extra deeply into the adjustments and get an opportunity to drive it off-road.
Honda Ridgeline Baggage Check
Learn the way many baggage match within the Ridgeline's mattress trunk in addition to its again seat.
2020 Honda Ridgeline Highway Check
We really use the Ridgeline for a very good, old style truck exercise: hauling mulch.
long run honda ridgeline take a look at
We examined the Ridgeline for a full 12 months, and although there have been just a few updates since then, our impressions of (and affection for) it have remained largely the identical.
2018 Honda Ridgeline and Airstream Basecamp a match made in michigan
We take our long-term Ridgeline on a protracted, chilly weekend journey with a Mini Airstream
What’s the worth of 2024 Ridgeline?
Pricing begins increased than a typical midsize truck, however then once more Honda doesn't supply a stripped-down work truck like numerous rivals. There are additionally far fewer trim ranges than earlier than, all providing rather more than a rise in gear between them. In essence, the Sport serves because the least geared up base mannequin, however has a “sportier” darker trim than the following RTL which has extra of a conventional Honda look with brightwork exterior trim. The Black Version stands out with distinctive darkish trim and pink inside accents, but in addition has extra and/or higher gear, together with ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, a extra highly effective sound system, rear USB ports, and a mattress energy Shops included.
New for 2024, the TrailSport is probably the most unique. Along with the distinctive grey exterior trim and wheels, it has all-terrain tires, underbody safety, and a suspension with distinctive spring charges, damper valve tuning, and stabilizer bars.
All costs beneath embrace $1,395 vacation spot cost.
Sports activities: $41,145
RTL: $43,975
TrailSport: $46,375
Black Version: $47,745
What are the Ridgeline security scores and driver help options?
Each 2024 Ridgeline consists of ahead collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, and adaptive cruise management with steering help. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning are on all however the base Sport. Whereas it's commendable that these options are customary, they’re among the oldest and least subtle options in the marketplace. Adaptive cruise management brakes too exhausting, accelerates too slowly, and the steering help pales compared to what different manufacturers supply.
The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration gave the Ridgeline 5 out of 5 stars for total, frontal and aspect crash security. No different midsize truck can match it. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security gave it the very best ranking of “Good” in all crash assessments, however it received the second-best “Acceptable” within the newest small overlap entrance: passenger-side take a look at. The ahead collision prevention system additionally acquired a Good ranking, however the headlights acquired a 3rd finest/second worst rating of “Marginal”.
It additionally received an “Acceptable” ranking for automotive seat set up and we will agree that it's exhausting to do (commonplace for a truck, however nonetheless). The highest anchor setup is complicated and should not work with each baby seat. Be sure you carry your automotive seat alongside on a take a look at drive and if you are going to buy it, be sure you go to a fireplace station or one other accredited automotive seat fitment specialist to be sure to have it put in appropriately.