I owned a 06 Ridgeline and sold it in 23. I bought an AT4 Duramax, thinking it’s time to go bigger, a nice truck, love the Duramax, but man, I miss my Ridgeline. Just ordered a 24 Black Edition, I pick it up this week.
This seems to be more of a cosmetic package rather than a real off-road trim. No skid plate, lift or 360 view cameras. Honda is really trying to milk out the second gen Ridgeline. We need a Ridgeline based on the Pilot platform.
I for one am excited for this refreshed Ridgeline! I’m coming from a 2018 Frontier which I recently sold due to some issues. I don’t go off-road outside of some camping trails during the summer months so this will be perfect for me I think all year round. Having a more comfortable on-road driving experience will be appreciated I think.
The 2024 Ridgeline is looking really good to me. Comparing the TrailSport and the Sport model. The pricing the issue for me, These new trucks are outside of the comfort zone for this Senior Retired customer.
What do you think is the actual % of vehicles that get damaged because they have 7" of ground clearance rather than 8"? Unless you are going over sharp rocks and boulders it is a moot point.
@@Kopernicus67 don't know, probably ot many. But this is supposedly the more capable off-road version...and the ground clearance is still a joke. I'm sitting at 8.8" in my Maverick and wish I had another inch or so for when I'm on forest service roads. The Ridgeline has a longer wheelbase than it and also less ground clearance.
I wish they had a cheaper version. I looked to buy one a few years ago but couldn’t get past that it’s was the same price as the Tundra I ended up buying. If it was less I think I could have gotten my head around it.
I was really hoping Honda would give it the Pilot Trailsport treatment with a lift, tow hooks, and proper skiplates. I would have bought that in a second. I'm very disappointed with what amounts to wheel and tire package with light blue paint. Sorry Honda....you dropped the ball here.
Excellent review, When I read last year that Honda was updating the model there was one thing I didn't see. The rear bumper, did they ever affix it (weld it) to the unibody? Co-worker has one (2021), and it actually tore out/off of it's plastic housing/clips. Honestly, never seen a rear (fake) step bumper on anything classified as a small truck. and my buddy is like 160 lbs . Cheapest thing I'd ever seen on $45k truck. I'm in the market and really like the Honda line, I'd strongly consider it, but not with that bumper. If they can put a tow bar/hitch on that thing surely they should have addressed that fake step bumper by now. Thanks
Definitely rethinking the ridgeline.Have a f150 pickup 12 years old too big ,wide turning radius,never bought a towing reciever .Still has a 6 cylinder.4 cylinder turbo charged engine burns lots of fuel if you have a slightly heavy foot.
My two biggest problems with Honda Ridgeline are: intrusive safety brake constantly banging on your left foot (pedal? in 2024?), and no stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. In addition, it appears that the seats were modified to not include an armrest towards the center anymore. In other words, they force you now to use an arm rest. As a larger driver, I prefer driving with my right hand arm rest up, to have more room. Can't do that anymore.
I never cared for the spare tire placement. What if you're loaded down with bags of sand or cement and pavers, and you have a flat tire, or you just bought a new dryer?
Stamped brand names is super tacky. Those tires look less aggressive than 23 Firestones. Needs a major facelift snd better tranny and it would be fine.
Love the skid plate , but no front recovery hooks? I guess it's so good that it's ever gets stuck & have to recovery! Can you get the trailsport w the HPD??
I don't think many will buy a Ridgeline for off roading or rock crawling. They should offer a 1.5" lift/ levelling kit available on all trims for areas that get snow and the extra clearance for side roads hauling your toys. Needs the 10 spd with 7 drive modes, 3.0T to compete in the midsize class, front recovery hooks and integrated trailer brake controller. This would put them on par with the class and the standard unique features others don't have would make them a solid contender.
They gotta make it body on frame If they wana compete. The tacoma owns this segment and Honda is behind. They still have to fight the colorado and the gladiator and dont forget nissan, ford, Rivian and the cybertruck. Kia is also rumored to hop in.
@@Inferno45I don’t think they’ll ever make it BOF. The benefit to this vehicle is the unibody construction. But an upgraded power train, mild lift, enhanced suspension would be a great addition.
@@Inferno45in these smaller trucks, body on frame has absolutely no benefits over a unibody design. It just seems to be a mental thing that people have about it more than anything else. Kind of like how back when Ram switched to coilovers away from leaf springs on the rear end of their trucks, People had a shit fit and said how horrible it would be. But then they ended up being just as capable as any other truck. Sometimes more capable, and yet riding more comfortably.
Quick correction to you, standard Tri-Zone Climate control on all trims. The only mid-size (and possibly truck in general) to offer this in all trims as standard.
Can they make the instrument panel any more bland? There’s no color or design to it. I have a 2024 CRV and I love it but it’s also a little boring inside. Honda does mediocrity well.
My sincere congratulations to the designer who chopped chrome accent out of this truck. In fact, dear carmakers, you should get rid of chrome as much as you must get rid of piano black, haptic buttons and fake exhausts.
It's a nice looking vehicle and ticks off a lot of boxes, not the capability of a truck but for a car-truck it's right up there, would prefer one of these over a Maverick but I'm not sure those AT tires really benefit this vehicle since it doesn't have locking diffs or low range and is not going very far off road. I doubt I'll ever buy one of these since for the monthly payment amount I can get an old used real truck and just keep paying to fix it as I go.
Had a 2019 RTL-E and now have a 2022 Black Edition. I like the V6 powertrain. I don't want a 4cyl-turbo. Love the quiet, smooth ride. Hauling and towering capacity are just fine. I also have a 2015 Civic and a 2024 Corvette. The Ridgeline is my comfort ride.
Ground clearance is way too low. No skid plates? So that makes it a street only truck to me. It’s a good vehicle, but Honda dropped the ball again. They make sweet atv’s & utv’s with high ground clearance, 4 wheel independent suspension. How in the hell can they not figure out how to do it for their truck & suvs? 🙄
No 360 degree camera, weak underbody protection, no improved ground clearance no full size spare. Honda is wasting the TrailSport branding by sticking it on anything painted sky blue.
Why is this vehicle so polarizing? I really like the Ridgeline, for what it is. To me it is kind of in it’s own category, and not much else really can match it for what it is. But this comment is valid - Calling this “Trailsport” is almost misleading for the reasons mentioned
I guess all terrain tires, retuned suspension and a single skid plate are better than nothing but would have been nice to see Honda give it a lift over the other trims and the trail cam setup from the Pilot. Hopefully a gen 3 Ridgeline will get a more robust Trailsport model.
This new "refresh", which started in 2021, feels like it's getting one last makeover before they move on to a Gen 3 Ridge. Lot of improvements here, but for a true off road Ridgeline, I would wait for the Gen 3 truck, which will probably be around 2025-2028.
@@TermlessHGWhow do you rated it, since you have it for 5/6 years? I'm looking to get a smaller truck, had a GMC Sierra 1500 SLT, lost it due to a head on colission, and I realy don't need big truck anymore.
@PoisonShot20 I have a 2027 RTL . still ride way more comfortable than other comparable midsize trucks such Colorado, or Taco. Couple worrisome issues: The 6 speed tranny. At 100k it starts to become a bit jittery. The CVM is a unecessary soreness, I hated so much I just disabled it.
My goodness the reason why Honda Ridgeline isn’t respected because Honda doesn’t give what people are asking for. Give this baby a lift with real ground clearance. Some sturdy underground protection, and an option for a v8 or v6 turbo. Also their entertainment system sucks… it‘s a pain in the a… the software system always has these delays just to switch from radio to media, ohh and don’t get me started on connecting your phone to it.
You are spot-on; the only thing missing from the infotainment is the Windows '95 startup sound when you start the truck. We had a '19 RTL-E, and yeah, sometimes when we plugged the phone in, it froze.
Still waiting for a proper compact 4x4, truck or otherwise. People make em overseas, but the smallest thing is probably a 2 door bronco or wrangler still. This even in the softroader category has a pretty poor approach angle, not much height, and is pretty long, so still not very competitive
Worked hard to get a Ridgeline. Could never get a price I thought was reasonable. The updates to the interior on the ‘24s look great! I ended up going with a ‘19 Titan. I love it so far. BUT…I definitely did not need a full-size truck.
@@BillyBobTup According to Edmunds the ridgeline has an advantage being independed suspension all around, the took it a tacoma and titan offroad in 2017, the ridgeline was the only one not to have blown out shocks
@@marklion315 I watched that Edmunds trip out to the desert. That washboard road they were on was crazy. As of now, I don’t do any off-road stuff anyway. Would’ve preferred the Ridgeline’s AWD system of for the winter driving though!
Some nice improvements......awful minivan armrests gone, upgraded infotainment (still no radio tuner knob) and gauge cluster. The bad.....still have the awful 9-speed transmission, towing capacity still only 5,000 lbs, (6500 would be nice), power mirror switch still on dash instead of armrest, blind spot monitor lights not in mirror, but still on door posts, ground clearance not great, ugh. My conclusion , a half-assed upgrade that still falls short
The color of the model in this video is fantastic! I have a 2023 Ridgeline and I'm very happy with it. While it would have been nice to get some of the tech upgrades seen here, I needed a vehicle at the time and couldn't wait.
Well this is a disappointing offering to say the least. its another Trailsport appearance pkg on sky blue like the Passport except for tires and a skid plate. Still has the older engine and 9 sp. Maybe they gave it the pilot awd system?, but wo that and a lift its just a regular ridgeline w all terrain tires. Plus the tires are too small at 29.5". The pilot has 265/60/18s(30.5s) on all trims i think, it really needs 65s on the TS. This should have 65s min too but really it should have 245/70/18s or 265/65/18s both 31.5s with a lift, not to mention the rest of the pilot ts stuff like tow hooks and full size spare. at least they give you a tow hitch but you dont get alot with Honda these days except for the name and reliability. I suppose thats enough for Honda but i guess the bean counters decided the pilot ts has more off road buyers. strange you would think the opposite but the 3 row suv still has a shorter wb. at4 and zr2 are way better off roaders. id like to see side steps and roof rails also. I wish the spare was underneath bc there is no way a full size spare would fit in the bed trunk. side tailgate is a must and was a class exclusive but now full size trucks have followed suit and so should the rest. No 110v inside or the bed, no usb in 2nd row? shame w the roomiest in class. the rear under seat storage needs refinement and its still not a flat load floor w seats up. id still take one over a tacoma anyday(as tommy said, way more comfortable) except for the all black interior, but well see if they improve the seats on the new tacos. In which case id still rather have a ridgeline bc if one thing Honda does right its ease of use, comfort, and practicality. Its a good driving cross truck for us old folks over 50 but for off road the pilot ts is better and so are most other midsize trucks.
For the money these things costs it makes way more sense to get a tacoma or frontier. Built a lot tougher with actual frames, 4wd hi/lo, and solid rear axle. If these ridgelines were like 30grand for the offroad they might have my attention but not in the 40 grand territory. Only area the ridgeline really wins is fuel economy. Gas is back down to $2.72 where I live so I really don't care about a few mpg difference. The ridgeline has more payload but thats because I have the long wheel base for the 6ft bed, crew cab, and 4wd. If I need to haul heavy stuff i'll use a trailer and it tows it more than the ridgeline to at 6100 pounds for my model. The 23 tacoma is bulletproofed by this point and you can't beat the resale value.
It really depends on the use case. I've driven almost every midsize truck and the Ridgeline is so much more comfortable and better handling than a Tacoma or Frontier. Roadtripping in a Tacoma is horrible, but it's so comfortable in a Ridgeline. If you are doing more serious trails, yeah I'd maybe go with a Tacoma, but for general forest roads and snowy/winter conditions - I'd go with the AWD Ridgeline any day.
I've owned six vehicles in the last 20 years with "4-lo". Used it never. Also quickly learned that a CUV or car AWD system has far, far more grip on public roads and ability to think on the fly than any of the transfer case jobs. Throw a set of snows on a AWD Forester or Highlander and they will out brake, accelerate and corner any pickup on snow or ice.
@@Kopernicus67 Ive used mine 4 times in the last year.A Lot of these work sites I go to are up steep inclines. Gone through some nasty muddy terrain. It only snows once or twice a year here. And a tacoma on snow rated all terrains has plenty of capability in the snow. Ive had my 6ft bed filled up plenty of times front to back. If you don't need it I understand going for the comfort but it doesn't make sense for me. I really don't think the tacomas that bad comfort wise anyways. I am 5'11". If I didn't need a truck I would still be driving my 2016 Camry le. That car was comfortable.
I have a 2021 RL Sport and it's been my favorite vehicle ever. I got tired of the size of my half ton and how body-on frame vehicles drive in general. It's such a great daily driver for those who can check their egos. I am disappointed with this Trailsport variant. They could have at least given a modest increase in ride height. The improvements made are decent, but they didn't go far enough. I do like the older fold up armrests with the "roll top" center console, but they at least made a decent set of cupholders on the new one. I could adapt, though. Glad to see some tech updates, even if the interior is still looking a bit dated. Overall, it's a decent minor update. I suspect an all new one is coming as a 2027 model. Watch the Pilot for a possible hybrid drivetrain in the next couple years to potentially preview what might be in store for the next-gen RL.
Very nice looking truck. I really like the tech upgardes and the new armrest. I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport and I am going to trade it in for a 2024 Black Edition as soon as it is available.
Have a ‘21 Black Edition. Took it down a two track and hit a small dip at about 5 mph. The door no longer lines up to the fender. It was a small dip. I love the truck but it’s about as trail rated as a Miata.
But i dont want to go off road , i want a faster highway truck . Bigger brakes , and a manual would be sweet. I wouldn't know how to even find dirt or know a farmer to let me go riding around his farm .
Really surprised it didn’t get the Honda Pilot’s level of upgrades for the Trailsport trim. Sad as I had looked forward to getting this, but may go Taco instead. Very disappointed. Good video as always though.
Somehow, as a 43 year old dad, who is also a mechanic, this is the vehicle I find myself wanting most. Unexpectedly complete, thought-out and well executed engineering.
As a 37 year-old mechanic who owns one: They're great. Unless it doesn't meet your towing needs or you do a lot of off-roading, there's no reason not to get one of these. Honda reliability and thoughtful engineering combined with, as Tommy said, the most comfortable interior in its class. This trim level is a bit of a whiff, I think. But the RTL has everything you could need.
I am entirely, thoroughly, and frustratingly unimpressed. This is supposed to be their most off-road vehicle. Their MOST. And this is all you get. This is it. Toyota is about to destroy and humiliate Honda within the truck and SUV segment in the next 12 months.
If you're shopping Ridgelines with hardcore off-roading in mind, you're starting off on the wrong foot in the first place. Nobody should be cross-shopping a TRD with one of these, in any trim.
@@Wrencher_86 I like the interiors and build quality of Hondas. Absolutely in love with my Accord. Wish there was a 4Runner or Tacoma level of off-road offering in the Honda line. It’s what I dream of. Just never liked any Toyota I’ve been in or driven.
Wow nice but what a missed opportunity! I think many were waiting on the fence. But with Honda not really doing enough??? No lift by an inch, no increased towing, no tow hooks, no real underbody protection…. Uuugh. I think Honda just missed out on a lot of sales! It’s good start but why would people wait and wait and wait and wait for Honda to produce what we need and want.
So funny because so few people use even a small percentage of their trucks offroad capability. The vast majority of people will use a SXS or ATV to actually offroad.
I have a 21 black edition with a 2” leveling kit and one inch taller wildpeak tires. 10” ground clearance. I’ve gone places you wouldn’t believe. Very capable truck and easily tows my other 84 720. 12:43
Good update, How many fools would spend 50k to go off- roading and climb rocks and jump ditches??? Ridgeline is a Great everyday driver, that does it all.
Great truck until you have to spend $2500 at 75,000 miles to have the timing belt replaced. Then the real fun begins because they will only warranty that for 12 months or 12,000 miles. When your second timing belt fails 30,000 miles and three years later, and your engine is destroyed, you’re on your own!
No full size spare, and no primer, so paint peals, and rust after warranty expires. Paint looks dull and not shinny like a Subaru. Tires have a 110mph speed rating which is not impressive at all. Engine is weak and needs a turbo for high altitude driving in the Rocky Mountains. At 12,000 - 18,000 feet above sea level you lose over 50% power unless you have a turbo. So a 280hp vehicle getting 140hp and 4500 pounds trying to climb La Vida Pass in Colorado is going to hold up traffic. The bed is too shallow. Center console in 1st gen looks more like a truck. This has a mini van console seperating driver and passanger. Wireless chargers are irrelevant. No mention of a GPS?
Have a 2020 Ridgeline and I love it except it was last year without a volume knob. It is a lease and is due to be turned in. Just hope the 2024s come out soon! This truck is awesome and has all the capabilities that most people need. I don't tow a boat or camper so it's perfect for me. It is so comfortable and great road trip vehicle.
These trucks have, and have always had, car-transmissions; they are notorious for overheating. And I bet the motor still uses a timing-belt. There's no way these things can be trail-rugged, even with that chewing-gum foil skid plate. It's a heavily modded Pilot with a goofy price-point, people can see right through it. And all these crazy recalls... clearly there's some folks at HoA asleep at the wheel.
Since I have owned an 08 and now own a 21, and sense I hate the lack of off road ability of the 21 even more than the 08(but love my 21 on road), what about buying the cheapest available new RL(it does have a lower gear ratio than my 08), which would have an identical drive train to this Trail model, and modified it? With a lift and slightly bigger tires and skid plates and recovery points? That wold work but I assume it would void my new vehicle warranty. And I do NOT want to do that. So better to just get a 4Runner. Even the most basic 4Runner would be far better off road than this so called trail model RL. (but sadly, not as good on road) Dang Honda, I thought you might get er done with this new model! Another disappointment!
Honda being lazy and mailing it in, as usual. they literally just share Pilot parts with so many vehicles that there's no excuse why they couldn't have brought the new Pilot design to the Ridgeline for 2024. I love the Ridgeline, but I hope the sales drop like a fly to spite Honda's lazy engineering.
I actually prefer the old arm rests more. 1. They are independently adjustable, 2. I don’t have to move my arm if the passenger goes into the center council, 3. My little dog can sleep on her bed in between the front seats.
Love the Ridgeline. But I don't understand why they didn't lifted a bit the TrailSport model. It has the same ground clearance than the other trims. Why? Honda missed a good opportunity there.
Honda makes good vehicles, but Honda needs to ditch the push button transmission shift it does not save any more room than a compact gear shift and it is out of place in a Truck same goes for the Passport. Also they need to make the Ridgeline tow 6000 lbs this gives more room to carry cargo and tow a small camper without worrying about being at the max capability. They also need to make the exterior of the Ridgeline more aggressive and truck like along with the long in the tooth interior design whoever is in charge of design at Honda is way too conservative. Literally if you meet a Passport, Ridgeline, or Pilot on the road you cant tell them apart - give each one of them some character of their own.
Love tfl but sounded like an advertisement on this one. People need to know very expensive drive belt change at 70000, also ground clearance is terrible. Avoid
Anyone taking this thing anywhere off road is taking a major risk of damage. This is far from off road ready. I dont think the honda developers really understand whats needed for true off road capability.
I loved Hondas individual armrests. I can’t believe they got rid of them. That’s what truly set this vehicle apart.
Same here...love the captain's seats!
Same here. But I guess that's that and will be the same on the 3rd gen. When or if it arrives. C'mon Honda, you're way behind now in the midsize...
Those arm rests suck Unless your a little person
I owned a 06 Ridgeline and sold it in 23. I bought an AT4 Duramax, thinking it’s time to go bigger, a nice truck, love the Duramax, but man, I miss my Ridgeline. Just ordered a 24 Black Edition, I pick it up this week.
This seems to be more of a cosmetic package rather than a real off-road trim. No skid plate, lift or 360 view cameras. Honda is really trying to milk out the second gen Ridgeline. We need a Ridgeline based on the Pilot platform.
no sked plate on this one?
I for one am excited for this refreshed Ridgeline! I’m coming from a 2018 Frontier which I recently sold due to some issues. I don’t go off-road outside of some camping trails during the summer months so this will be perfect for me I think all year round. Having a more comfortable on-road driving experience will be appreciated I think.
The 2024 Ridgeline is looking really good to me. Comparing the TrailSport and the Sport model. The pricing the issue for me, These new trucks are outside of the comfort zone for this Senior Retired customer.
Less ground clearance than a FWD hybrid Maverick. Enough said.
What do you think is the actual % of vehicles that get damaged because they have 7" of ground clearance rather than 8"? Unless you are going over sharp rocks and boulders it is a moot point.
@@Kopernicus67 don't know, probably ot many. But this is supposedly the more capable off-road version...and the ground clearance is still a joke. I'm sitting at 8.8" in my Maverick and wish I had another inch or so for when I'm on forest service roads. The Ridgeline has a longer wheelbase than it and also less ground clearance.
Exactly. Ground clearance, angles and protection are very disappointing. Even the new TS Pilot, while not great, is better than this.
I wish they had a cheaper version. I looked to buy one a few years ago but couldn’t get past that it’s was the same price as the Tundra I ended up buying. If it was less I think I could have gotten my head around it.
You haven't been to a Toyota dealer recently, I am guessing.
I was really hoping Honda would give it the Pilot Trailsport treatment with a lift, tow hooks, and proper skiplates. I would have bought that in a second. I'm very disappointed with what amounts to wheel and tire package with light blue paint. Sorry Honda....you dropped the ball here.
Really nice Honda Accord with a cargo bed.
Excellent review, When I read last year that Honda was updating the model there was one thing I didn't see. The rear bumper, did they ever affix it (weld it) to the unibody? Co-worker has one (2021), and it actually tore out/off of it's plastic housing/clips. Honestly, never seen a rear (fake) step bumper on anything classified as a small truck. and my buddy is like 160 lbs . Cheapest thing I'd ever seen on $45k truck. I'm in the market and really like the Honda line, I'd strongly consider it, but not with that bumper. If they can put a tow bar/hitch on that thing surely they should have addressed that fake step bumper by now. Thanks
Definitely rethinking the ridgeline.Have a f150 pickup 12 years old too big ,wide turning radius,never bought a towing reciever .Still has a 6 cylinder.4 cylinder turbo charged engine burns lots of fuel if you have a slightly heavy foot.
the best review i seen on this truck
cant wait to see this when they move it to the new Pilot architecture!
My two biggest problems with Honda Ridgeline are: intrusive safety brake constantly banging on your left foot (pedal? in 2024?), and no stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. In addition, it appears that the seats were modified to not include an armrest towards the center anymore. In other words, they force you now to use an arm rest. As a larger driver, I prefer driving with my right hand arm rest up, to have more room. Can't do that anymore.
I agree about the armrests.
I never cared for the spare tire placement. What if you're loaded down with bags of sand or cement and pavers, and you have a flat tire, or you just bought a new dryer?
So it's pretty much more of an appearance package.
I'm surprised they didn't use a 265/40r18 tires setup.
Any difference in the AWD system at least?
Disappointed. I was hoping for a face lift similar to the new pilot.
I like it.
Wont follow my TRD PRO off road even if I leave it in 2wd.
Why all the interest in off-roading??? best all round mid-size
@@chiefman8316 Off roading is my life. Hard to explain. The time is coming when this truck will work for me. Just not yet.
I have the 2022 Black Edition. I have owned many trucks in the past and this truck is by far my favorite. Great on road trips.
I wish they had a cheaper version.)
I like the Ridge Line .
Stamped brand names is super tacky. Those tires look less aggressive than 23 Firestones. Needs a major facelift snd better tranny and it would be fine.
It would be nice if Honda made a full size truck it wouuld be some thing I would be interested in for the kind of work I do 👍
Love the skid plate , but no front recovery hooks? I guess it's so good that it's ever gets stuck & have to recovery!
Can you get the trailsport w the HPD??
Or maybe its because it never touches grass. 😂
the 2025 Ridgeline will have the lift and full skid plates
I don't think many will buy a Ridgeline for off roading or rock crawling. They should offer a 1.5" lift/ levelling kit available on all trims for areas that get snow and the extra clearance for side roads hauling your toys. Needs the 10 spd with 7 drive modes, 3.0T to compete in the midsize class, front recovery hooks and integrated trailer brake controller. This would put them on par with the class and the standard unique features others don't have would make them a solid contender.
They gotta make it body on frame
If they wana compete. The tacoma owns this segment and Honda is behind. They still have to fight the colorado and the gladiator and dont forget nissan, ford, Rivian and the cybertruck. Kia is also rumored to hop in.
@@Inferno45I don’t think they’ll ever make it BOF. The benefit to this vehicle is the unibody construction. But an upgraded power train, mild lift, enhanced suspension would be a great addition.
@@Inferno45in these smaller trucks, body on frame has absolutely no benefits over a unibody design. It just seems to be a mental thing that people have about it more than anything else. Kind of like how back when Ram switched to coilovers away from leaf springs on the rear end of their trucks, People had a shit fit and said how horrible it would be. But then they ended up being just as capable as any other truck. Sometimes more capable, and yet riding more comfortably.
it needs a lift that all
Nothing looks very offroad or rugged about the Ridgeline..
That would never be a truck cause it's not body over frame. It's just a sports you tell me vehicle with a bed
I guess I'm buying the new Tacoma instead! Big miss by Honda to not include a lift kit!
Quick correction to you, standard Tri-Zone Climate control on all trims. The only mid-size (and possibly truck in general) to offer this in all trims as standard.
Needs AC outlets in the bed and a 3½" lift
I can already feel Nathan being impatient throwing that thing in the off-road course. :)
I will keep my 2022 RTL-E. Not enough upgrades for me. 🤥
Can they make the instrument panel any more bland? There’s no color or design to it. I have a 2024 CRV and I love it but it’s also a little boring inside. Honda does mediocrity well.
Too bad, what a waste, not a real trailsport! Just a refresh, dont bother Honda, I was wsiting, but you dropped the ball!
Why didn't you address the motor/trans? Who cares about a baby blue truck?
2 inches lift. That was all I'm asking Honda...
Nice Honda Accord on steroids!
My sincere congratulations to the designer who chopped chrome accent out of this truck. In fact, dear carmakers, you should get rid of chrome as much as you must get rid of piano black, haptic buttons and fake exhausts.
It's a nice looking vehicle and ticks off a lot of boxes, not the capability of a truck but for a car-truck it's right up there, would prefer one of these over a Maverick but I'm not sure those AT tires really benefit this vehicle since it doesn't have locking diffs or low range and is not going very far off road. I doubt I'll ever buy one of these since for the monthly payment amount I can get an old used real truck and just keep paying to fix it as I go.
Not lifting the ridgeline is an odd decision, atleast add a 1 inch lift. Could do that by going up 1 size on the tire and a .5 spring lift
Had a 2019 RTL-E and now have a 2022 Black Edition. I like the V6 powertrain. I don't want a 4cyl-turbo.
Love the quiet, smooth ride. Hauling and towering capacity are just fine. I also have a 2015 Civic and a 2024 Corvette. The Ridgeline is my comfort ride.
Ground clearance is way too low. No skid plates? So that makes it a street only truck to me. It’s a good vehicle, but Honda dropped the ball again. They make sweet atv’s & utv’s with high ground clearance, 4 wheel independent suspension. How in the hell can they not figure out how to do it for their truck & suvs? 🙄
No 360 degree camera, weak underbody protection, no improved ground clearance no full size spare. Honda is wasting the TrailSport branding by sticking it on anything painted sky blue.
N its still a better truck than the tacoma 😂
Why is this vehicle so polarizing? I really like the Ridgeline, for what it is. To me it is kind of in it’s own category, and not much else really can match it for what it is. But this comment is valid - Calling this “Trailsport” is almost misleading for the reasons mentioned
@@chevyss934 Wrong emoji for sarcasm.
@@allentoyokawa9068 No, you are. Go look at what Subaru is doing with wilderness branding
@@chevyss934 not even close
Great review as always. Like you mentioned, they missed out on not including a full skid plate and height lift. I wouldn't mind owning one.
I guess all terrain tires, retuned suspension and a single skid plate
are better than nothing but would have been nice to see Honda give it a lift over the other trims and the trail cam setup from the Pilot. Hopefully a gen 3 Ridgeline will get a more robust Trailsport model.
This new "refresh", which started in 2021, feels like it's getting one last makeover before they move on to a Gen 3 Ridge. Lot of improvements here, but for a true off road Ridgeline, I would wait for the Gen 3 truck, which will probably be around 2025-2028.
Honda needs to watch a couple of CampingRandy or jonDZ ADVENTURING videos for the next Ridgeline Trail Sport redesign.
@@rabd3721it can't come soon enough. My 17 RTL-E is ready for a trade in.
@@TermlessHGWhow do you rated it, since you have it for 5/6 years? I'm looking to get a smaller truck, had a GMC Sierra 1500 SLT, lost it due to a head on colission, and I realy don't need big truck anymore.
@PoisonShot20
I have a 2027 RTL . still ride way more comfortable than other comparable midsize trucks such Colorado, or Taco. Couple worrisome issues: The 6 speed tranny. At 100k it starts to become a bit jittery. The CVM is a unecessary soreness, I hated so much I just disabled it.
My goodness the reason why Honda Ridgeline isn’t respected because Honda doesn’t give what people are asking for. Give this baby a lift with real ground clearance. Some sturdy underground protection, and an option for a v8 or v6 turbo.
Also their entertainment system sucks… it‘s a pain in the a… the software system always has these delays just to switch from radio to media, ohh and don’t get me started on connecting your phone to it.
You are spot-on; the only thing missing from the infotainment is the Windows '95 startup sound when you start the truck. We had a '19 RTL-E, and yeah, sometimes when we plugged the phone in, it froze.
Still waiting for a proper compact 4x4, truck or otherwise. People make em overseas, but the smallest thing is probably a 2 door bronco or wrangler still.
This even in the softroader category has a pretty poor approach angle, not much height, and is pretty long, so still not very competitive
Worked hard to get a Ridgeline. Could never get a price I thought was reasonable.
The updates to the interior on the ‘24s look great!
I ended up going with a ‘19 Titan. I love it so far. BUT…I definitely did not need a full-size truck.
If it is a 4WD truck, at least you will be able to actually go off road without being scared to death of body or under body damage. So, good move!
@@BillyBobTup According to Edmunds the ridgeline has an advantage being independed suspension all around, the took it a tacoma and titan offroad in 2017, the ridgeline was the only one not to have blown out shocks
@@marklion315 I watched that Edmunds trip out to the desert. That washboard road they were on was crazy.
As of now, I don’t do any off-road stuff anyway.
Would’ve preferred the Ridgeline’s AWD system of for the winter driving though!
What Fool would spend 50k to jump ditches or climb rocks?? @@BillyBobTup
Too many incandescent lights on it for 2024
Some nice improvements......awful minivan armrests gone, upgraded infotainment (still no radio tuner knob) and gauge cluster. The bad.....still have the awful 9-speed transmission, towing capacity still only 5,000 lbs, (6500 would be nice), power mirror switch still on dash instead of armrest, blind spot monitor lights not in mirror, but still on door posts, ground clearance not great, ugh. My conclusion , a half-assed upgrade that still falls short
The number of UA-cam journalists walking around this blue ridgeline on this stage is becoming hilarious. We’re
The color of the model in this video is fantastic! I have a 2023 Ridgeline and I'm very happy with it. While it would have been nice to get some of the tech upgrades seen here, I needed a vehicle at the time and couldn't wait.
Why is the 2024 still on the old platform? Why not build on the new Pilot? Fingers crossed that the '25 will be an all new platform. I'll wait.
A'int that the truth?
Well this is a disappointing offering to say the least. its another Trailsport appearance pkg on sky blue like the Passport except for tires and a skid plate. Still has the older engine and 9 sp. Maybe they gave it the pilot awd system?, but wo that and a lift its just a regular ridgeline w all terrain tires. Plus the tires are too small at 29.5". The pilot has 265/60/18s(30.5s) on all trims i think, it really needs 65s on the TS. This should have 65s min too but really it should have 245/70/18s or 265/65/18s both 31.5s with a lift, not to mention the rest of the pilot ts stuff like tow hooks and full size spare. at least they give you a tow hitch but you dont get alot with Honda these days except for the name and reliability. I suppose thats enough for Honda but i guess the bean counters decided the pilot ts has more off road buyers. strange you would think the opposite but the 3 row suv still has a shorter wb. at4 and zr2 are way better off roaders. id like to see side steps and roof rails also. I wish the spare was underneath bc there is no way a full size spare would fit in the bed trunk. side tailgate is a must and was a class exclusive but now full size trucks have followed suit and so should the rest. No 110v inside or the bed, no usb in 2nd row? shame w the roomiest in class. the rear under seat storage needs refinement and its still not a flat load floor w seats up. id still take one over a tacoma anyday(as tommy said, way more comfortable) except for the all black interior, but well see if they improve the seats on the new tacos. In which case id still rather have a ridgeline bc if one thing Honda does right its ease of use, comfort, and practicality. Its a good driving cross truck for us old folks over 50 but for off road the pilot ts is better and so are most other midsize trucks.
For the money these things costs it makes way more sense to get a tacoma or frontier. Built a lot tougher with actual frames, 4wd hi/lo, and solid rear axle. If these ridgelines were like 30grand for the offroad they might have my attention but not in the 40 grand territory. Only area the ridgeline really wins is fuel economy. Gas is back down to $2.72 where I live so I really don't care about a few mpg difference. The ridgeline has more payload but thats because I have the long wheel base for the 6ft bed, crew cab, and 4wd. If I need to haul heavy stuff i'll use a trailer and it tows it more than the ridgeline to at 6100 pounds for my model. The 23 tacoma is bulletproofed by this point and you can't beat the resale value.
It really depends on the use case. I've driven almost every midsize truck and the Ridgeline is so much more comfortable and better handling than a Tacoma or Frontier. Roadtripping in a Tacoma is horrible, but it's so comfortable in a Ridgeline. If you are doing more serious trails, yeah I'd maybe go with a Tacoma, but for general forest roads and snowy/winter conditions - I'd go with the AWD Ridgeline any day.
I've owned six vehicles in the last 20 years with "4-lo". Used it never. Also quickly learned that a CUV or car AWD system has far, far more grip on public roads and ability to think on the fly than any of the transfer case jobs. Throw a set of snows on a AWD Forester or Highlander and they will out brake, accelerate and corner any pickup on snow or ice.
@@Kopernicus67 Ive used mine 4 times in the last year.A Lot of these work sites I go to are up steep inclines. Gone through some nasty muddy terrain. It only snows once or twice a year here. And a tacoma on snow rated all terrains has plenty of capability in the snow. Ive had my 6ft bed filled up plenty of times front to back. If you don't need it I understand going for the comfort but it doesn't make sense for me. I really don't think the tacomas that bad comfort wise anyways. I am 5'11". If I didn't need a truck I would still be driving my 2016 Camry le. That car was comfortable.
The Ridgeline also drives and rides way better than the Tacoma and frontier and has more space inside
Can't even compare them as the ridgeline isn't a truck. It's just a cheap Civic with a bed.
I have a 2021 RL Sport and it's been my favorite vehicle ever. I got tired of the size of my half ton and how body-on frame vehicles drive in general. It's such a great daily driver for those who can check their egos.
I am disappointed with this Trailsport variant. They could have at least given a modest increase in ride height. The improvements made are decent, but they didn't go far enough.
I do like the older fold up armrests with the "roll top" center console, but they at least made a decent set of cupholders on the new one. I could adapt, though. Glad to see some tech updates, even if the interior is still looking a bit dated.
Overall, it's a decent minor update. I suspect an all new one is coming as a 2027 model. Watch the Pilot for a possible hybrid drivetrain in the next couple years to potentially preview what might be in store for the next-gen RL.
Yeah, I really like my 23' HPD Ridgeline. It's very luxurious and also kinds of moves out. 100% the best vehicle I've owned.
Very nice looking truck. I really like the tech upgardes and the new armrest. I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport and I am going to trade it in for a 2024 Black Edition as soon as it is available.
I have a 2022 Sport which I love. Not enough upgrades for me to trade up just yet. Thanks for the review.
Have a ‘21 Black Edition. Took it down a two track and hit a small dip at about 5 mph. The door no longer lines up to the fender. It was a small dip. I love the truck but it’s about as trail rated as a Miata.
But i dont want to go off road , i want a faster highway truck . Bigger brakes , and a manual would be sweet. I wouldn't know how to even find dirt or know a farmer to let me go riding around his farm .
Thank you, Tommy, good review. when I think off rugged offroad, dominated by Jeep and Toyota TRD, I'd rarely think crossover or Honda
Really like this truck and the color. Still love my Gladiator despite the issues I have had with it.
Nice truck, love the storage under the bed. ! If it just had a little more clearance.
Thank you for the review....Honda has been milking this for a minute or two. Can't wait till TFL gets this for a true road trip review!!!!
The Ridgeline is a great truck but this package isn't worth it imo
What a damn disappointment. It should have been redesigned long time ago.
First let's stop trying to normalize high prices on trucks, especially for trims that are only appearance packages. $50k is crazy for this.
Try 65k for the Colorado off road version. Insanity
Really surprised it didn’t get the Honda Pilot’s level of upgrades for the Trailsport trim. Sad as I had looked forward to getting this, but may go Taco instead. Very disappointed. Good video as always though.
Somehow, as a 43 year old dad, who is also a mechanic, this is the vehicle I find myself wanting most. Unexpectedly complete, thought-out and well executed engineering.
As a 37 year-old mechanic who owns one: They're great. Unless it doesn't meet your towing needs or you do a lot of off-roading, there's no reason not to get one of these. Honda reliability and thoughtful engineering combined with, as Tommy said, the most comfortable interior in its class. This trim level is a bit of a whiff, I think. But the RTL has everything you could need.
We waited ALL year for these meager updates! How long are we going to have to wait for the complete redesign?
I am entirely, thoroughly, and frustratingly unimpressed. This is supposed to be their most off-road vehicle. Their MOST. And this is all you get. This is it. Toyota is about to destroy and humiliate Honda within the truck and SUV segment in the next 12 months.
If you're shopping Ridgelines with hardcore off-roading in mind, you're starting off on the wrong foot in the first place. Nobody should be cross-shopping a TRD with one of these, in any trim.
@@Wrencher_86 I like the interiors and build quality of Hondas. Absolutely in love with my Accord. Wish there was a 4Runner or Tacoma level of off-road offering in the Honda line. It’s what I dream of. Just never liked any Toyota I’ve been in or driven.
Looks like a lot more room in the back seat than the taco
Wow nice but what a missed opportunity! I think many were waiting on the fence. But with Honda not really doing enough??? No lift by an inch, no increased towing, no tow hooks, no real underbody protection…. Uuugh. I think Honda just missed out on a lot of sales! It’s good start but why would people wait and wait and wait and wait for Honda to produce what we need and want.
Well said.
So funny because so few people use even a small percentage of their trucks offroad capability.
The vast majority of people will use a SXS or ATV to actually offroad.
I have a 21 black edition with a 2” leveling kit and one inch taller wildpeak tires. 10” ground clearance. I’ve gone places you wouldn’t believe. Very capable truck and easily tows my other 84 720. 12:43
Which brand of 2" lift did you use?
@@Monkeyseemonkey79 traxda
Good update, How many fools would spend 50k to go off- roading and climb rocks and jump ditches??? Ridgeline is a Great everyday driver, that does it all.
Great truck until you have to spend $2500 at 75,000 miles to have the timing belt replaced. Then the real fun begins because they will only warranty that for 12 months or 12,000 miles. When your second timing belt fails 30,000 miles and three years later, and your engine is destroyed, you’re on your own!
No full size spare, and no primer, so paint peals, and rust after warranty expires. Paint looks dull and not shinny like a Subaru. Tires have a 110mph speed rating which is not impressive at all. Engine is weak and needs a turbo for high altitude driving in the Rocky Mountains. At 12,000 - 18,000 feet above sea level you lose over 50% power unless you have a turbo. So a 280hp vehicle getting 140hp and 4500 pounds trying to climb La Vida Pass in Colorado is going to hold up traffic. The bed is too shallow. Center console in 1st gen looks more like a truck. This has a mini van console seperating driver and passanger. Wireless chargers are irrelevant. No mention of a GPS?
Have a 2020 Ridgeline and I love it except it was last year without a volume knob. It is a lease and is due to be turned in. Just hope the 2024s come out soon! This truck is awesome and has all the capabilities that most people need. I don't tow a boat or camper so it's perfect for me. It is so comfortable and great road trip vehicle.
Great suburban vehicle. Don't get this if you're an off road junkie.
Wilderness Outback / CrossTrek have 9+ inches of ground clearance ...come on Honda.
This thing is far from rugged.
Flattening out the front end is definitely a good move by Honda. Makes it look more 'truck-like' which helps their street-cred.
Love my Ridgeline it is the PEFECT truck
These trucks have, and have always had, car-transmissions; they are notorious for overheating. And I bet the motor still uses a timing-belt. There's no way these things can be trail-rugged, even with that chewing-gum foil skid plate.
It's a heavily modded Pilot with a goofy price-point, people can see right through it.
And all these crazy recalls... clearly there's some folks at HoA asleep at the wheel.
Since I have owned an 08 and now own a 21, and sense I hate the lack of off road ability of the 21 even more than the 08(but love my 21 on road), what about buying the cheapest available new RL(it does have a lower gear ratio than my 08), which would have an identical drive train to this Trail model, and modified it? With a lift and slightly bigger tires and skid plates and recovery points? That wold work but I assume it would void my new vehicle warranty. And I do NOT want to do that. So better to just get a 4Runner. Even the most basic 4Runner would be far better off road than this so called trail model RL. (but sadly, not as good on road) Dang Honda, I thought you might get er done with this new model! Another disappointment!
I agree. I was so hoping so bad for THE NEW RIDGELINE.. but minor changes, just like apple with their iphones. 😂
Much better value than loaded Maverick Lariat and Santa Cruz for a little more money.
Honda being lazy and mailing it in, as usual. they literally just share Pilot parts with so many vehicles that there's no excuse why they couldn't have brought the new Pilot design to the Ridgeline for 2024. I love the Ridgeline, but I hope the sales drop like a fly to spite Honda's lazy engineering.
I actually prefer the old arm rests more.
1. They are independently adjustable,
2. I don’t have to move my arm if the passenger goes into the center council,
3. My little dog can sleep on her bed in between the front seats.
Love the Ridgeline. But I don't understand why they didn't lifted a bit the TrailSport model. It has the same ground clearance than the other trims. Why? Honda missed a good opportunity there.
Bed is 60"x 64". Its more than 4' wide, and the wheel wells dont intrude. In some short bed mid sized trucks, the wheels kill the bed space.
Will it be unobtainium.
Honda makes good vehicles, but Honda needs to ditch the push button transmission shift it does not save any more room than a compact gear shift and it is out of place in a Truck same goes for the Passport. Also they need to make the Ridgeline tow 6000 lbs this gives more room to carry cargo and tow a small camper without worrying about being at the max capability. They also need to make the exterior of the Ridgeline more aggressive and truck like along with the long in the tooth interior design whoever is in charge of design at Honda is way too conservative. Literally if you meet a Passport, Ridgeline, or Pilot on the road you cant tell them apart - give each one of them some character of their own.
Love tfl but sounded like an advertisement on this one. People need to know very expensive drive belt change at 70000, also ground clearance is terrible. Avoid
Came for the Ridgeline disappointment, stayed for the picturesque background
Anyone taking this thing anywhere off road is taking a major risk of damage. This is far from off road ready. I dont think the honda developers really understand whats needed for true off road capability.
If this had two extra inches of ground clearance and more undercarriage protection, I would highly consider trading my 23 Nissan frontier for one.