The 2024 Honda Ridgeline balances rugged capability and everyday comfort, making it a compelling choice for drivers who value both. This midsize pickup truck boasts a spacious interior, a unique two-way tailgate, and an innovative in-bed trunk, offering versatility for various tasks.
Honda has introduced a new TrailSport trim for 2024, the most off-road capable Ridgeline ever. Let’s delve deeper into what this refreshed Ridgeline offers.
Rugged Capability Meets Refined Comfort
Thanks to its car-based platform, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritizes a comfortable ride and agile handling. This makes it a great choice for drivers who use their truck for daily commutes and errands while still offering the capability to handle weekend adventures.
Consumer Reports highlights the Ridgeline’s strength in terms of driving experience and comfort. Owners appreciate its value proposition, especially when compared to pricier truck options that may offer more towing muscle but lack the Ridgeline’s everyday comfort features.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, all Ridgelines feature a proven 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. While the Ridgeline may not be a powerhouse in the towing department, it offers a balanced performance for most everyday tasks and adventures.
Off-Roading Prowess with the New TrailSport Trim
The 2024 Ridgeline introduces the TrailSport trim for those who crave off-road adventures. This trim boasts several features that elevate off-road capability:
- All-terrain tires with aggressive treads for enhanced grip on loose surfaces like dirt, mud, and gravel.
- Off-road tuned suspension with increased ground clearance and improved shock absorption for better handling on uneven terrain.
- Steel underbody protection plates to shield vital components like the engine and transmission from rocks and other trail hazards.
- Unique visual upgrades such as a bolder grille, black exterior accents, and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a gunmetal finish.
Increased Capability and Tech Upgrades
While the Ridgeline may not be the strongest contender in the towing department compared to some full-size trucks, it offers a respectable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, sufficient for hauling trailers, ATVs, or other recreational gear. All Ridgelines come standard with all-wheel drive, providing confidence and traction in various weather conditions, whether navigating snowy roads or tackling light off-road trails.
For 2024, Honda has equipped the Ridgeline with a new digital instrument cluster. This customizable display gives drivers essential information like speed, fuel level, and trip data in a clear and easy-to-read format. Additionally, a larger 9-inch touchscreen takes center stage in the cabin. This infotainment system features the latest version of Honda’s intuitive software and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Interior Comfort and Functionality
The Ridgeline is known for its spacious interior, which offers ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows. The comfortable seating and available heated and ventilated front seats make long journeys a breeze. The Ridgeline boasts several unique features that enhance its versatility:
- Unique two-way tailgate: This innovative tailgate can fold down like a traditional tailgate or swing open from the side, providing easier access to the truck bed from either side.
- In-bed trunk: This lockable compartment, located beneath the truck bed floor, offers secure and weatherproof storage for gear, tools, or groceries.
- HondaVAC: This built-in vacuum cleaner makes cleaning dirt, debris, or pet hair from the interior or truck bed easy.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Ridgeline comes in four trims, each catering to different needs and preferences:
- Sport (starting MSRP: $39,750): The base trim offers a good balance of features and functionality, including LED headlights, alloy wheels, and a sunroof.
- RTL (starting MSRP: $43,975): Considered the best value for features offered, the RTL adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a moonroof, and a premium sound system.
- TrailSport (starting MSRP: $46,355): This trim is designed for off-road enthusiasts and boasts all the previously mentioned off-road-specific features, like all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and underbody protection. It also includes unique interior touches like TrailSport-embroidered seats with orange stitching and an orange ambient lighting scheme.
- Black Edition (starting MSRP: $47,725): This top-of-the-line trim offers a sportier aesthetic with blacked-out exterior accents, exclusive 18-inch black alloy wheels, and a more aggressive front grille. Inside, the Black Edition features premium perforated leather seats with red stitching, a heated steering wheel, and a powerful upgraded sound system.
The Honda Ridgeline: A Compelling Choice for Modern Truck Needs
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline offers a unique blend of comfort, capability, and technology. Whether you need a truck for daily commutes, weekend adventures, or light towing duties, the Ridgeline is a versatile option to consider. Here’s a quick recap of its key strengths:
- Comfortable ride and handling: Perfect for daily driving and long journeys.
- Spacious interior with unique features: This vehicle offers ample passenger and cargo space and innovative features like the two-way tailgate and in-bed trunk.
- Available off-road capability: The TrailSport trim caters to drivers who crave adventure beyond the pavement.
- Standard all-wheel drive: Provides confidence and traction in various weather conditions.
- Technology upgrades: A new digital instrument cluster and larger touchscreen enhance the driving experience.
Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline the right truck for you?
Consider your needs and priorities. Suppose you value a comfortable and refined driving experience, a functional and versatile interior, and a blend of on-road and off-road capability. In that case, the Ridgeline is worth a closer look. It offers a compelling alternative to traditional body-on-frame trucks, especially for those who prioritize everyday usability without sacrificing some weekend fun on light trails.
