HondaRidgeline

　　

2024 Honda Ridgeline Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar., rating written byJosh JacquotDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, 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.

　　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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for Ridgeline Sport

　　Ridgeline Sport

　　Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $39,750 MSRPRTL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $42,580 MSRPTrailSport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,980 MSRPBlack Edition 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $46,350 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The 2024 Ridgeline's changes

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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below