The 2024 Honda Ridgeline broke cover and it is obvious that Honda played it safe with the midsize pickup. Not much has changed about the pickup, but a new off-road-focused TrailSport trim showed up in the range.
Honda claims that we are now dealing with the most capable Ridgeline pickup ever made, as unique spring rates, damper valve tuning, and stabilizer bars improve traction and articulation. The model now also sports a steel underbody protection. The Japanese carmaker describes it as ready to work hard and play even harder.
The update brings along a new TrailSport trim level that makes it more off-road-capable. The new variant features General Grabber A/T Sport tires mounted on 18-inch five-spoke wheels, instead of the all-season sets that the other Ridgelines wear. They are designed to improve traction on dirt, sand, mud, rocky terrain, and snow, with no compromise on driving on the road.
The TrailSport badging shows up in orange on the radiator grille, in combination with the new Diffuse Sky Blue body paint and, on board, there is orange upholstery stitching and orange ambient lighting. A new armrest and a new center console layout with more storage space appeared in there, plus a Qi-compatible wireless charging system.
A 9.0-inch touchscreen displays the infotainment menu and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the 7.0-inch half-digital instrument cluster is standard. The analog speedometer keeps its ground behind the steering wheel, next to the digital tachometer. The integrated navigation system received simplified graphics and submenus.
Photo: Honda
Slight modifications appear at the front and rear. The model gets a new mesh design for the radiator grille, but also a redesigned tailgate with the name of the model stamped in capital letters on almost the entire width of it.
Four-wheel drive will be available all through the lineup, which includes the Sport, RTL, the new off-road-focused TrailSport, and the top-of-the-line Black Edition.
The model can tow as much as 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms), while being able to withstand a payload of 1,583 pounds (718 kilograms). To enhance practicality, Honda came up with the Dual-Action Tailgate, which opens down like a typical truck tailgate, but can also swing open to the side like a normal door.
The model is powered by the 3.5-liter V6 engine, which generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The power unit is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Honda has some post-production options for those who want to customize their pickup, and the HPD Package is one of them. It brings a more rugged appearance, a unique grille design, black fender flares, new wheels, and special graphics.
Honda sold 43,701 Ridgeline examples in the first ten months of 2023. So it could be the model’s best year so far, if November and December will not slow down.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline will continue to roll off the production line of the factory in Lincoln, Alabama, and will hit showrooms this winter, with an estimated price ranging between $41,000 and $48,000. Right now, the pre-facelift Ridgeline Sport starts at $38,800, while the range-topping Black Edition starts at $46,230.
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