2021 Honda Ridgeline

The same reliable, different, class leading pickup truck but with a somewhat new design. We’re talking the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.

For 2021 Honda has redesigned the front most portion of the Ridgeline from the doors forward. Honda has introduced a new hood design featuring a power bulge (to host ALL of the power it makes…), new front fenders with a more aggressive design, a new upright grill available in different colour options depending on the package chosen (gloss black for Sport model and Black Edition and chrome for the others), and new LED headlights.

2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport

Honda will offer four different package options for the Ridgeline in 2021; Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. All will also be available with the HPD (Honda Performance Development) package which offers a unique grill treatment, an HPD emblem, black fender flares, bronze-coloured wheels, and HPD graphics along the side of the bed. All that for a retail price of $3,500CAD.

2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E w/HPD Package 

On the interior Honda has made some updates including a volume knob (yay something that works!), and wireless phone charging. Along with that, all Ridgeline models get new contrast stitching on the seats, and Sport trim models receive a new cloth insert as well. Sport, RTL, and RTL-E models receive new dash, steering wheel and centre console accents. Continued for 2021 the Ridgeline will still offer a flat floor design, and 60/40 rear seat split for more space inside the cabin when filling it with shit that doesn’t fit in the bed.

2021 Honda Ridgeline

Speaking of the bed, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline still offers class leading AWD bed payload capacity, as well as a “In-Bed Trunk” (basically a little compartment hidden in the bed to act as a trunk). The tailgate will also have dual-action functionality, being able to open either sideways, or down like a normal tailgate. 

Under the hood, we find the same 3.5l VTEC V6, outputting 280hp and 262 lb.-ft of torque that will be available in all Ridgeline models. Behind that we have a 9-speed automatic transmission with Honda’s i-VTM4 torque vectoring AWD system capable of sending up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels. You will also be able to select different drive modes including Normal (pavement), snow, mud, and sand.

2021 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline will also include all standard safety features including, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. 

All said, I think Honda is doing some good things with the Ridgeline, and I like that they have stayed true to what the Ridgeline has always been. All of the design changes made, are to try and make the Ridgeline look more aggressive and Honda should be trying to do so. Making the front end seem larger and offering 18” wheels that provide 20mm wider track width will not only make the truck look more aggressive, but they also benefit the driving stability. 

If I had the chance, the Ridgeline is certainly a truck I would try and I hate to admit it, but I would probably end up liking more than some of its class competitors. Sometimes I like to think of the Ridgeline almost as an SUV, but with a larger more open space in the back to put my shit. Good job Honda!

2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E w/HPD Package

2021 Honda Ridgeline specs:

Engine/Power:

3.5-litre VTEC V6 

280hp / 262lb.-ft 

Transmission/Drivetrain:

9-speed automatic 

I-VTM4 AWD system

Weight:

4,500lbs

Towing/Bed capacity:

5,000lb towing capability

1,500lbs payload capacity

Fuel mileage (L/100km):

(City/Highway/combined)

12.8/9.9/11.5

Price ($CAD):

Sport - $45,646

RTL - $49,374

RTL-E - $53,065

Black Edition - $54,941