The mid-size 2024 Honda Ridgeline pickup is a sweet spot between a handy work tool and a weekend adventure buddy. It’s got a 280-hp V-6 with all-wheel drive, and its smooth ride and car-like steering come to us, courtesy the Odyssey minivan’s underpinnings. Compared to the more traditional trucks like the Chevy Colorado and Jeep Gladiator, the Ridgeline’s 5000-pound towing capacity is a bit lower, but is usually more than enough for most peoples needs.
Every Ridgeline is a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed. While the Colorado and Gladiator offer hardcore off-road models, the Ridgeline’s TrailSport trim isn’t quite on that level. However, its car-like design handles most tasks pickup buyers need with comfort and style. Plainly stated, It’s perfect for everyday driving, leaving the extreme off-roading to other brands’ tougher models.
Brand new for the 2024 model year is a larger center console. Honda Performance Development (HPD) developed a striking visual package that adds a different grille, exclusive wheels, black fender flares and HPD graphics all around. Perhaps, the most welcome addition for 2024, given the Honda Ridgeline’s more pedestrian leanings, is the all new TrailSport trim. This more rugged model will add grippy all-terrain tires, extra underbody protection for the oil pan and other important bits, all-season floor mats, TrailSport logo seats, orange interior lighting and an exclusive SkyBlue paint color.
On the inside, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline caters to a consumer looking for practicality and comfort. Materials are above average in quality, with added niceties like heated seats and steering wheel, leather trimmings and more. Driving aides abound as well, and include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking and lane keeping assist. Just to name a few.
The Ridgeline is a smart move for Honda. Unlike Domestic brands like Chevy and Jeep, they don’t have the same history and reputation for development hard-core, off-roading machines. So, instead of trying to compete with the ultra-rugged pickup trucks out there that do; of which there are many, they’ve chosen a different approach. A practical, comfortable midsize pickup, that can perform 95% of the tasks we need a truck to perform, without compromising too much of the comforts and conveniences that make daily use a pleasure. Toss in a 20 mpg average, a large back seat and Honda’s reputation for excellent reliability, and the Ridgeline truly achieves an impressive balancing act. Carving out its place in the crowded mid-size truck market.
Price as tested: $46,830.00
