October 20th 2024.
Twenty years ago, Honda introduced the Ridgeline - a unique mid-sized pickup truck that stood out among the others in the market. It was the only pickup offered by the manufacturer, and even after all these years, it remains a unibody vehicle. Although it's still a part of the same generation that was introduced in 2017, plenty has changed with the 2024 model.
One of the exciting new updates is the TrailSport trim level, along with a larger center touchscreen, a digital instrument panel display, and a bigger center console storage. These technological advancements make the vehicle more efficient, with a 9-inch screen and wireless connectivity for seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But some things remain unchanged, like the Ridgeline's signature quiet ride, confident handling, two-way tailgate, and a spacious and lockable in-bed trunk. The TrailSport trim also comes with all-terrain tires and an off-road-leaning suspension, making it perfect for adventurous souls. The rugged front grille design and the bold block letters spelling out "Ridgeline" on the back of the tailgate give the vehicle a boost of masculinity.
The Ridgeline is available in four trim levels - Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition - all powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Along with its signature features, it also offers exceptional gas mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. And with an acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds, it's one of the quick ones in its segment. The TrailSport has a starting MSRP of $46,375.
All the trims come with four doors and a 5-foot-4-inch bed, showcasing Honda's commitment to quality. It's the only bed in its class that can fit 4-foot-wide plywood sheets without any interference from the wheel wells. With a payload of 1,583 pounds, it's a decent limit, although some competitors offer more. The towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is acceptable but not as much as the top-sellers in its segment.
The TrailSport trim builds on the Sport and RTL trims, offering additional features like front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, and synthetic upholstery with orange stitching. The interior is impressively designed, with comfortable front and rear seats, ample storage areas, and a large, flat storage space beneath the rear seats. The padded armrest, generously-sized cup holders, and enough space to hold a tablet or a small laptop add to the convenience of this vehicle.
While the Chevy Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma may offer more power and better off-road capabilities, the Ridgeline stands out with its superior comfort, fuel economy, handling, and versatility. The standard heated front bucket seats, 10-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and 2-position memory, and passenger's seat with four-way power adjustment, make for a comfortable ride.
Honda has a diverse lineup of vehicles, including some of the most popular and long-lasting ones in history. However, the Ridgeline has faced some issues with recalls in the past, ranging from fuel pump failures to rust problems, extreme oil consumption, and electric system malfunctions. Similar to the Honda Fit, which was a highly-rated sedan but had to be discontinued due to falling sales, the future of the Ridgeline remains uncertain.
Despite its ups and downs, the Ridgeline has carved a niche for itself among the leaders of medium-sized pickup trucks. Its sales have fluctuated over the years, but recent increases reflect the long-standing innovation and uniqueness of this vehicle. While it may not have the same reputation for longevity as the Toyota Tacoma, its style, versatility, and overall performance make the 2024 Honda Ridgeline a worthy addition to the carmaker's lineup.
James Raia, a renowned syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also shares his expertise in sports, business, lifestyle, and travel through various print and online publications. You can reach him at
[email protected] for any inquiries or to read more of his articles.
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