Thanks to a styling update and the addition of the HPD kit, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline looks like a brand-new truck. But is that really enough in this highly competitive market?
The American truck market is being inundated with brand-new models—Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and especially the Lightning. In his review of the Ridgeline, DeMuro argues that it's the least truck-like model because it's based on a crossover platform shared with the Pilot.
Apparently, if you're looking for a real truck, it shouldn't be on your list, but if you want factory-fitted gold wheels, this has got them. According to him, you shouldn't be fooled by the fender flares.
However, we'd like to point out that the Ridgeline isn't the only "fake truck" out there. And Honda buyers are known for their love of factory body kits or cosmetic packages, especially if they bring a color or gloss black (Black Edition).
But at least it's got quirks and features, right? Otherwise, this wouldn't be a good DeMuro review. According to him, Honda knows about the off-roader trend that spawned things like the Bronco. But it only has crossovers, and so they're forcing them to look more rugged, which explains the new front end of the Ridgeline, which no longer looks like it copied some crossover's homework.
The HPD kit costs $2,800 extra and brings you the gold wheels we mention. DeMuro argues that HPD, short for Honda Performance Development) is an embarrassing copy of TRD, the famous Toyota brand for making everything cooler.
Obviously, the Ridgeline can't match a Tacoma TRD's off-road capabilities, though Doug doesn't subject it to any serious test. Don't hate us for saying this, but we still think the Honda is cool. It's got some decent on-road manners, and for 2021, AWD comes standard.
The bed seems to get DeMuro's seal of approval. It's got an interesting tailgate that opens both from the side and up-and-down, plus composite lining, so you don't have to worry about rust and scratches as much. Also, there's a kind of trunk with a drain at the bottom.
Under the hood, you have the same 3.5-liter V6 with a 9-speed as before, good for 280 horsepower. The Chevy Colorado will pull more, but at least the Ridgeline gets a better payload rating than a Tacoma. So you see, it's not all that bad, but Doug is probably chasing clicks by jumping on the "Ridgeline is not a pickup" internet hate bandwagon.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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