The Honda Ridgeline is more comfortable and refined to drive than other midsize trucks. It also boasts plenty of storage and abundant standard driver assist features. The Ridgeline does come up a little short compared in hauling, towing and off-road capability, but overall it's a highly functional midsize truck.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
Smooth ride and secure handling for a pickup
Versatile two-way tailgate and large lockable in-bed trunk
Spacious crew cab is comfortable
Cons
Lacks low-range gearing and underbody clearance of typical trucks
Less towing capacity than top rivals
What's new
New TrailSport trim level
Larger center touchscreen and new digital instrument panel display
Larger center console storage
Based on the second generation Ridgeline introduced for 2017
Overview
Honda's 2024 Ridgeline is a distinctive pick for a midsize truck. Unlike rival trucks that are based on a traditional body-on-frame design, the Ridgeline is built more like a crossover SUV with its unibody construction and independent rear suspension. Going this route gives the Ridgeline a distinct advantage in ride comfort and interior space. But on the downside it can't quite match the maximum towing capacity and off-road performance of other trucks. As such, the appeal of the Ridgeline largely depends on what you're planning on using your midsize truck for.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
We thought that Honda might fully redesign the Ridgeline for 2024 but instead it has given the truck a variety of updates. Most notable is the new TrailSport trim level. It comes with all-terrain tires and a revised suspension to give the truck a little more capability on off-road trails. A protective underbody skid plate and a different grille design also come on the new TrailSport. Inside, all 2024 Ridgelines come with a new digital instrument panel display and a larger center touchscreen. Honda says the new 9-inch screen (1 inch bigger than before) is more responsive than last year's and includes wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Other changes this year include a roomier center console storage bin and a new tailgate that has "Ridgeline" embossed on it.
Competitors to consider
Honda is keenly aware that shoppers overlook the Ridgeline because of its restrained styling. And amid a class of raised, testosterone-laden middleweights the pragmatic Ridgeline is easy to miss. And there's no shortage of midsize trucks that offer more power, better off-road capability, more cab and bed options, and higher towing capacity. Think Chevy Colorado, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. But the Ridgeline remains one of our favorites for its excellent handling, comfort, fuel economy and unmatched usability. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for a full evaluation on this year's Ridgeline.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Honda Ridgeline is more comfortable and refined to drive than other midsize trucks. It also boasts plenty of storage and abundant standard driver assist features. The Ridgeline does come up a little short compared in hauling, towing and off-road capability, but overall it's a highly functional midsize truck.
How does the Ridgeline drive? If you want a truck that doesn't drive like a truck, you'll want a Honda Ridgeline. It steers accurately and feels secure and controlled in turns, even when driving over bumps. This is where the Ridgeline's car-like unibody design shines through.
We like how the V6 engine and automatic transmission work together. The Ridgeline accelerates smoothly and has sufficient passing power on the highway. At our test track, the Ridgeline went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is a relatively quick time for a midsize truck.
The catch: Off-road potential is limited. The Ridgeline is like a crossover SUV in this regard and lacks the underbody clearance, wheel articulation and low-range gearing that allow other 4WD pickups to venture into rockier territory. That said, the Ridgeline performs better with its independent rear suspension on washboard dirt roads than your typical solid-axle truck.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Ridgeline? The Ridgeline has a smooth ride for a pickup. It easily absorbs bumps in the road. The front seats have thin-yet-supportive padding that provides good long-distance comfort. The cushions are broad enough to accommodate larger folks, and effective side bolsters help keep drivers with narrower frames from sliding around.
Noise and vibration are kept to a minimum in the cabin. The exception is the surprisingly playful and grunty V6, which you'll hear when you mat the gas. A tri-zone automatic climate control system is standard across the range, which is rare, and it cools and heats the cabin well.
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How’s the interior? The Ridgeline is friendly to the driver and passengers alike. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position, and getting in and out is a breeze thanks to wide opening doors and lots of legroom. Cabin passenger space is also unusually generous for a truck.
From the driver's seat, visibility is expansive and the squared-off hood helps you get a better sense of where the front of the truck is. The large rear window helps you see items that are in the bed or cars behind you.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Ridgeline's latest 9-inch touchscreen isn't as big as what you can get on newer trucks. Thankfully it's still easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard and includes wireless connectivity. The seven-speaker stereo could be better, though. It produced significant distortion at full volume in our testing.
Almost all of the Ridgeline's driver aids are standard, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assistance. We'd award the Ridgeline a higher score in this category if some of the systems weren't so sensitive. The forward collision warning system, in particular, can be overly eager in issuing alerts.
Towing and Storage
8.5/10
How are the towing and storage? The Ridgeline's bed is the only one in the class that can hold 4-foot-wide plywood sheets without them perching on top of wheelwells. Payload is pretty decent at 1,583 pounds in the right trim. That's enough to haul large loads of lumber or gravel, or possibly a pair of motorcycles in the bed. The Ridgeline still has that cool lockable in-bed trunk and a trick two-way tailgate that opens down or sideways.
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Other trucks can pull more but we consider 5,000 pounds a decent amount. If you're really into towing, you probably want to get a full-size truck anyway.
Inside, the Ridgeline blows the competition away. Many small cubbies, a massive center console bin, and a big, flat storage area underneath the rear seats mean you might never have too much stuff. The Ridgeline's roomy rear seat also makes it easy to install child safety seats.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive Ridgeline (the only model available) will get 21 mpg combined. That's a bit better than average for a midsize pickup. On our real-world evaluation route, our test Ridgeline returned 23 mpg. This result indicates the EPA numbers should be fairly accurate.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Ridgeline a good value? You get a lot for your money with a Ridgeline. Even the base Sport trim has a nearly full suite of standard driver assist features, along with smartphone integration and tri-zone automatic climate control. Prices at the top end of the Ridgeline lineup might seem steep, but you get unsurpassed cabin quality and special items such as ventilated front seats and a premium sound system.
Warranty coverage in the Ridgeline is average with basic coverage and roadside assistance for three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for five years/60,000 miles.
Wildcard
7.5/10
The Ridgeline has always been the kind of pickup truck buyers would be quite happy with if they focused on need instead of want. In terms of driving fun, there are two ways to think about the Ridgeline. The first way is to be disappointed that it can't crawl up rocks like a Gladiator Rubicon. The second way is to see it as way more fun to drive every day thanks to class-leading handling and steering dynamics. We choose the latter.
Which Ridgeline does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest going with the RTL trim. The RTL keeps the price in check and provides desirable features such as advanced driver aids like a blind-spot warning system, leather seating, and power-adjustable and heated front seats.
Honda Ridgeline models
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize crew-cab pickup offered in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, TrailSport and Black Edition. All Ridgelines are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It's offered in a single configuration with four doors and a 5-foot-4-inch bed. Keep reading for our breakdown of the Ridgeline's most significant standard features and options.
Sport
The base Sport trim starts you off with:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Lights in the truck bed
Keyless entry and ignition
Tri-zone automatic climate control
9-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity)
Seven-speaker sound system
Wireless phone charger
Class III trailer hitch with seven-pin connector
Honda Sensing safety suite that includes:
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Ridgeline back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
RTL
Moving up to the RTL adds several creature comforts such as:
Noise-reducing front windshield
Heated mirrors
Sunroof
Power-sliding rear window
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Driver's seat memory settings
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
Leather upholstery
TrailSport
Upgrades the Ridgeline with:
All-terrain tires
Off-road-tuned suspension
Underbody skid plate
Heated steering wheel
Synthetic upholstery with orange stitching
Navigation system
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Black Edition
The Black Edition has the same features as the TrailSport minus the off-road upgrades and special synthetic upholstery. It also comes with:
Blacked-out exterior trim
Black leather interior with red accents
Black wheels
Upgraded sound system
Second-row USB charge ports
Household-style power outlet in the bed
Ventilated front seats
Heated outboard rear seats
Several packages are available across the Ridgeline range including:
I went into a dealer to trade in an Accord for a new Accord coming off lease, but was diverted to the 2023 Ridgeline. I had long considered getting one, so I wasn't totally opposed to the idea. Once I took the test drive I was hooked as the buttery smooth, unibody experience and ample creature comforts of the RTL trim level.
The Ridgeline is Honda's hardest product to sell and there … were plenty on the lot to choose from. I'm not sure why it's not more popular, but for people with only simple hauling needs or trailering, the Ridgeline is the perfect balance of truck and comfortable daily driver.
I've had Toyota Tacoma's in the past, but I'm not interested in the rough handling of that truck line anymore. The look and feel of the Toyota is aggressive and tough, but I'm at the age I don't care how I look driving a Ridgeline as long as I can be comfortable in the cabin and transport furniture, garden materials, or other hardware around whenever I need to.
The 2023 model doesn't have any new features compared to the 2021 refresh, but the RTL has some key features I wanted like memory seats, leather, built-in Sirius XM, and a sunroof.I can live without the 540 watt indoor/outdoor stereo and other amenities of the RTL-E.
The radio has a volume control, so consumer demand got that returned to the Ridgeline.
The gas mileage is the biggest sacrifice on a 6-cylinder, 9-speed transmission truck. If you are coming down from something in the 30's mpg range, 18-24 feels like a big drop. However, I won't drive it so much I go broke filling it with gasoline.
I didn't buy the Function+ package with the tonneau hardcover, but may purchase it aftermarket because I want the ability to cover the cargo bed for materials that I want to hide or protect from rain (although the tonneau cover is not waterproof).
I've only drive it a few hundred miles so far, but will update this review with real world experience as I put miles on it. So far, so good.
Update October 2023: I’ve had the Ridgeline 6 months and still love the truck. It’s been reliable and fun to drive.
A few weeks ago I had Honda install an OEM tonneau cover to be able to load cargo without tying everything down. The hard cover is very solid and easy to open and strap down for open travel, but a warning: this OEM cover is not waterproof and you will still need to cover items with a tarp or plastic container to ensure dryness. I leased mine and didn’t want to install a cheap 3rd party cover, but in hindsight should have worried more about my needs than the dealers upon lease return. I will say the cover reduces drag and has improved my mixed driving mpg to 23 mpg from 20-21. I will take the truck on a road trip soon and see how it does with mostly highway miles.
I wouldn’t want any other mid-size truck currently on the market but am disappointed Honda hasn’t added a hybrid option to any of its truck products yet. That probably won’t come until 2025. Due to the low 20’s mileage I’ve limited my driving somewhat and only have 2800 miles after six months.
The auto shutoff feature during stops can be annoying as it shuts off power steering until the engine restarts. Since this is an industry-wide trend to have auto shutoff, I can’t blame Honda. I’ve heard that the auto shutoff and 6-cylinder Variable Cylinder Management are bad for the engine over the long term.
For now I still recommend the truck. No problems at all so far.
I was looking at the Honda Ridgeline for quite a few years, every opportunity I got I would ask owners what they thought. All emphatically said it was great, I will be doing the same. Cannot find any faults and it continues to amaze
I purchased a 2023 Ridgeline Black Edition on August 31 and have no regrets!!!
I drove a Toyota Tacoma Limited, interior was too tight and lack luster, a Nissan Frontier and wasn’t like the 2010 Frontier I was trading but with terrible gas mileage, Ford Ranger no fun and very choppy ride, interior last tight. I drove the Ridgeline and was not sure about it initially but it’s the most … comfortable, average combined mpg is 23.5 at 5k mileage, I LOVE THE TRUCK!!!
Price was similar to all the other brands, high 40k, but I have enjoyed the ride on long and short trips! More than enough power, flex open tailgate a big plus and the trunk in bed is priceless!!!
Finish is flawless seats are very comfortable, climate control is nice, voice commands are good but we still have a learning curve……
The back seats flip up and are great for my dogs, floor is flat and with a blanket down they are quiet and comfortable, a great feature!!!
I can go on for ever but I have nothing negative to say about this truck.
I bought the 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTLE after carefully researching all mid size trucks. My son has a 2022 Toyota TRD off-road, so I was very familiar with the Toyota. For me, daily driving comfort is way more important than being able to off road rough terrain. My Ridgeline gets me anywhere off the path that I want to go and can tow most anything that I need very comfortably. It looks … better than past models of the Ridgeline, as they did a great job of updating it to resemble what a truck should look like. I actually get compliments regularly from people while I am out and about. It has so many features that are standard that you are charged extra for with other brands. All with legendary Honda reliability, and their proven six cylinder engine. This truck is a wise choice for those who must get the most bang for their buying dollar. Ask yourself honestly, Will I risk tearing my new expensive truck up,by going off into rough terrain? Will I need to tow over 5000 pounds? If the answer is yes, they buy a different truck. If the answer is no, then buy this truck.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, so we've included reviews for other years of the Ridgeline since its last redesign.
Best Trucks Under $60K | Which Pickups Offer the Best Bang for the Buck? | F-150, Tacoma, Maverick
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, but since the 2024 Honda Ridgeline is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Like the Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz uses car-like unibody construction, which means it lacks the conventional frame used in most trucks. It also has an independent rear suspension. And like the Ridgeline, these traits bring it advantages and disadvantages relative to a traditional truck. It's smaller than the Ridgeline and has a shorter bed with a smaller underfloor trunk, so it offers less utility. But the Santa Cruz offers two engine options and is available in front-wheel drive — options not offered on the Ridgeline.
The Tacoma sacrifices comfort, fuel economy and on-road manners relative to the Ridgeline in service of its rugged mission. But it's the midsize truck that set the standard for small, off-road-capable trucks and it's enjoyed decades of success under that banner. It's far more capable off-road than the Ridgeline, offering better ground clearance, a low-range four-wheel-drive system, and a locking rear differential. It also comes in multiple bed and cab configurations, and it will tow more than the Ridgeline. In other words, it's more of a truck. And it will be all-new for 2024.
Redesigned for 2023, the Colorado, like the Tacoma, takes the traditional truck path to being a midsize truck. It's a body-on-frame design and offers a single engine — a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder in three output levels. Like the Ridgeline, it's available in only one bed and cab configuration — four doors and a 5-foot bed. Even its midlevel power output is considerably more powerful than the Ridgeline (310 hp versus 280 hp). It's also more off-road-focused than the Ridgeline with three of its five trims offering off-road features.
Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Ridgeline and the car in front.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
Provides a clear view behind the truck, which can be especially useful when the bed or cabin is full or when connecting a trailer.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
16.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
2024 Honda Ridgeline First Impressions
byEdmunds
•2/23/2023
What is the Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline has always been the truck you need but not necessarily the truck you want. Based on a crossover SUV, the Ridgeline shares more than a little with the Honda Passport and three-row Pilot, the latter of which was redesigned for 2023. Changes for the Pilot included an updated powertrain, new styling and a more rugged TrailSport trim. We expect the Ridgeline to get the TrailSport treatment for 2024. Changes for the TrailSport could include an increased ride height, skid plates to protect the trucks underside, all-terrain tires and a retuned all-wheel-drive system. We'd love if the new Pilot's updated V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission also made their way into the Ridgeline in 2024.
The small truck segment was fairly small for years, though it's come raging back over the past few years with new or newly redesigned entrants. The Ridgeline's competitors include the newly redesigned Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, the Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator. The recently introduced Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick are smaller but still well worth a look. But don't sleep on the Ridgeline. With a comfortable and composed ride, spacious cabin and clever tailgate and bed, the Ridgeline offers truck-like utility with more car-like handling and performance.
Edmunds says
The Ridgeline may catch flack for not fitting into the traditional truck mold, but the things that set it apart are what make this truck so appealing. There's a reason it's remained one of Edmunds' favorite pickups after so many years.
FAQ
Is the Honda Ridgeline a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Ridgeline both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Ridgeline gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 56 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Ridgeline has 7.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda Ridgeline. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline:
New TrailSport trim level
Larger center touchscreen and new digital instrument panel display
Larger center console storage
Based on the second generation Ridgeline introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Honda Ridgeline is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Ridgeline. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Ridgeline's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Honda Ridgeline is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Ridgeline and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Ridgeline gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 56 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Ridgeline is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Honda Ridgeline?
The least-expensive 2024 Honda Ridgeline is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,750.
Other versions include:
Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $39,750
RTL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $42,580
TrailSport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $44,980
Black Edition 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $46,350
If you're interested in the Honda Ridgeline, the next question is, which Ridgeline model is right for you? Ridgeline variants include Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A), RTL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A), TrailSport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A), and Black Edition 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A). For a full list of Ridgeline models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more