The Ridgeline was an early player in what is now a surprisingly robust “truck but not a truck” segment. Its unibody construction gives it a more car-like ride and a comfier interior than traditional pickup trucks, but it gains those qualities at the expense of all-out truck capability. Still, it’s quite a capable rig, and updates for 2024 promise to make it even more rugged. The 2024 Ridgeline gets a new TrailSport trim level with all-terrain tires and skid plates, and Honda updates the truck’s interior for all trims.
Honda offers the 2024 Ridgeline in a number of versions, ranging from the base Sport trim to the top Black Edition. All trucks get a V6 engine and all-wheel (AWD) drive, and Honda equips the truck with several clever features that improve its capability. Pricing is forthcoming, but expect the truck on dealers’ lots in late December 2023.
Honda is leaning into the Ridgeline’s rugged image with the 2024 model, giving it a stamped tailgate with the truck’s name prominently stretching from taillight to taillight. The TrailSport version brings light off-road equipment, including a unique grille with a mesh design, a black crossbar on the grille, black exterior trim, orange TrailSport badging, and 18-inch wheels with General Grabber A/T Sport tires.
The Ridgeline’s comfortable, upscale cabin gets a few updates for 2024, including a new center console storage compartment with enough space to hold a full-size tablet. The console also has a larger integrated armrest, and Honda expands the storage tray in front of the shifter, giving it enough space to fit two large smartphones.
The TrailSport’s cabin gets exclusive features that set it apart from the rest of the Ridgeline catalog, including orange ambient interior lighting and contrast stitching. The seats feature embroidered TrailSport logos, and the 5-seat interior offers 60/40 folding rear seat bottoms that increase storage space inside.
All 2024 Ridgeline pickups come with Honda’s venerable 3.5-liter V6 engine, making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Honda pairs it with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and AWD comes standard. Honda says its AWD system can send up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels and split 100 percent between individual rear wheels. The automaker says it tuned the system to work off-road and still function with one wheel lifted off the ground. Honda also adds driving modes that help sort out off-road terrain, such as sand, snow, and mud.
Honda Sensing safety equipment comes standard on the 2024 Ridgeline, bringing forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims add blind-spot warning, and parking sensors come with the top two configurations.
As of this writing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to rate the crashworthiness of the updated 2024 Ridgeline. While the structurally similar 2023 model missed a Top Safety Pick award, the truck did earn “Good” marks in most crash categories. Its headlights earned a “Marginal” score.
Tech updates for the 2024 Ridgeline include a new 7-inch digital gauge cluster with a digital tachometer and physical speedometer. It’s not as configurable as the digital clusters in some models, but users can display safety information and other data. A new 9-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard, bringing a faster processor and more seamless operation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with the new display, and Honda streamlines the navigation system with fewer menus and better graphics. The Ridgeline Black Edition trim gets an upgraded stereo, and wireless phone charging is available.
The Ridgeline’s biggest challenge is that it has to compete with “real” trucks, including the Ford Ranger, which is getting a significant overhaul for 2024, including a new Raptor variant. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are fantastic alternatives that offer off-road capability and a surprisingly smooth on-road experience. The Toyota Tacoma is also all-new for 2024, bringing an overlanding-ready model and powertrain upgrades. Buyers may also eye the Ford Maverick, which is slightly cheaper and smaller but offers a hybrid powertrain and still-strong capability.
Honda is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of November 6, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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