The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport enters the market as a compelling option for those seeking a blend of truck utility and SUV comfort. At Mudfest, hosted by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), the Ridgeline TrailSport impressed even on challenging off-road courses, proving its capabilities extend beyond daily commutes. This review delves into the Ridgeline TrailSport’s performance, features, and how it stacks up against competitors, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential buyers.
Mudfest serves as a rigorous testing ground, pushing vehicles to their limits in a controlled environment at Ridge Motorsports Park in Washington State. During this event, 21 journalists evaluated the Ridgeline TrailSport alongside 19 other vehicles, subjecting them to demanding track and off-road conditions. The Ridgeline TrailSport showcased its resilience, navigating difficult terrains without faltering.
Despite not being designed for extreme off-roading like the King of the Hammers, the Honda Ridgeline TrailSport confidently tackled the same hilly and rutted paths as robust vehicles like the Ineos Grenadier, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger Raptor. While its 7.6 inches of ground clearance led to some skid plate scraping, the all-wheel-drive system and all-terrain tires ensured effective power distribution and grip in muddy conditions.
The TrailSport trim, a key update for the 2024 Ridgeline, enhances its off-road appeal with a skid plate, all-terrain tires, subtle cosmetic enhancements, and a refined suspension. This addition underscores the Ridgeline’s understated capability, challenging perceptions of it as merely a crossover pickup derived from the Honda Pilot. While it doesn’t aim to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Ranger Raptor, the TrailSport trim adds a layer of ruggedness to its already versatile design, which received a significant facelift in 2021 to project a more truck-like appearance.
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport off-road performance review
Honda Ridgeline TrailSport: Daily Driving and Practicality
Living with the Ridgeline TrailSport for a week revealed its strengths as a daily driver. It mirrors the practicality of previous Ridgeline models, comfortably accommodating passengers and cargo. The spacious back seat can fit two Trek ten-speed bikes, and adult passengers find ample room. Its bed capacity of 1,500 pounds and towing capacity of 5,000 pounds make it suitable for various tasks. Notably, the TrailSport maintains a quiet and smooth ride comparable to luxury crossovers, even with its all-terrain tires, and offers superior handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks.
The Honda Ridgeline TrailSport excels in everyday usability, a crucial factor for most drivers who prioritize daily commutes and routine tasks over extreme hauling or towing. Its user-friendly design and comfortable driving experience are significant advantages. However, increased competition in truck refinement and the Ridgeline’s price point are factors to consider.
First Impressions of the Ridgeline TrailSport
Visually, the TrailSport maintains a familiar Ridgeline aesthetic, with subtle updates from the 2021 facelift. Distinguishing features include all-terrain tires and TrailSport badging. The tested model’s Sonic Gray paint is available across the Ridgeline range, while a Sky Blue hue is exclusive to the TrailSport.
Exterior Dimensions:
| Length | 210.2 Inches |
|---|---|
| Width | 78.6 Inches |
| Height | 70.8 Inches |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 Inches |
| Curb Weight | 4,495 Pounds |
Inside, the cabin features a predominantly black interior with hard plastic materials, prioritizing comfort and ergonomics. The rear seat offers generous space, surpassing many compact and midsize trucks. TrailSport interior badging and subtle orange ambient lighting add distinctive touches. The infotainment system is straightforward, and controls are user-friendly.
Driving Performance and Engine Review
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport retains the 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain delivers smooth and ample power, though higher RPMs are needed to maximize performance. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is achieved in just over six seconds, slightly quicker than many competitors. However, the 5,000-pound towing capacity is modest for its class.
Honda Ridgeline 2024 engine performance
On-road, the Ridgeline TrailSport stands out as the most refined midsize truck, rivaled only by the Hyundai Santa Cruz in smoothness and handling. Its steering is precise and communicative, with controlled body roll for a vehicle of its height. The ride quality is exceptionally smooth, whether loaded or unloaded, and arguably softer in the TrailSport trim compared to standard Ridgelines. It provides a relaxed and comfortable driving experience while still offering engaging performance when desired.
Off-road, the Ridgeline’s limitations include ground clearance and the absence of low-range gearing or locking differentials found in trucks like the Jeep Gladiator. However, its i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system effectively manages torque distribution with Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes, performing similarly to Subaru’s X-Mode. Increased ground clearance would significantly enhance its off-road prowess, enabling it to tackle terrains comparable to a Subaru Forester Wilderness or a Ford Ranger FX4.
Performance Specifications:
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 280 HP@6,000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT@4,700 RPM |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 Pounds |
| Payload Capacity (TrailSport) | 1,521 Pounds |
The TrailSport trim enhances off-road comfort with softer springs and a more compliant anti-roll bar, improving grip on uneven surfaces. While not designed for extreme rock crawling, it is well-suited for most Forest Service trails.
Off-Road Specifications:
| Approach Angle | 20.4 |
|---|---|
| Breakover Angle | 19.6 |
| Departure Angle | 19.6 |
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Fuel Economy Review
Honda Ridgeline TrailSport fuel efficiency
The EPA fuel economy ratings for the Ridgeline TrailSport are 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 mpg combined, slightly lower than the standard Ridgeline in highway and combined figures. Real-world testing in mixed driving conditions, including light off-roading, yielded 18.2 mpg. While the Ridgeline was once fuel-efficient for its class, many current rivals, particularly hybrid models like the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma, offer superior fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
| City | Highway | Combined | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Rated | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel Economy Tested | 16-18 mpg | 21-22 mpg | 18-19 mpg |
Interior Design, Comfort, and Cabin Review
The Ridgeline’s interior prioritizes functionality and comfort over visual flair, featuring extensive black plastic regardless of trim. While the design may appear dated, it excels in comfort and usability. The smooth and quiet ride further enhances the interior experience. The push-button shifter, however, may not be the most intuitive for all users.
The front seats in the TrailSport are heated, powered, and exceptionally comfortable, offering more softness than those in the Tacoma or Santa Cruz, making them ideal for long drives.
The rear seat, while more upright and with 36.7 inches of legroom, provides more space than most crew cab trucks in its segment, except for the Jeep Gladiator. Adults can comfortably occupy the back seat, a notable advantage over competitors like the Tacoma, Maverick, and Chevy Colorado. The Gladiator offers more rear space but sacrifices ride smoothness.
Interior Specifications:
| Front | Rear | |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom | 40.1 Inches | 38.8 Inches |
| Leg Room | 40.9 Inches | 36.7 Inches |
| Shoulder Room | 62.0 Inches | 61.5 Inches |
Technology and User-Friendliness Review
Every Ridgeline includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Honda’s interface is simple and user-friendly, though the graphics are somewhat dated. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
A wireless charging pad and front USB ports (A and C) are included, with optional rear USB-C ports. Navigation with voice control is standard on the TrailSport and Black Edition. The system effectively recognizes voice commands.
The Ridgeline’s traditional physical controls for essential functions are a significant advantage, offering easier and quicker access compared to touchscreen-dependent systems in some competitors. Safety features are comprehensive, with standard forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors are optional and included in higher trims like the TrailSport. While these safety features were once a standout for the Ridgeline, they are now more common in the midsize truck segment.
Cargo and Storage Space Review
Honda offers the Ridgeline exclusively as a crew cab with a five-foot bed, which is now typical for most midsize and compact trucks. While some competitors like the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma offer longer beds on certain models, the Ridgeline’s bed depth is comparable to the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon.
The Ridgeline’s bed utility is enhanced by its lockable in-bed trunk, providing secure, out-of-sight storage and doubling as a cooler. This feature, also adopted by the Hyundai Santa Cruz, adds significant practicality, although the Santa Cruz bed is smaller overall. The cabin also offers ample storage, and the spacious rear seat increases interior cargo capacity compared to some rivals.
Cargo Specifications:
| Capacity | |
|---|---|
| Rear Underseat Storage | 2.9 Cubic-Feet |
| In-Bed Trunk Storage | 7.3 Cubic-Feet |
| Bed Capacity Below Tonneau | 33.9 Cubic-Feet |
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport vs. Competitors: Comparison Review
The Ridgeline, despite its age in design terms, faces strong competition from both smaller crossover pickups and newly redesigned body-on-frame trucks. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz represent the smaller, crossover-based segment, while redesigned models like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger offer updated features and capabilities.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 review
| 2024 Honda Ridgeline | 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | TrailSport | XRT |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L Turbocharged I-4 |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Auto |
| Horsepower | 280 HP@6,000 RPM | 281 HP@5,800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT@4,700 RPM | 311 LB-FT@ 1,700-4,000 RPM |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Price (MSRP) | $44,980 | $40,100 |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 Inches | 8.6 Inches |
| 0-60 MPH (est.) | 6.0 Seconds | 6.0 Seconds |
The Ridgeline is larger and heavier than the Santa Cruz, but both share a crossover-based design philosophy. The Santa Cruz, though smaller and less utilitarian, offers a similar in-bed trunk and a more affordable price point, particularly when considering comparable features and all-wheel drive in the XRT trim.
Performance: The Santa Cruz XRT, with its turbocharged engine, offers agile handling and engaging driving dynamics, making it a sporty option. While also limited off-road due to its design, it boasts slightly better ground clearance and an AWD lock feature. Towing capacity is comparable at 5,000 pounds, but it feels more strained than in the Ridgeline. Fuel economy is better in the Santa Cruz.
Comfort: The Ridgeline provides superior comfort, especially in the rear seat and overall cabin space. Front seat comfort is comparable, though the Santa Cruz dashboard design can impinge on knee room. The Ridgeline seats are more comfortable for long journeys. Bed utility is similar, but the Santa Cruz bed is smaller with a sloping cab end, though it features an integrated tonneau cover.
Technology: Both models offer 8.0-inch standard infotainment screens, with the Santa Cruz offering a larger, more modern 10.3-inch screen in higher trims. The Hyundai system has more contemporary graphics and features, with wired CarPlay and Android Auto currently, but wireless updates are expected. Safety ratings are high for both, with the Santa Cruz earning a “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet Colorado Z71 2024 review
| 2024 Honda Ridgeline | 2024 Chevrolet Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | TrailSport | Z71 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.7L Turbocharged I-4 |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower | 280 HP@6,000 RPM | 310 HP@5,600 RPM |
| Torque | 262 LB-FT@4,700 RPM | 390 LB-FT@ 3,000 RPM |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Price (MSRP) | $44,980 | $40,200 |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 Inches | 8.9 Inches |
| 0-60 MPH (est.) | 6.0 Seconds | 6.7 Seconds |
The redesigned Chevrolet Colorado is a traditional body-on-frame truck, offering advantages in payload, towing, and off-road capability compared to the Ridgeline. It is also generally less expensive, with more off-road-focused trims like the ZR2 and Trail Boss surpassing the Ridgeline TrailSport in off-road prowess. However, the Colorado is less refined and practical for daily use unless regular towing is required.
Performance: Higher trims of the Colorado feature a 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but straight-line speed and on-pavement handling are not superior to the Ridgeline. Off-road, the Colorado significantly outperforms the Ridgeline, particularly in Trail Boss and ZR2 trims with greater ground clearance and better approach/departure angles. Towing capacity is also much higher for the Colorado.
Comfort: Front-seat space is comparable, with slightly more comfortable seats in the Ridgeline. The Colorado’s cabin design is more modern. Rear-seat space and storage are significantly better in the Ridgeline, including the in-bed trunk. The Colorado bed is slightly deeper.
Technology: The Colorado features a more advanced 11.3-inch infotainment screen and digital driver display with Google built-in. While visually impressive, the system relies heavily on touchscreen controls, which can be less user-friendly than the Ridgeline’s simpler, physical controls. Safety features are comprehensive in both, but equipping a Colorado with similar features to the Ridgeline TrailSport often results in a lower overall price for the Chevy.
Recommendation: Which Honda Ridgeline to Buy?
Honda Ridgeline 2024 best value trim
The Honda Ridgeline range starts with the base Sport model at $39,750, which is relatively basic and pricier than comparable domestic pickups. The RTL trim ($42,580) adds significant features like a moonroof, heated seats, leather trim, and more. The TrailSport ($44,980) is slightly more expensive but offers enhanced off-road styling and capability with a modified suspension, all-terrain tires, and unique trim elements, along with an upgraded audio system. The top-tier Black Edition ($46,350) adds blackout trim and additional features.
The TrailSport trim emerges as the best value within the 2024 Honda Ridgeline lineup. Its specific upgrades enhance its rugged appeal and set it apart from other trims, justifying the slight price increase. While the all-terrain tires may slightly reduce fuel economy, the TrailSport’s blend of enhanced capability and unique features makes it a worthwhile choice for buyers seeking a versatile and distinctive midsize truck.
