2021 Honda Ridgeline Review

Name: 2021 Honda Ridgeline Review
Brand: Honda
Price: 26847 USD

Honda Ridgeline Black Edition Crew Cab Pickup Exterior Exterior

Honda Ridgeline RTL-E Crew Cab Pickup Exterior Shown

Honda Ridgeline RTL-E Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

+167

The Ridgeline is unique among pickup trucks. Its unibody construction (rather than more traditional body-on-frame construction) makes it more comfortable and refined to drive than other midsize trucks. It also boasts plenty of storage and abundant standard safety features. The Ridgeline does come up a little short on towing and off-road capability, but overall this is a very impressive midsize truck.

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2021 Honda Ridgeline Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Superior ride and handling thanks to independent rear suspension
Unique two-way tailgate and large lockable in-bed trunk
Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides multi-surface traction
Spacious crew cab is comfortable and handsomely finished

Cons

Lacks low-range gearing and underbody clearance of typical trucks
Sensitive driver aids are distracting
No optional powertrain choices
Mild towing rating compared to top rivals

What's new

Restyled front end and new rear bumper with dual exhaust
Updated infotainment system adds physical volume knob
New aesthetic packages from Honda Performance Development
Part of the second Ridgeline generation introduced for 2017

Overview

The Honda Ridgeline has been our top-ranked midsize pickup truck for a while now. No other truck in the class can match its smooth ride, innovative storage options, and quiet and comfortable interior. It also has enough towing, hauling and off-roading capability to handle the majority of work or recreational tasks you'll want to use it for. On tap for the 2021 Ridgeline are a few changes to enhance the truck's cosmetic appeal.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$211/mo

$257/mo

Avg. Large Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

It seems a little silly saying it, but Honda is aiming to make the Ridgeline look more like a truck rather than a Honda Pilot SUV with a cargo bed out back. The new sheet metal from the windshield forward helps give the Ridgeline a more squared-off look than before. At the rear is a new rear bumper design and a sporty-looking dual exhaust. To further toughen up the looks Honda has brought out a HPD (Honda Performance Development) appearance package that includes squared-off fender guards, graphics and special bronze-colored wheels.

Honda hasn't done much else to the truck's other bits. Other than getting standard all-wheel drive for 2021 and a welcome volume knob for the infotainment system, it's the same Ridgeline as before. Is that a good thing? We think so. Read the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth evaluation on the 2021 Ridgeline and how it stacks up against rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma.

What's it like to live with?

When the Ridgeline was redesigned in 2017, Edmunds brought one in for a long-term test. We lived with it for 12 months and drove it over 20,000 miles. We tested everything from fuel economy to family accommodations on long road trips. The 2017 model differs in some ways from the 2021 Ridgeline, but it's the same generation so many of our observations still apply. Read all about Edmunds' long-term test of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Great

8.5

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the Ridgeline drive? Many benefits come with the Ridgeline's unibody chassis, fully independent suspension and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Steering and handling are unrivaled among midsize pickups — this is where the benefits of being a car-based truck shine through.

We like how the 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic work together. The Ridgeline accelerates smoothly and has plenty of passing power on the highway. At our test track, the Ridgeline went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is a 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 allows 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

9.0/10

How comfortable is the Ridgeline? The Ridgeline has the best ride comfort in the midsize pickup class. It easily absorbs bumps in the road and feels stable and composed around turns. The front seats have thin-yet-supportive padding that provides good long-distance comfort. The cushions are broad enough to accommodate larger folk, 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. Automatic tri-zone climate control is standard across the range, and it cools and heats the cabin well. RTL and above models get heated front seats that work quickly.

Interior

9.0/10

How’s the interior? The Ridgeline is friendly to the driver and passengers alike. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel is standard, and it's easy to find a comfortable driving position. Getting in and out is a breeze thanks to wide opening doors and lots of legroom. 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

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The Ridgeline's standard 8-inch touchscreen is attractive and easy to use and gains a much-needed volume knob this year. Voice controls require relatively specific commands but otherwise work well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range and can also be accessed via the voice controls. 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 assist. Blind-spot monitoring is the only optional safety feature. 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

9.0/10

How are the towing and storage? The Ridgeline's bed is the only one in the class that can hold 4-foot-wide sheets without perching on top of wheelwells. Payload is as high as 1,583 pounds in the right trim. That's among the best in the class and enough to haul large loads of lumber or gravel, or even a pair of motorcycles in the bed. For extra convenience, the Ridgeline has a 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 return 21 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway). That's better than a V6-equipped Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado but a little less than the turbocharged four-cylinder Ford Ranger. On our highway-heavy 115-mile evaluation route, our test Ridgeline returned 23 mpg. To us this indicates the EPA numbers should be fairly accurate.

Value

8.0/10

Is the Ridgeline a good value? The Ridgeline's base price has increased compared to prior years because there's no longer a front-wheel-drive version. Still, you get a lot for your money. Even the base Sport trim has a nearly full suite of standard safety 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 unique items such as in-bed drivers that can be used as tailgate speakers.

Warranty coverage in the Ridgeline is average with basic coverage and roadside assistance lasting three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage lasting five years/60,000 miles.

Wildcard

8.0/10

The Ridgeline's more rugged styling for 2021 is bound to attract buyers who thought it looked too smooth and sophisticated in the past. It's 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?

Go for the RTL-E. A base Ridgeline has lots of standard safety features, but the RTL-E adds some desirable extras such as blind-spot monitoring, the upgraded stereo, a heated steering wheel, rear seat USB ports and Honda's in-bed stereo drivers.

2021 Honda Ridgeline models

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize crew-cab pickup offered in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E 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. Feature highlights include:

Sport
The base Sport trim starts you off with:

LED headlights
Proximity entry and push-button ignition
Automatic tri-zone climate control
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Seven-speaker sound system
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 assist (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)

RTL
Moving up to the RTL adds several creature comforts such as:

Sunroof
Power-sliding rear window
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

RTL-E
The step up to the RTL-E brings several tech updates, including:

Wireless smartphone charging
Eight-speaker upgraded audio system
Truck-bed audio powered by six in-bed drivers that use the bed as a speaker
Heated steering wheel
Driver-seat memory function
Navigation system
Second-row USB charge ports
LED ambient interior lighting
Household-style power outlet in the bed

Black Edition
The Black Edition is a cosmetic package that builds on the RTL-E with:

Blacked-out exterior trim
Black leather interior with red accents
Black wheels
Red LED ambient interior lighting

Several packages are available across the Ridgeline range including:

Function package:

In-bed trunk dividers
In-bed cargo net
First-aid kit

Function+ package:

Function package equipment
Tonneau cover

HPD (Honda Performance Development) package:

Bronze-colored wheels
Fender flares
HPD emblems and decals
Unique front grille

Utility package:

Roof rails and crossbars
Running boards

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#5 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda Ridgeline from 2008-2022.}

$429/yr

vs. $451/yr
for Average Midsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.87x/yr

vs. 0.79x/yr
for Average Midsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15.7%

vs. 13.6%
for Average Midsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Honda Ridgeline.

5 (82%)

4 (6%)

3 (8%)

2 (2%)

1 (2%)

4.6

43 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 43 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Head Turner!

Dave, 05/22/2021

2021 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

Returned to Honda after a 5 year break. Previously owned 2004 and 2008 Ridgelines and a 2012 Pilot. Just didn't like the restyling of Honda's after 2016 or so, then I saw the redesigned 2021 Honda Ridgeline and had to give it a try. OMG!, throughly impressed with the overall performance and handling of the 2021 Ridgeline, it's so much fun to drive. Stepped up to the Black Edition and …

Best mid size truck

Steve, 05/14/2021

2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

I recently traded my Titan in for a 2021 Ridgeline. I loved my Titan but it had 200k and I do a lot of driving about 3k a month on average. I have always wanted a Ridgeline but never liked the appearance just the reliability and room/practicality. Finally they made it look more truck like. So I test Drove all the mid size trucks to be sure and compared tons of features and came down to …

Gentleman's truck that outclasses the competition

NRB, 05/24/2021

2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

After 10 months of ownership, I standby my original impression of this classic pick up. Mind you, it is loaded with electronic gadgets that can be most frustrating at times (Ex......stop/start engine at stop lights) however it has already redeemed itself by helping me avoid a backing up collision with it's warning system and its memory electric seat positioning system is a real …

Beach truck

RichWati, 03/28/2021

2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)

Back is roomy for my teenage daughter. Moonroof is quiet at 65 with back window open - great airflow. Awesome storage design. Rides great. Plan to use mainly at beach - not hard off-road.

See all 43 reviews of the Honda Ridgeline

Write a vehicle review

2021 Honda Ridgeline video

2021 Honda Ridgeline Review | Honda's Pickup Truck Gets Updated

We at Edmunds happen to love the old Ridgeline, and we have repeatedly ranked it as the best midsize truck. What else does Honda have in store for the 2021 model?

2021 Ridgeline Highlights

Trim:

Sport

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$36,490
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$211/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Ridgeline models:

Collision Mitigation Braking: Warns the driver of a possible forward collision and engages the brakes to reduce the severity of a front impact.
Adaptive Cruise Control: Manages following distance as well as speed, and it can be switched to speed-only mode if desired.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Gives the driver 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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

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
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Honda Ridgeline Review

2021 Honda Ridgeline Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Towing and Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Ridgeline does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Honda Ridgeline models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Head Turner!

Best mid size truck

Gentleman's truck that outclasses the competition

Beach truck

2021 Honda Ridgeline video

2021 Honda Ridgeline Review | Honda's Pickup Truck Gets Updated

2021 Ridgeline Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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.}