My initial query regarding the 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport at Mudfest was straightforward: “Can this handle the extreme course?” Mudfest, an annual off-road vehicle event hosted by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), features two distinct off-road tracks. One is a general course manageable even for standard crossovers like the Hyundai Kona, while the other is an extreme challenge designed for robust machines such as the Ineos Grenadier. The latter typically necessitates a PR representative as a passenger. “Absolutely,” responded Brad Nelson from Honda PR, and we ventured onto the extreme course.
Mudfest serves as a rigorous testing ground for a variety of trucks and SUVs, assessed back-to-back both on conventional tracks and off-road terrains to truly evaluate their capabilities. This controlled environment is set within Ridge Motorsports Park, situated on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. Over the course of the event, 21 journalists pushed the Ridgeline TrailSport, along with 19 other vehicles, through demanding trials countless times. The Ridgeline consistently performed without faltering, even in the most challenging segments of the course.
While the Mudfest extreme course isn’t comparable to the formidable King of the Hammers, the Honda Ridgeline adeptly navigated the same hilly and rutted landscape as vehicles like the Grenadier, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger Raptor. Admittedly, there were instances of skid plates scraping due to the Ridgeline’s modest 7.6 inches of ground clearance. However, the four-wheel-drive system effectively distributed power, and the TrailSport’s all-terrain tires provided excellent grip in the muddy conditions, performing exactly as expected.
The 2024 model year marks the introduction of the TrailSport trim as the Ridgeline’s primary update. This off-road-focused variant includes a skid plate, all-terrain tires, subtle cosmetic enhancements, and a slightly adjusted suspension. While these modifications are not drastic, they underscore the Ridgeline’s surprising capability, often underestimated by critics. It’s important to remember the Ridgeline’s nature as a crossover pickup—a blend of truck and the previous-generation Honda Pilot. It’s not engineered to compete directly with models like the Ranger Raptor, nor is it intended to. Furthermore, despite a significant facelift in 2021 that gave it a more truck-like appearance, the current design is now eight years old, indicating its maturity in the market.
To ensure a balanced and impartial honda pickup review, the vehicle assessed in this article was driven daily under normal conditions for a week. For a comprehensive understanding of our testing protocols and data collection methods, please refer to our methodology policy.
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport: Expert Review
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Expert Opinion: The 2024 Honda Ridgeline, with its crossover truck design, continues to deliver an excellent balance of car-like refinement and the practical utility of a midsize pickup. The new TrailSport trim enhances its off-road readiness, making it surprisingly competent in dirt environments.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 280 HP @ 6000 RPM
- Torque: 262 LB-FT @ 4700 RPM
- Driveline: All-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy: 21 MPG Combined
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 LBS
- Payload Capacity: 1,583 LBS (max)
- Make: Honda
- Model: Ridgeline
- MSRP (As Tested): $44,980
Pros:
- Luxury car-like ride and handling.
- Approaches the capability of traditional pickup rivals.
- Spacious and comfortable cabin.
- Smart and practical storage solutions.
- User-friendly technology and controls.
Cons:
- Mediocre fuel economy.
- Limited configuration options (cab, bed, engine).
- Styling may not appeal to all.
- Lacks a dedicated hardcore off-road version.
- Lower towing capacity and ground clearance compared to some competitors.
Following Mudfest, I drove the Ridgeline TrailSport back home and used it as my daily vehicle for a week. It reaffirmed the Ridgeline’s strengths as a daily driver, consistent with previous models. The rear seats easily accommodate two Trek ten-speed bicycles, and the back offers comfortable seating for adults, making it practical for passenger transport. It can handle 1,500 pounds of topsoil in the bed and tow up to 5,000 pounds. Even with the TrailSport trim’s robust all-terrain tires, the ride remains remarkably quiet and smooth, akin to a luxury crossover, and its handling surpasses that of most body-on-frame trucks.
In typical Honda fashion, the Ridgeline excels at numerous aspects, and its ease of daily use is a significant advantage. While most drivers may not frequently maximize payload or towing capacity, daily driving comfort and practicality are paramount. This is where the Ridgeline truly shines. However, competition is intensifying as other trucks improve their refinement, and the Honda Ridgeline’s price point is not insignificant for its class.
First Impressions of the Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
From a distance, the TrailSport’s updates are subtle. Visually, it closely resembles the Ridgelines since the 2021 facelift. The all-terrain tires and TrailSport badging are understated, and our test model was finished in Sonic Gray, a color available across the Ridgeline range. (Sky Blue is exclusive to the TrailSport trim).
Exterior Dimensions:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 Inches |
| Width | 78.6 Inches |
| Height | 70.8 Inches |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 Inches |
| Curb Weight | 4,495 Pounds |
Inside, the cabin features a predominantly black interior with extensive use of hard plastics, yet it remains comfortable and ergonomically well-designed. The rear seat space is notably generous, exceeding most compact and midsize trucks. The interior TrailSport badging is more prominent than the exterior, complemented by subtle orange ambient lighting. The infotainment system is straightforward, as are the physical controls.
Driving Performance and On-Road Dynamics
Since 2016, the Honda Ridgeline has offered a single powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is both smooth and powerful, though it performs best at higher RPMs. All-wheel drive has been standard since 2021, paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. While not exceptionally quick, achieving 0-60 mph in just over six seconds, it’s faster than many competitors. However, towing capacity is capped at 5,000 pounds, suitable for a midsize SUV but below average for trucks in this segment.
On paved roads, the Ridgeline is arguably the most refined midsize truck, with only the smaller Hyundai Santa Cruz approaching its levels of smoothness and handling. Steering is precise and communicative. Body roll is well-controlled for a vehicle of its height, and it maintains composure even under spirited driving. The ride quality is exceptionally smooth, whether loaded or unloaded, a characteristic traditional trucks often struggle to achieve. The TrailSport trim feels even more compliant than the standard Ridgeline. It provides a relaxed, comfortable, and quiet driving experience, yet offers engaging performance when desired.
Off-road, the Ridgeline’s limitations stem from its ground clearance and the absence of low-range gearing or locking differentials found in trucks like the Jeep Gladiator. However, the i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system effectively distributes torque and offers modes for Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud. Its performance is comparable to Subaru’s X-Mode system. With an additional inch of ground clearance, the Ridgeline could confidently tackle terrains similar to a Subaru Forester Wilderness and many situations handled by a four-wheel-drive Ford Ranger FX4.
Performance Specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 280 HP@6,000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT@4,700 RPM |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 Pounds |
| Payload Capacity (TrailSport) | 1,521 Pounds |
The Ridgeline is forgiving off-road, and the TrailSport upgrades extend beyond skid plates and tires. Softer springs (approximately 10% front, 5% rear) and a 75% softer (solid) anti-roll bar enhance grip. While it’s not designed for extreme rock crawling like a Gladiator, it’s well-suited for most Forest Service trails.
Off-Road Specifications:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Approach Angle | 20.4 |
| Breakover Angle | 19.6 |
| Departure Angle | 19.6 |
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Fuel Economy Analysis
The EPA estimates for the Ridgeline TrailSport are 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 mpg combined, slightly lower (1 mpg) in highway and combined ratings than the standard model. During a week of mixed driving, including light off-roading (comparable to slow city driving), I observed 18.2 mpg. When initially launched, the Ridgeline was relatively fuel-efficient for a midsize truck. However, many competitors now offer better economy, especially hybrid options like the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
| Metric | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Rated Economy | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel Economy As Tested | 16-18 mpg | 21-22 mpg | 18-19 mpg |
Interior Design, Comfort, and Cabin Experience
The Ridgeline’s interior design is functional rather than visually striking. Black plastic dominates across all trims, and the layout is beginning to show its age. However, it compensates with exceptional comfort and usability. The smooth, quiet ride further enhances the interior experience, though the push-button shifter is a less intuitive design element.
The TrailSport’s heated and power-adjustable front seats are exceptionally comfortable, even on long journeys, and offer superior comfort compared to the seats in the Tacoma or Santa Cruz.
While the rear seat is less spacious than most SUVs, with a somewhat upright backrest and 36.7 inches of legroom, it is more generous than almost any other crew cab truck in its class, except for the Jeep Gladiator. Adults can comfortably occupy the rear seats, a challenge in models like the Tacoma, Maverick, and Chevy Colorado. The Gladiator offers more rear space but sacrifices ride comfort and smoothness.
Interior Specifications:
| Space Metric | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom | 40.1 Inches | 38.8 Inches |
| Leg Room | 40.9 Inches | 36.7 Inches |
| Shoulder Room | 62.0 Inches | 61.5 Inches |
Technology and User-Friendliness
Every Ridgeline model includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Honda’s native interface is user-friendly, though the graphics appear somewhat dated. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard for preferred smartphone integration.
A wireless charging pad and two front USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) are standard. Two additional rear USB-C ports are optional, though only the USB-A port supports data transfer. The TrailSport and top-tier Black Edition trims also include navigation with voice control. While there’s no native digital assistant, the navigation system effectively recognizes voice commands.
Benefiting from its design age, the Ridgeline features physical buttons for essential functions, which many users find more convenient than navigating touchscreen menus. For example, resetting the trip odometer on a Colorado requires multiple screen taps, while the Ridgeline offers straightforward, simple controls.
Honda also equips the Ridgeline with a comprehensive suite of active safety systems. Forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are all standard. Front and rear parking sensors are optional, included on the TrailSport and higher trims. While these systems function well, they are no longer unique selling points as many competitors now offer similar features, though the Ridgeline was an early leader in this regard for midsize trucks.
Cargo and Storage Solutions
Honda standardizes the Ridgeline as a crew cab with a five-foot bed. This configuration is now common among midsize and compact trucks, though it’s a limitation compared to some alternatives like the Toyota Tacoma. The Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon no longer offer significantly larger beds, although some have deeper beds. The Nissan Frontier and Tacoma still provide an advantage with optional six-foot beds on crew cab models, but not across all trims.
The Ridgeline’s bed utility is enhanced by its unique in-bed trunk, a lockable, hidden storage compartment that also functions as a cooler. Hyundai adopted this feature for the Santa Cruz, but the Santa Cruz’s bed is considerably smaller. The cabin also offers practical storage, and the spacious rear seat provides more in-cabin storage potential than some competitors like the Ranger or Maverick.
Cargo Specifications:
| Storage Area | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Rear Underseat Storage Capacity | 2.9 Cubic-Feet |
| In-Bed Trunk Storage Capacity | 7.3 Cubic-Feet |
| Bed Capacity Below Tonneau | 33.9 Cubic-Feet |
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport vs. Key Competitors
The Ridgeline is now among the older pickup designs on the market, surpassed only by the aging Ram 1500 Classic. Since 2020, new competitors have emerged. On the smaller end are the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, both crossover pickups like the Ridgeline but in a smaller footprint. The Ridgeline also faces renewed competition from redesigned body-on-frame trucks. The recently redesigned Tacoma, Colorado, and Ranger have significantly improved in comfort, technology, and capability with their 2023 and 2024 redesigns, often at a lower price point for comparable specifications.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
| Feature | 2024 Honda Ridgeline (TrailSport) | 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz (XRT) |
|---|---|---|
| Model | TrailSport | XRT |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L Turbocharged I-4 |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Horsepower | 280 HP@6,000 RPM | 281 HP@5,800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT@4,700 RPM | 311 LB-FT@ 1,700-4,000 RPM |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Price (MSRP) | $44,980 | $40,100 |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 Inches | 8.6 Inches |
| 0-60 MPH (Est.) | 6.0 Seconds | 6.0 Seconds |
The midsize Ridgeline is considerably larger and heavier than the compact Santa Cruz, yet they share a similar design philosophy. Hyundai essentially adopted Honda’s crossover-based approach but applied it to a smaller vehicle, even including an in-bed trunk. The Santa Cruz is more affordable but smaller. To obtain a comparable Santa Cruz with all-wheel drive and similar power, upgrading to at least the XRT trim is necessary, narrowing the price advantage. While smaller and less utilitarian, the Santa Cruz compares favorably in other aspects.
Performance Comparison
Hyundai offers two 2.5-liter engine options for the Santa Cruz, including a more potent 281-horsepower turbocharged version, which is the relevant comparison for Ridgeline shoppers. In XRT trim, the Santa Cruz feels more agile and engaging on-road, possibly the sportiest pickup in its segment. Off-road capability is limited by its design, particularly the long front overhang, but it offers slightly better ground clearance and an “AWD Lock” feature for a 50:50 power split, potentially more useful than the Ridgeline’s terrain modes. It matches the Ridgeline’s 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped but feels more strained. The Santa Cruz achieves better fuel economy, around 23 mpg combined.
Comfort and Space Comparison
The Ridgeline holds an advantage in comfort, partly due to its larger size. The rear seat in the Honda is significantly more spacious, and the overall cabin volume is greater. Front seat space is comparable, but the Santa Cruz’s dashboard design can intrude on knee room, especially for taller drivers. Hyundai’s seats are firmer, offering more support during cornering but less long-haul comfort compared to the Honda’s more plush seats. Both offer similarly utilitarian beds, though the Santa Cruz’s bed is smaller with a sloping cab-end. However, the Santa Cruz features a convenient integrated tonneau cover.
Technology and Features Comparison
An 8.0-inch infotainment screen is standard in both the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz, but higher Santa Cruz trims get a more advanced 10.3-inch unit with more modern graphics and a deeper feature set without excessive complexity. Currently, the larger screen only offers wired CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless updates are planned for 2025. Hyundai’s tech and controls are comparable to Honda’s, with slightly more comprehensive systems.
Hyundai’s active safety systems are similar to the Ridgeline’s and have earned higher safety ratings from the IIHS, including a “Top Safety Pick” designation for 2024.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Chevrolet Colorado
| Feature | 2024 Honda Ridgeline (TrailSport) | 2024 Chevrolet Colorado (Z71) |
|---|---|---|
| Model | TrailSport | Z71 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.7L Turbocharged I-4 |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 280 HP@6,000 RPM | 310 HP@5,600 RPM |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT@4,700 RPM | 390 LB-FT@ 3,000 RPM |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Price (MSRP) | $44,980 | $40,200 |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 Inches | 8.9 Inches |
| 0-60 MPH (Est.) | 6.0 Seconds | 6.7 Seconds |
The Chevrolet Colorado, redesigned in 2023, is now exclusively offered as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed and four-cylinder engines. As a traditional body-on-frame truck, the Colorado offers advantages over the Ridgeline in payload and towing capacity, and off-road ruggedness. The Colorado starts at a lower price, and models like the ZR2 and Trail Boss, priced similarly to the Ridgeline TrailSport, are significantly more off-road capable. However, the Colorado is less refined, handles less smoothly, and offers no substantial daily utility advantage unless frequent towing is required.
Performance Comparison
Lower Colorado trims (WT and LT) feature a 237-horsepower 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while higher trims (Z71, Trail Boss, ZR2) use a 310-horsepower version of the same engine. These higher trims are price-competitive with the Ridgeline, but they are not quicker in straight-line acceleration or superior in on-road handling, although the redesigned Colorado is more refined than its predecessor.
Off-road, the Colorado is considerably more capable. The Trail Boss trim includes 32-inch all-terrain tires and greater ground clearance than the Ridgeline, and all Colorados offer superior approach, departure, and breakover angles. The Chevy also boasts significantly higher towing capacity, up to 7,700 pounds on higher trims, though payload capacity is only marginally higher than the Honda.
Comfort and Space Comparison
Front-seat space is comparable between the Colorado and Ridgeline. The Ridgeline’s seats are slightly more comfortable, while the Colorado’s interior design is more visually appealing. The Ridgeline offers significantly more rear-seat room and better in-cabin storage options. It also includes the in-bed trunk, a feature absent in the Colorado. The Colorado’s bed is deeper but only by a small margin.
Technology and Features Comparison
The Colorado features a large 11.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital driver’s display, offering a more modern look than the Ridgeline’s smaller screen. The system is more comprehensive with Google built-in functionality. However, many functions are relegated to touchscreen controls, requiring menu navigation. The Ridgeline’s system is less advanced but more user-friendly. Chevrolet offers fewer standard active safety features, though more than previous generations. Equipping a Colorado Z71 with comparable safety features to the Ridgeline TrailSport still results in a more affordable Chevy.
Recommendation: Which Honda Ridgeline Trim to Choose?
The base Ridgeline Sport starts at $39,750 but is relatively basic, lacking even heated seats, and is still pricier than comparable domestic pickups like the Colorado LT. The Ridgeline RTL ($42,580) adds numerous features, including a moonroof, heated seats, power sliding rear window, leather-trimmed seats, and other amenities. The TrailSport ($44,980) is slightly more expensive but includes the modified suspension, unique badging and interior accents, an upgraded audio system, and all-terrain tires. The top-tier Black Edition ($46,350) features blackout trim and additional features.
Among these options, the TrailSport emerges as the best value proposition. Despite a slight fuel economy reduction due to the all-terrain tires, the TrailSport’s model-specific upgrades enhance its ruggedness and give it a more distinctive character. The extra cost for the TrailSport trim is justified by its added features and enhanced appeal, making it the recommended choice within the 2024 Honda Ridgeline lineup for buyers seeking a balance of daily driving comfort and adventurous capability in a honda pickup truck.
