Honda Ridgeline enters midsize class
Pickup this versatile just might be all the truck that’s needed
THE Honda Ridgeline defines the term “urban pickup,” but it’s no pushover when it comes to tackling rough roads and weighty loads.
It also provides a comfortable cabin for five people, clever convenience touches and a rock-solid reputation, which are traits that are no less important to truck buyers.
The second-generation Ridgeline that arrived for 2017 (the original dates back to model-year 2006) competes with midsizers from Ford, General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. Similar entries from Hyundai and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Ram truck division are reportedly on the horizon.
Strictly speaking, the Ridgeline is more utility vehicle than pickup. It shares a unitized (frameless) platform with the Honda Pilot and Passport, only with an open box instead of an enclosed cargo area.
For 2021, the Alabama-built Ridgeline gets a much bolder grille and a bulging hood. A sizable trim piece (available in chrome or gloss black) directly below it appears to extend into the headlight lenses. The front bumper juts out, which should provide additional protection from minor skirmishes (the rear bumper has also been redesigned).
As before, the cargo box has some ingenious features that are in keeping with the Ridgeline’s multipurpose character. The floor is wide enough to accommodate 4x8 sheets of building materials between the wheel wells. There’s also no need for a protective liner due to the bed’s composite-plastic construction.
A lockable storage area beneath the floor contains the spare tire, provides added space for stowing bulky valuables such as tools and groceries, and can also function as an ice chest. It’s accessible by swinging open the standard “Dual Action” tailgate from the right-hand side or by dropping it down in the traditional manner. When lowered, the tailgate can support up to 300 pounds.
The Ridgeline can be outfitted with an available Truck Bed Audio System with six weatherproof transducers built into the side walls. They act like speakers by transmitting audio vibrations from inside the cab to those seated or standing outside (ideal for year-round tailgate gatherings).
Interior changes focus on the 8-inch touch screen that receives
new icons and a physical volume-control knob, which might seem like a small thing but is important for keeping your eyes on the road instead of the screen.
The Ridgeline’s fold-up rear-seat cushion allows you to load everything from potted plants to bicycles to giant-screen TVS. Speaking of loads, the Ridgeline is capable of 1,580 pounds of cargo and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 carries over, linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway and 22 combined.
Front-wheel drive is standard for the base Ridgeline, while all-wheel drive is optional. The system sends 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and can direct 100 percent of that amount to either one, depending on driving conditions. There are Snow and Pavement traction-mode settings for FWD models, while Mud and Sand settings are added to AWD Ridgelines.
The base Ridgeline Sport is priced at an estimated $35,500, including destination charges (add $2,250 for all-wheel drive). It comes with the usual comfort gear plus an assortment of dynamic-safety tech including forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
The remaining three models —
RTL, Black Edition and RTL-E — offer a wealth of extras. The latter two are further maxed out with a seven-speaker, 540-watt audio system, leather-trimmed interior, front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
A new Honda Performance Development appearance package adds a more aggressive-looking blacked-out grille, fender flares, bronze wheels and HPD graphics. The package is available on all trims. There is no added off-road functionality, however.
Considering its do-just-aboutanything mission, calling the Honda Ridgeline the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife is certainly fitting. Styling updates give the 2021 version a much-needed shot of character, especially in a world where the tough-truck look is currently in vogue.