In the realm of midsize trucks, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline stands out as an unconventional contender. While competitors prioritize ruggedness and towing prowess, the Ridgeline carves its own path, emphasizing comfort, fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly versatile in-bed trunk.
Striking a Balance Between On-Road Refinement and Off-Road Capability
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline boasts significant upgrades, particularly for off-road enthusiasts. The all-new TrailSport trim is the first Ridgeline specifically designed for tackling rough terrain. It features aggressive all-terrain tires, a suspension tuned for off-road driving, and protective steel underbody plates.
However, even the base Ridgeline trims prioritize on-road comfort with a smooth ride and a fuel-efficient engine. This doesn't negate its ability to handle occasional off-road excursions, but those seeking a dedicated rock crawler should look elsewhere.
A Unique In-Bed Trunk and Spacious Interior
One of the Ridgeline's most distinctive features is its innovative in-bed trunk. This watertight compartment resides beneath the truck bed, offering a secure and weatherproof storage solution for gear or groceries. The Ridgeline's spacious cabin provides ample legroom and headroom for passengers, making it a comfortable choice for long road trips.
Tech-Savvy Features and Driver-Assistance Technologies
The 2024 Ridgeline embraces modern technology with a suite of driver-assistance features encompassed by Honda Sensing. This comprehensive package includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Ridgeline offers a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display and smartphone integration.
Trims and Pricing
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline comes in four distinct trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. All models come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a standard all-wheel-drive system. Here's a quick breakdown of the starting MSRP for each trim:
- Sport: $39,750
- RTL: $43,210
- TrailSport: $44,690
- Black Edition: $46,420
Fuel Economy
The Honda Ridgeline delivers impressive fuel economy for a midsize truck, achieving an EPA-estimated rating of up to 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Safety
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline prioritizes safety with its Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features. It has received good ratings in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Right for You?
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline caters to a specific niche of truck buyers who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and a unique blend of on-road and off-road capability. If you value a smooth ride, a spacious interior, and innovative features like the in-bed trunk, the Ridgeline is definitely worth considering. However, if you require a truck for heavy-duty hauling or extreme off-roading, better options might be available.
Here's a table comparing the 2024 Honda Ridgeline with some of its key competitors in the midsize truck market:
Feature | Honda Ridgeline | Nissan Frontier | Toyota Tacoma | Chevrolet Colorado |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting MSRP | $39,750 | $37,840 | $28,470 | $26,795 |
Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.8-liter V6 | 2.7-liter I4 (standard) or 3.5-liter V6 | 2.0-liter I4 (standard) or 3.6-liter V6 |
Horsepower | 280 hp | 304 hp | 159 hp (I4) or 272 hp (V6) | 200 hp (I4) or 308 hp (V6) |
Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 21 mpg / 28 mpg | 17 mpg / 22 mpg | 20 mpg / 23 mpg (I4) or 19 mpg / 22 mpg (V6) | 22 mpg / 28 mpg (I4) or |