2021 Honda Ridgeline

2021 Honda Ridgeline Highlights

Thanks to a mild refresh, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline looks more macho than the previous year’s model. Honda wants the Ridgeline to back up its looks and capabilities, as all-wheel drive (AWD) is now standard. In addition to a few interior updates, including a dedicated volume knob for the infotainment system, the only other change is the optional HPD (Honda Performance Development) package that adds cosmetic touches similar to Toyota’s TRD trim. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is an RTL-E underneath the cosmetic changes.

Key Details

• Midsize pickup truck body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Unibody construction
• Standard all-wheel drive across all trims
• 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower
• Dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk

Benefits

• Car-like ride and handling
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Versatile cargo solutions
• Standard Honda Sensing safety suite
• Improved infotainment system with volume knob

Learn More: Here Are The Honda Ridgeline Years To Avoid

2021 Honda Ridgeline Overview

Performance

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers one engine option:

3.5-liter V6 engine:

• 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
• Nine-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive (AWD)

Honda’s venerable 3.5-liter V6 also powers the Odyssey minivan, but it’s not in the Ridgeline to cut costs or out of laziness. It’s a reliable, durable engine that can propel a Ridgeline to 60 mph in just over six seconds, which is impressive given its nearly 4,700-pound curb weight.

Key performance features include:

• Intelligent variable torque management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system
• Traction management with snow, sand, and mud modes
• 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity
• 1,580-pound maximum payload capacity

The Ridgeline's unibody construction, shared with Honda's Pilot SUV, contributes to its refined driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. While it may not match the towing capacity of some body-on-frame competitors like the Ford Ranger, the Ridgeline is far more comfortable and car-like to drive.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Ridgeline a top five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety features on all 2021 Honda Ridgeline trims include:

• Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies:
  • Collision mitigation braking system
  • Road departure mitigation system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane departure warning
• Vehicle stability assist with traction control
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake distribution (EBD)
• Advanced compatibility engineering (ACE) body structure
• Rearview camera

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E trim also features a blind spot information system with a cross-traffic monitor.

Driving

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers a driving experience more akin to a crossover SUV than a traditional pickup truck. Its unibody construction and independent rear suspension provide a smooth, comfortable ride that quickly absorbs road imperfections.

With standard AWD featuring torque vectoring technology, traction, and stability are top-notch. The system can send up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels and distribute 100% between the left and right rear wheels as needed.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine may lack the torque of the V8 or turbocharged rivals, but it’s powerful enough to give the Ridgeline healthy acceleration and passing power. The nine-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifts and feels refined.

While the Ridgeline may not have the off-road prowess of some competitors, its traction management system with selectable drive modes (Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud) allows it to handle light off-road duties and adverse weather conditions confidently.

Interior

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline's interior is comfortable and versatile. The spacious cabin uses high-quality materials and can accommodate five adults.

Key interior features include:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage
• Leather-trimmed seating (on RTL and above)
• Ten-way power driver's seat with lumbar support
• Heated front seats (on RTL and above)

The Ridgeline's interior versatility is enhanced by its unique features:

• The flat floor in the rear, allows for effortless loading of large items
• Rear seats that fold up to accommodate taller items
• Wide-opening rear doors for easy access

Cargo versatility extends to the exterior with the Ridgeline's innovative dual-action tailgate, which can swing out like a door or fold down traditionally. The in-bed trunk provides 7.3 cubic feet of secure, weather-tight storage under the bed floor. It also features a drain, which allows it to be used as a cooler.

Technology

Ridgeline’s tech features are ahead of many pickup competitors. Even the base 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport comes with an impressive amount of standard equipment:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (now with a physical volume knob)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio
• Active noise cancellation
• Tri-zone automatic climate control

Additional technology features available on higher trims include:

• Auto high-beam headlights
• LED headlights and fog lights
• Walk away auto lock
• Satellite-linked navigation system
• 540-watt premium audio system with eight speakers

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class, especially considering its standard all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

3.5-liter V6:

• AWD (mpg): 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

2021 Honda Ridgeline Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2021 Honda Ridgeline an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. Owners praise the Ridgeline for its reliability, quality, comfort, and performance.

Reasons to Buy It

• Comfortable, SUV-like ride and handling
• Roomy, well-appointed interior
• Innovative cargo solutions (dual-action tailgate, in-bed trunk)
• Standard all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
• Excellent safety ratings and standard Honda Sensing suite
• Competitive fuel economy for its class
• Improved infotainment system with physical volume knob
• Unique styling sets it apart from traditional trucks

Problems

• Lower towing capacity compared to some body-on-frame competitors
• Limited off-road capability compared to more rugged rivals
• Higher starting price than some midsize truck competitors
• It may not appeal to buyers seeking a more traditional truck experience
• Single powertrain option limits choices for buyers

Explore: The Best Year for the Honda Ridgeline

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a pickup that doesn’t drive like a pickup. Its unibody construction and independent rear suspension give it a driving experience more like a crossover or large car. It’s smooth, competent, predictable, and capable around turns and on straights.

While the Ridgeline drives like a car, it never forgets that it’s first and foremost a truck. Innovative cargo solutions like the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk add functionality beyond that of many pickups. And still, the spacious, well-appointed interior rivals many SUVs in terms of comfort and features.

The standard all-wheel-drive system for 2021 makes the Ridgeline an all-weather daily driver, while the comprehensive Honda Sensing safety suite provides peace of mind. The improved infotainment system, now with a physical volume knob, addresses a common complaint from previous models.

However, the Ridgeline may not be the best choice for buyers seeking maximum towing capacity or off-road severe capability. While its unibody construction is beneficial for on-road comfort, it limits its ability to match some body-on-frame rivals' towing and payload capacities.

2021 Honda Ridgeline FAQs

Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline a good truck?

Yes, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline is considered a good truck, especially for those who prioritize comfort, versatility, and everyday usability. It offers a smooth ride, spacious interior, and innovative features like the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. It handles most tasks well with standard all-wheel drive and a capable V6 engine. However, those needing maximum towing capacity or off-road severe capability might find traditional body-on-frame trucks more suitable.

How much is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?

According to CoPilot national listings, a 2021 Honda Ridgeline costs $24,000 to $38,000, depending on condition, mileage, equipment, and marketplace conditions.

Why are Honda Ridgelines so popular?

Honda Ridgelines are popular for several reasons:

• Comfortable ride: The unibody construction provides a smoother, more car-like ride than traditional trucks.
• Versatility: Features like the dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk offer unique cargo solutions.
• Interior space: The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, rivaling many SUVs in comfort.
• Safety: High safety ratings and standard advanced safety features appeal to many buyers.
• Fuel efficiency: The Ridgeline offers competitive fuel economy for a V6-powered truck.
• All-wheel drive: Standard AWD enhances capability and all-weather performance.
• Unique positioning: It appeals to buyers who want truck utility with crossover comfort.

Check Out: How To Use The Honda Ridgeline Remote Start