2024 Honda Ridgeline Review: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Honda’s Versatile Midsize Pickup

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline stands out in the midsize truck segment, thanks to its unique unibody construction and SUV-like driving experience. Since its inception, the Ridgeline has consistently appealed to drivers who need a pickup for light-duty tasks but don’t want to compromise on comfort and daily drivability. While traditional trucks favor ruggedness, heavy-duty performance, and off-road prowess, the Ridgeline offers a smoother ride, superior handling, and plenty of innovative features that set it apart.

For 2024, Honda has refined the Ridgeline’s design, performance, and features, further cementing its reputation as the truck for those who need both functionality and comfort. This review delves deep into the Ridgeline’s design, performance, tech features, and what makes it a unique contender in the fiercely competitive midsize truck market.

1. Exterior Design: Practicality Meets Modern Styling

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline doesn’t try to out-muscle its competitors with aggressive styling; instead, it brings a subtle but functional approach to the truck world. Unlike body-on-frame trucks like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline is built on a unibody platform, much like an SUV. This gives it a sleek, streamlined appearance that feels more modern and refined compared to its rivals.

Front Fascia and Design Changes

The front of the 2024 Ridgeline features a robust yet approachable grille, flanked by LED headlights that enhance visibility during night driving. The TrailSport Edition, in particular, gives the truck a more rugged look with:

• Blackened grille elements add a more aggressive stance.
• All-terrain tires are specifically designed for the occasional off-road adventure.
• Black cladding and TrailSport badging, differentiate it from the standard trims.

This facelift, though subtle, gives the Ridgeline a more athletic presence while maintaining the sleek and approachable vibe Honda vehicles are known for. Even in its more rugged TrailSport form, the Ridgeline remains restrained in its styling, favoring function over unnecessary flair.

Rear End and Tailgate Functionality

At the rear, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline retains the practical, no-frills design of previous models. The taillights are simple yet effective, and the bumper remains compact but sturdy. The real magic, however, lies in the dual-action tailgate, one of the most innovative features Honda offers in this segment.

Dual-Action Tailgate:

• Opens downward like a traditional tailgate, offering a flat surface for loading large items.
• Swings open to the side, giving you easy access to the bed without having to reach over an open tailgate.

This feature is perfect for anyone who frequently loads and unloads heavy items, as it reduces the strain of reaching into the bed. In addition, it pairs seamlessly with Honda’s signature in-bed trunk, a lockable storage compartment built into the bed floor. This space can be used for tools, gear, or even as a cooler for tailgating events, thanks to its built-in drain.

Overall Bed Functionality

The bed of the Ridgeline might not be the largest in the midsize segment, but Honda has made up for this with smart design features.

• Lockable in-bed storage: This offers over 7 cubic feet of additional storage, perfect for valuables, gear, or even ice and beverages for your next outdoor adventure.
• Tie-down cleats: Located in each corner of the bed, these cleats ensure that cargo is securely fastened, a feature especially useful when transporting irregularly shaped or heavy items.
• Composite bed liner: The truck bed is constructed with durable, scratch-resistant materials, making it tough enough to handle tools, equipment, and other rugged items without denting or scratching easily.

One minor drawback is that while the in-bed storage compartment offers excellent versatility, it isn’t completely waterproof. If you’re storing sensitive items, it’s worth noting that water might get in during heavy rain or if you’re hosing down the bed.

2. Interior: Comfortable and User-Friendly Cabin

Honda’s expertise in creating user-friendly and well-crafted interiors shines through in the 2024 Ridgeline. Although it’s marketed as a pickup, the Ridgeline’s interior feels much closer to that of an SUV, making it one of the most comfortable and refined cabins in the midsize truck class.

Dashboard Layout and Controls

Simplicity reigns supreme in the Ridgeline’s cabin. The dashboard is designed with ease of use in mind, placing all essential controls within arm’s reach. Honda opted for physical HVAC knobs and buttons, which is a welcome choice in an era where many automakers are relying on touchscreen-only interfaces. The layout minimizes distraction and ensures that drivers can focus on the road while making minor adjustments to the climate or audio settings.

Infotainment System

• 8-inch touchscreen display: Though not the most cutting-edge in the segment, the system is easy to use and features intuitive controls.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Both come standard, allowing drivers to easily sync their smartphones for navigation, music, and calls.
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (available on higher trims): Provides real-time traffic updates and routes.

While the infotainment screen may lack the sharpness and snappiness of competitors’ systems, it’s functional and straightforward, catering to those who prefer reliability over flashy tech. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay is a bit of a letdown in 2024, where many rivals offer this feature as standard.

Seating and Comfort

The seats in the Ridgeline are designed for long-haul comfort. They are well-padded and supportive, making them ideal for extended trips. Both front and rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom, a rarity in the midsize truck category. In the rear, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer additional storage options for larger items that may not fit in the bed.

• Available leather upholstery: Provides an upscale feel in higher trims, like the RTL-E and Black Edition.
• Heated front seats: Standard on higher trims, ensuring warmth during colder months.
• Flat rear floor: The lack of a transmission hump in the rear means that rear passengers have more legroom and comfort.

Cabin Practicality

Practicality is a hallmark of Honda vehicles, and the Ridgeline is no different. The center console offers deep storage, perfect for keeping personal items, while additional cubbies and cupholders are strategically placed throughout the cabin. The rear seats fold up to create a large, flat loading floor, ideal for storing larger items inside the cabin when you don’t want to put them in the truck bed.

3. Performance: Smooth Power and Confident Handling

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline comes with one engine option, and while some may argue for more variety, the 3.5-liter V6 is more than capable of handling the duties most Ridgeline owners will ask of it.

Engine Specs and Capability

• 3.5-liter V6: Produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
• 9-speed automatic transmission: Smooth and refined, this transmission shifts seamlessly, contributing to the Ridgeline’s car-like driving dynamics.
• All-wheel drive: Comes standard on all trims, enhancing both on-road grip and light off-road capability.

While this powertrain won’t compete with the towing capacity of body-on-frame trucks like the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado, it provides more than enough grunt for most buyers. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ridgeline can easily tow small trailers, boats, and other recreational equipment. Its payload capacity of approximately 1,583 pounds is also competitive within the midsize segment.

Driving Dynamics: SUV-Like Comfort

Where the Ridgeline truly shines is in its ride and handling. Thanks to its unibody construction, the Ridgeline offers a smoother ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road with ease, providing a ride quality that feels much closer to an SUV or crossover than a traditional pickup.

The all-wheel-drive system ensures that the Ridgeline maintains its composure in various conditions, from rain-slicked roads to dirt trails. However, it’s important to note that the Ridgeline is not a hardcore off-roader like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or Chevy Colorado ZR2. While the TrailSport trim adds some off-road capability, it’s best suited for light off-road adventures rather than conquering extreme trails.

4. Fuel Efficiency: Average for Its Class

While the 2024 Honda Ridgeline excels in comfort and versatility, its fuel economy is middle of the road. According to the EPA, the Ridgeline achieves 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These numbers are competitive but not class-leading. For those looking for better fuel efficiency, midsize trucks like the Ford Maverick offer hybrid options that significantly outshine the Ridgeline’s fuel economy.

5. Safety Features: Honda’s Reliable Suite of Driver Assistance

Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the 2024 Ridgeline is no exception. Honda’s Sensing Suite of driver assistance features comes standard across all trims, providing a comprehensive set of tools to keep you safe on the road.

Standard Safety Features

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Automatically applies the brakes when a potential frontal collision is detected.
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Alerts drivers if they are veering out of their lane and can even apply steering to keep the vehicle on the road.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set following distance from the car in front, adjusting speed as needed.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Gently corrects steering if the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI): Alerts drivers of vehicles in their blind spots during lane changes.

These features, combined with the Ridgeline’s robust build quality and 5-star NHTSA safety rating, make it one of the safer options in the midsize truck category.

6. Final Verdict: Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline the Right Truck for You?

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline offers a compelling package for those who want the versatility of a truck without the compromises associated with traditional body-on-frame pickups. Its SUV-like comfort, innovative in-bed storage, and dual-action tailgate make it incredibly practical for everyday use. While it may not satisfy the hardcore off-road enthusiast or those needing maximum towing capacity, it excels in areas that matter most to the majority of buyers.

For drivers who prioritize ride quality, interior comfort, and versatile cargo options, the Ridgeline is a standout choice in the midsize truck segment.