2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport AWD: The Brand’s Lifestyle Crossover Truck

Highlight: The Ridgeline attract more non Honda buyers to the brand than any other vehicle in Honda’s lineup.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $xx,xxx (Base Sport MSRP: $xx,xxx)

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; collision mitigation system; road departure mitigation system; forward collision warning system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; a radar active cruise control system; a blind spot information system; a cross-traffic monitor system; automatic high beam headlights; rear camera; vehicle stability system a tire pressure system; and a hill start assist system

Standard Equipment (Sport): AWD; 18-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; a push button start system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a tri-zone automatic climate control system; heated steering wheel; wireless phone charging; manual operated front seats; dual action tailgate; LED foglights; and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Standard Equipment (TrailSport): 18-inch all-terrain tires; off-road tuning suspension; steel underbody protection; orange contrast stitching- steering wheel, door panels, and seats; all-season rubber floor mats; a power sliding rear window; parking sensors; SiriusXM; Navigation system; leather trimmed seats; heated front seats; power front seats; illuminated beverage holders; power sunroof; and heated folding side mirrors

Options:

Other Trim Levels:

RTL

Black Edition

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 7-speaker 215-watt audio system with AM/FM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: x.x-liter, 6-cylinder /280-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: xx-city/xx-hwy

Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

What’s New: In addition to exterior and interior tweaks, an all-new TrailSport trim designed for off-roading joins the lineup for the 2024 model year.

Why:

AWD

Off-road capabilities

A high-level of safety driving aids

Roomy interior

Leather seats (select trims)

Heated and ventilated front seats (select trim)

Power moon roof (select trims)

Power rear sliding window (select trim)

Wireless phone charger

SiriusXM (select trims)

A 540-watt premium audio system

Unibody frame equates to vehicle driving more like a car

The top-of-the-line Ridgeline costs less than $50,000

An available Black trim edition

A lockable in bed truck

But:

SiriusXM and HD radio only available on select trims

Limited towing and hauling capabilities when compared to a body on frame truck.

No 2WD capabilities

Verdict: At a time when the average transaction price of a fullsize and midsize truck is $64,500 and $41,000, respectively. Honda continues to play in a lane offering consumers more of a lifestyle-oriented vehicle not based off of the traditional body-on-frame design.

The traditional body-on-frame design allows for more cargo carrying and towing capabilities, whereas the lifestyle car-like Honda Ridgeline still allows for such but with limits. 

Moreover, the Ridgeline, which is available in one powertrain, is pushing beyond its boundaries this year, offering the truck-like vehicle off-road capabilities. The all-new TrailSport trim is outfitted with 18-in all-terrain tires, an off-road tuned suspension, and steel underbody protection. Unlike other Ridgelines, this trim rides rough like a truck due to the modificaiton.

Overall, the Ridgeline Trailsport, which is priced under $50,000, is designed for consumers seeking to push the truck to the limit competing with the likes of the segment leader, the Toyota Tacoma TRD.

Competition: Hyundai Santa Cruz