2024 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is unlike any other pickup in its segment. It boasts unibody construction similar to a modern SUV rather than the ladder-frame type of chassis used by rival midsize trucks. That design gives the Ridgeline a more refined ride quality and easy driving manners. Yet it’s still a pickup that can do pickup-like things, such as hauling and towing. And even here, it stands out with innovative features like a dual-action tailgate and built-in bed storage. Where competitors like the new Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado have switched to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the Ridgeline still packs a V6 plus standard AWD. Honda’s reputation for quality and an impressive roster of standard safety features come standard.

The Ridgeline lineup is updated for 2024, adding a rugged TrailSport model, enhanced technology like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and updated interior and exterior aesthetics.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline starts on the high end in its segment. The Chevrolet Colorado begins around $30K, as does the Nissan Frontier. We expect the all-new Toyota Tacoma to be in that ballpark, too, while the new 2024 Ford Ranger starts at $32,565. The 2024 Jeep Gladiator is expected to start nearer to the Ridgeline’s price. Note the Ridgeline is only available as a crew cab and comes standard with a V6 and AWD — not the case with all its rivals. Before buying, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying. The Ridgeline’s resale value has traditionally sat lower than rivals like the Tacoma and Gladiator.

What we love most about driving the Honda Ridgeline truck is that it doesn’t feel like a truck. By that we mean it isn’t bouncy, jarring, or rough. Rather, it’s as comfortable as its kin, the Pilot SUV. That’s what happens when you base a truck on a unibody platform instead of the traditional ladder frame. Compared to rivals, the Ridgeline is simply easier to drive and makes an excellent choice if it will be doing lots of miles as a commuter. This quality is made even better with Honda’s impressive adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and lane-keeping assist system, which comes standard. The Ridgeline is the perfect truck for those who need a weekday commuter and weekend workhorse.

As for truck duty, the Ridgeline pulls its weight. Well, specifically, it pulls 5,000 pounds. That’s not the most in the segment – a Ford Ranger can tug 7,500 pounds – but it’s still more than enough for personal watercraft, ATVs, and the like. Additionally, the Ridgeline can haul 1,583 pounds of payload. With standard AWD and a V6 with good grunt, all Ridgeline pickups are pretty capable off-road, but the new TrailSport model ups the ante. It brings all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, and steel underbody plates to protect vital components.

Fuel Economy

The Honda Ridgeline earns 21 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. That’s a bit better than a comparable Jeep Gladiator and Nissan Frontier, and the same as a 4-wheel-drive Chevy Colorado, which uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder. More Ridgeline fuel economy information can be found on the EPA’s website.

All Honda Ridgeline trucks come with a spacious and functional 5-passenger interior. We find the front seats roomy and well-shaped for a variety of body types. Rear legroom, at 36.7 inches, is good enough to work for smaller families. We also like the extra tricks back there. The rear seats have storage cubbies under the cushions, or the seats can flip up to create a nice sheltered space in the cab. There’s even enough room for a bicycle back there. Up front, the Ridgeline improves for 2024 with a larger, 9-inch touchscreen, as well as a standard 7-inch digital driver display. A new center console between the seats has a large, integrated armrest, while the cubby itself is big enough to house a full-size tablet. Shifting is accomplished with a row of buttons. This saves space over a traditional gear lever but can take a bit of getting used to.

The 2024 Ridgeline comes exclusively as a crew cab with a 5.3-foot bed, roomy enough to fit a couple of dirt bikes, at least with the tailgate down. Speaking of the tailgate, it features a clever dual-action design, in which it can flip down like a normal tailgate, as well as swing open to the side for easier loading and unloading. The bed can flat-carry 4-foot-wide items, and there is an additional lockable storage compartment under the bed with 7.3-cubic feet of space and a drain hole so it can function as an ice cooler for tailgating. Among the cosmetic updates for the 2024 freshening of the Ridgeline is its name stamped into the tailgate

TrailSport model
Honda has rolled out TrailSport models for the Passport and Pilot SUVs, and now it’s the Ridgeline’s turn. It adds beefier suspension, all-terrain tires, and extra underbody protection for off-roading.

Tri-zone automatic climate control
Every new Ridgeline truck comes with this feature as standard. It’s the kind of thing more often found in luxury vehicles to keep everyone on board as comfortable as possible.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Smartphone integration is another standard feature across the Ridgeline range, and for 2024 it is now wireless for added convenience

Two-way tailgate
Like most tailgates, it flips down (and can take 300 pounds sitting on it). But then it does this trick where it can swing from its side hinge instead, providing more convenient access to the deepest part of the bed.

Lockable in-bed trunk
Precious items can be kept secure and out of sight in this 7.3 cubic foot storage area beneath the actual bed.

Truck bed power outlet
Another feature in the top two trims, these outlets might provide the juice for some lighting or a laptop.

The Ridgeline uses a Honda’s tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine. It makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. AWD is standard, and the Ridgeline uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Honda’s new-vehicle limited warranty covers three years/36,000 miles, with powertrains covered for five years/60,000 miles. These terms are typical for the class.

Safety

The Honda Ridgeline earns the top 5-Star score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).