The Honda Ridgeline is a unique midsize pickup truck known for blending car-like comfort with practical utility. Unlike traditional pickups, it offers a unibody design that emphasizes smooth ride quality and everyday usability. Positioned competitively in the midsize truck segment, the Ridgeline appeals to buyers seeking versatility without sacrificing comfort.
This article will explore the Ridgeline’s performance, utility features, interior design, available trim levels, and more. Whether you’re considering buying or researching this model, expect a comprehensive overview to help you understand what sets the Honda Ridgeline apart in its class.
Key Specs
| Category | Specification / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) (FWD), 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) (AWD) | Max towing with AWD setup |
| Payload Capacity | 1,100 – 1,583 lbs (499 – 718 kg) | Varies by trim and generation |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 – 8.2 in (19.3 – 20.8 cm) | Higher in AWD versions |
| Curb Weight | ~4,400 – 4,500 lbs (1,996 – 2,041 kg) | Slightly heavier in newer trims |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (i-VTEC), with VCM in Gen 2 | Standard across both generations |
| Popular Accessories | Bed extender, roof rails, trailer hitch, tonneau cover | Enhances cargo and towing utility |
| Starting Price | US $ 27,930 | As of August of 2025 |
Best Suited for
The Honda Ridgeline is ideal for drivers seeking a versatile vehicle that seamlessly blends pickup utility with SUV-like comfort. Its unibody construction offers a smoother ride and better handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, making it particularly well-suited for urban professionals and families who need a daily driver that can also handle weekend adventures.
The Ridgeline excels in light hauling tasks, such as transporting bikes, kayaks, or camping gear, thanks to its innovative features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. Its spacious cabin and user-friendly technology cater to those who prioritise comfort without compromising on practicality.For those interested in exploring another option in the midsize pickup market, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma offers a different approach, emphasising off-road prowess and rugged design. This article delves into the Tacoma’s performance, features, and capabilities, providing a comprehensive comparison for prospective buyers.
Fuel Consumption & Engine
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth driving experience.
The Ridgeline’s fuel economy is competitive within the midsize pickup segment, with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models. All-wheel-drive (AWD) models achieve slightly lower ratings, with 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
A key feature contributing to the Ridgeline’s efficiency is Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). VCM allows the engine to deactivate cylinders under light load conditions, improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. This technology is particularly beneficial for daily driving and highway cruising.
For drivers seeking a balance between utility and comfort, the Ridgeline offers a practical solution. Its fuel economy ensures fewer trips to the pump, while its innovative features enhance everyday usability. Whether navigating urban streets or embarking on weekend adventures, the Ridgeline’s performance and efficiency cater to a variety of lifestyles.
Interior
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline offers a thoughtfully designed cabin that balances comfort, practicality, and modern technology. Seating up to five passengers, it provides ample space with 40.9 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the rear. The interior features a clean, modern layout with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger
For added comfort, the Ridgeline includes tri-zone automatic climate control, ensuring all passengers enjoy a pleasant ride. The cabin is equipped with practical storage solutions, such as a spacious centre console, under-seat storage, and a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, making it versatile for various needs
Compared to the first-generation model, the 2024 Ridgeline boasts a more refined interior with improved materials and updated technology, enhancing the overall driving experience. Whether for daily commuting or weekend adventures, the Ridgeline’s cabin is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers.
Trim Levels
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is offered in several main trims, including RT, RTS, Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and the premium Black Edition. Each trim level builds on the previous one by adding features, technology, and comfort upgrades, which also influence the vehicle’s pricing. The base RT trim comes well-equipped with essential features, making it an affordable entry point into the Ridgeline lineup.
Moving up, the RTS and Sport trims add enhanced convenience and styling elements, appealing to drivers who want a bit more flair and tech.
The RTL and RTL-E trims focus on luxury and advanced technology, offering premium interior materials, upgraded infotainment systems, and additional driver-assist features. The Black Edition stands out with unique exterior styling and exclusive amenities, targeting buyers looking for a more distinctive, upscale midsize pickup.
While the differences in fuel economy between trims are generally small, front-wheel-drive trims tend to have slightly better Honda Ridgeline mpg ratings compared to their all-wheel-drive counterparts. This allows buyers to choose a trim that balances features with efficiency based on their preferences and needs. Overall, the variety of trims provides options for diverse lifestyles, budgets, and priorities.
Reliability
Discuss owner satisfaction, known issues, and long-term reliability. Include insights from consumer reports or trusted automotive reviewers if available. Briefly compare it with competitors if relevant (e.g., Tacoma, Frontier, Colorado).
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline stands out for its blend of comfort, practicality, and reliability. Consumer Reports anticipates the 2025 model will have about average reliability compared to the average new car, based on data from 2022 and 2023 . This positions the Ridgeline favorably among midsize pickups.
Owner satisfaction is generally high, with many praising its smooth ride, spacious interior, and innovative features like the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. However, some owners have reported issues with the Auto Idle Stop function, leading to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
When compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado, the Ridgeline offers superior comfort and everyday usability. For instance, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma has a J.D. Power reliability score of 79/100 , while the Ridgeline’s score is 84/100 . This indicates that the Ridgeline may offer a more comfortable and reliable ownership experience.
In summary, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline is a reliable and comfortable choice for those seeking a versatile midsize pickup. While there are some reported issues, its overall performance and owner satisfaction make it a compelling option in its class.
Writer’s Perspective
Driving the 2024 Honda Ridgeline feels more like piloting a refined SUV than a traditional pickup. Its unibody construction and independent suspension deliver a smooth, car-like ride that stands out in the midsize truck segment. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on highways, the Ridgeline offers a comfortable and controlled driving experience, with minimal body roll and quiet cabin acoustics.
Living with the Ridgeline is equally impressive. Its spacious cabin, innovative storage solutions like the in-bed trunk, and user-friendly technology make it a practical choice for daily use. The 2024 model introduces a larger infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster, enhancing the overall driving experience
While it may not satisfy those seeking extreme off-road capabilities, the Ridgeline excels in versatility and comfort. It’s a pickup that doesn’t compromise on daily usability, making it a compelling option for urban professionals and families.For those interested in exploring another midsize pickup, the 2024 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 offers a more rugged alternative with enhanced off-road features and a powerful engine, catering to different preferences and needs.
Final Verdict
The Honda Ridgeline shines as a midsize pickup that blends SUV-like comfort with practical truck utility. Its smooth ride, spacious and well-appointed cabin, and innovative features like the in-bed trunk set it apart from more traditional pickups. The Ridgeline is ideal for urban professionals, families, and light hauliers who prioritise daily drivability, passenger comfort, and versatile storage over hardcore off-road capability. Its 3.5L V6 engine delivers reliable performance and competitive fuel efficiency, enhanced by technologies like Variable Cylinder Management.
However, the Ridgeline isn’t designed for extreme off-roading or heavy towing like some rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. Its unibody construction favors comfort and handling but limits ruggedness in very demanding conditions. Some drivers may prefer a more traditional body-on-frame truck if serious off-road use is a priority.
Overall, the Honda Ridgeline offers a compelling balance for those seeking a comfortable, reliable, and versatile midsize pickup. If your lifestyle leans toward everyday usability and occasional hauling with a smooth, quiet ride, the Ridgeline deserves serious consideration. It’s a smart choice for buyers who want a truck that feels more like a refined daily driver than a brute workhorse.
