Honda Ridgeline is often left out when talking about trucks, but this stalwart has been around for over 15 years now. It isn't built on a body-on-frame chassis as its rivals. However, if you’re looking for a truck that works as a good family hauler and doesn’t have a traditional truck appeal, the Ridgeline will fit your bill.
The company has now refreshed the truck for the 2021 model year, and it comes with a few changes on the outside, a refreshed interior, and a few appearance packages offered as optional gear. Things under the hood, however, remain the same. Will these cosmetic changes interest the potential compact truck customers?
What’s New This Time Around?
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On the outside, the 2021 Ridgeline comes with a new snout that features a power bulge, thus giving the face a muscular appearance.
The new grille flanked with new LED headlights also gives a fresh twist to the truck. The automaker has revised the bumper as well for some added flavor. It features vents on the sides that enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
All the trims now ride on 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires as standard. The track width is also increased by 20mm, thus giving the Ridgeline a broader stance that complements the new muscular demeanor well. The Honda truck also receives a prominent skid plate and new twin-exhaust outlet pipes that aren’t hidden anymore.
The package includes a unique grille treatment, black fender flares, aggressive bronze-colored wheels, and special HPD graphics on the bed walls. Along with this, three more packages will be offered - Utility, Function, and Function+ - and all of them will be available on every Ridgeline trim.
On the inside, the changes are subtle. The infotainment system is updated and now features a physical volume knob. All the trims are offered with new contrast stitching on the seats, and some even receive updated upholstery, new dashboard, center console, and steering wheel accents. Apart from this, things are pretty much the same as the preceding model.
Anything Different Under The Hood?
Power is sent to all the wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. What’s new, however, is the fully automatic torque vectoring. It is standard on RTL-E and Black Edition and optional on Sport and RTL trims.
It, obviously, is available only on four-wheel-drive models and automatically sends up to 70-percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. It continuously apportions 100-percent of that torque between the left and right rear wheel based on grip at each wheel and comes with four drive modes in total – Snow, Pavement, Mud, and Sand. For the two-wheel-drive models, Honda offers an Intelligent Traction Dynamics System that comes with two drive modes – Snow and Pavement.
Purists don’t even consider the Honda Ridgeline as a pure truck because of its unibody construction as opposed to a body on frame build. But, that is what makes it supremely comfortable for the passengers. The Ridgeline continues to feature independent rear suspension. As for the towing and payload capacities, the truck can tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul up to 1,580 pounds (we're talking all-wheel-drive models). The Ridgeline also features a tailgate that can open downwards and sideways like barn doors. An in-bed audio system can also be had as an optional accessory.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Specs
Engine |
3.5-liter, V-6 |
---|---|
Horsepower |
280 Horses |
Torque |
262 pound-feet |
Transmission |
Nine-speed Automatic |
Towing Capacity |
5,000 pounds |
Payload Capacity |
1,580 pounds |
Final Thoughts
Honda is yet to announce the exact pricing for each trim, but it is expected to start at just over $35,000. It will arrive at the dealerships in the U.S. starting early next year. What do you have to say about the 2021 Ridgeline? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.