2024 Honda Ridgeline: A Car and Driver's Delight in a Midsize Truck Body

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline continues to carve its own path in the midsize truck segment. Unlike its rivals that boast a tough-and-rugged body-on-frame design, the Ridgeline embraces a car-like unibody construction with independent rear suspension. This approach prioritizes comfort and interior space, making it a compelling choice for drivers who value a smooth ride and a versatile cabin over pure towing capacity and off-road prowess.

Engine and Performance: Punchy V6 Delivers

Under the hood, all Ridgeline trims pack a 3.5-liter V6 engine churning out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers ample grunt for merging onto highways and navigating city streets. The connected 9-speed automatic transmission smoothly doles out power, and reviewers at Car and Driver [Car and Driver Ridgeline] even managed a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds, which is impressive for a midsize truck.

While the Ridgeline prioritizes comfort over ruggedness, it doesn't shy away from towing. With a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds, it can handle hauling trailers, jet skis, or other recreational gear. All trims come standard with an integrated tow hitch, making hitching up a breeze.

However, when compared to some competitors that boast towing capacities exceeding 7,000 pounds, the Ridgeline falls a bit short for those who need a true workhorse truck.

Fuel Economy: A Balancing Act

The Ridgeline achieves a respectable balance between power and fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, it delivers an estimated 20 mpg combined, 18 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway. While these figures aren't segment-leading, they're on par with many competitors. In real-world testing, Car and Driver observed a combined fuel economy of 17 mpg, which is slightly lower than the EPA estimate but still decent for a midsize truck.

Ride and Handling: Where the Ridgeline Shines

The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension translate to a smooth and comfortable ride that rivals even some crossover SUVs. Bumps and road imperfections are absorbed effectively, making long journeys a pleasure. When tackling corners, the Ridgeline handles surprisingly well for its size, with minimal body roll and a reassuring sense of control.

This focus on comfort does come at a cost. If you plan on venturing off-road, the Ridgeline's ground clearance and lack of a dedicated off-road driving mode limit its capability.

Interior: Spacious, Functional, and Packed with Tech

The Ridgeline's cabin is a major selling point. It offers ample space for five passengers to stretch out comfortably, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The thoughtfully designed interior prioritizes functionality, boasting a plethora of storage options, including a unique lockable in-bed trunk accessible from the truck bed itself.

Honda equips the Ridgeline with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims offer additional comfort and convenience features like heated seats, a moonroof, and a powerful sound system.

Trim Levels and Features: Something for Everyone

The 2024 Ridgeline comes in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. The base Sport offers a good selection of standard features, including LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Stepping up to the RTL trim adds features like a sunroof, heated seats, and a power-sliding rear window. The TrailSport boasts a more rugged appearance with unique styling cues and all-terrain tires, while the Black Edition features a blacked-out exterior and premium interior touches.

Safety Features: A Honda Strongsuit

Safety remains a priority for Honda, and the Ridgeline comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as part of the Honda Sensing suite. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Who Should Consider the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is an ideal choice for drivers who prioritize a comfortable ride, a spacious and functional interior, and a smooth-operating powertrain over pure towing capacity and off-road capability. It's a great option for everyday driving, hauling occasional cargo, and weekend adventures on well-maintained roads.