Honda’s Redesigned 2021 Ridgeline: HPD or Bust?
Honda gives the Ridgeline a tougher look and improved infotainment. Is it enough to compete in the competitive mid-size truck segment?
The Honda Ridgeline has been given a makeover for 2021. The Ridgeline has always been a well-regarded vehicle. It is also more capable than a lot of people give it credit for. However, it has never had the image of being the toughest truck around. It doesn’t have a massive tow rating and it won’t be able to tackle the toughest trails in Moab. The 2021 version doesn’t really change that, but it really doesn’t have to. If mid-size truck buyers are honest with themselves, they will understand that the vast majority don’t go rock crawling or tow 10,000 pounds every day. The Ridgeline is the perfect truck for those that need a bit more cargo room and flexibility than the average crossover. But still want the efficiency and driving characteristics of a crossover. In other words, it is perfect for 99 percent of what buyers really need.
Christian Wardlaw from Car Gurus recently posted a review of the new Honda Ridgeline on their YouTube channel. As mentioned above, the Ridgeline is not about bashing trails, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look like it can. One of the big changes for the 2021 Ridgeline is the new bolder and tougher look. The front of the truck looks more like an actual truck and less like a Honda Pilot. The truck being reviewed is the least expensive Sport model. Going up from there you can get your Ridgeline in RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition trim. Regardless of trim, all will have the same powerful and efficient powertrain. A 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 lb-ft of torque is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also standard across the range.
Also standard on all the Ridgeline models is a dual action tailgate. It can be dropped down or opened to the side. In the cargo bed there is a handy, and sizeable waterproof trunk area under the rear portion of the bed. Selecting the higher trim levels will net you more luxury and comfort features but the core truck features remain the same. The only functional difference is the Sport trim has 74 pounds more payload capacity than the others. One of the more interesting options comes from the Honda Performance Development team. The $2,800 HPD package does nothing to increase performance, but it does give it a more rugged look. The package includes a nice set of 18-inch bronze wheels, fender flares, unique front grille, and some emblems and stickers.
On the inside of the new Ridgeline the changes are less drastic. However, there is one bit of huge news for 2021. Honda has come to their senses and now uses an actual knob to control the radio volume. That all important knob sits next to an 8-inch touch screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The upper trims offer satellite radio and navigation. “One of the best things about the Ridgeline is its storage capacity.” Says Wardlaw. The Ridgeline interior has cubbies and bins everyplace you look.
The Ridgeline does still share a platform with the Odyssey minivan, but don’t let that scare you. “Nearly the entire platform from the lower dashboard to the rear of the truck is either modified for use in the Ridgeline or is entirely exclusive to the truck.” Explains Wardlaw. While this truck is not going to get you up the Moab Rim Trail it drives on the road much better than any truck that would. With an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway, it is also more efficient than most trucks as well. Plus, we can’t forget the most important part. It is a Honda. It will be inexpensive to maintain and will still be running strong when Halley’s Comet makes its next pass.
The updated Ridgeline will make an excellent choice for buyers that don’t need extreme towing or off-road performance. The 2021 changes make the new Ridgeline more appealing than ever. Let us know your thoughts in the Honda-Tech forums.
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