2021 Honda Ridgeline review
Honda Ridgeline highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Plenty of storage throughout the interior
- Spacious crew cab with quality fit and finish
Cons
- Less towing capacity than its rivals
- No low-range gearing and less clearance than typical truck
- Driver aids can be overly sensitive and distracting
Mileage (EPA estimate)
18 city, 24 highway, 21 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2021 Honda Ridgeline gets a light refresh
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline stands out in the midsize truck class both for its ride quality and interior comfort, its calling cards since Honda’s truck debuted in 2006. The 2021 model added a restyled front end and a new rear bumper with dual exhaust. It also got an updated infotainment system that added a physical volume knob instead of a touch-sensitive control.
But the big talking point for any Ridgeline is its unibody construction, which is more like a passenger car or SUV than the body-on-frame style used for most trucks. The Ridgeline’s construction gives it an edge over its competitors (namely the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator and Chevrolet Colorado) when it comes to ride quality and easy driving. Okay—but at what cost? The Ridgeline's towing capacity doesn't match its competitors and its limited ground clearance makes it a poor fit for those looking for an off-road adventure vehicle. It also can’t be equipped with low-range gearing, which may not appeal to off-road enthusiasts. However, its 40-inch wide, 5-foot bed complements its impressive interior storage making for a capable gear hauler.
All Honda Ridgeline years
What is new for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?
- The RTL trim now comes with Memory Seat(s), Blind Spot Monitor, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The Sport trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment.
2021 Honda Ridgeline trims
Sport:
- 280-hp, 262-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Automated Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- View our Honda Ridgeline Sport inventory
RTL:
- Includes all features available on the Sport
- Sunroofs
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Honda Ridgeline RTL inventory
RTL-E:
- Includes all features available on the RTL
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
- Navigation System
- View our Honda Ridgeline RTL-E inventory
Black Edition:
- Includes all features available on the RTL-E
- No significant upgrades found on the Black Edition
- View our Honda Ridgeline Black Edition inventory
Honda Ridgeline photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Honda Ridgeline
What We Like
Comfort: The 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers the smoothest ride you'll get in a pickup. The front seats are also comfortable and well-padded, though you won't confuse the Honda for a luxury vehicle. The cabin is quieter than competitive trucks, and the automatic tri-zone climate control is standard across all trim levels, which is a nice touch.
Interior: This is both a passenger- and driver-friendly vehicle. The tilt-and-telescoping wheel makes it a snap to find a good driving position. Getting in and out of the Ridgeline is simple thanks to wide doors and a cab that's larger than its competitors. A backup camera is also standard on all trim levels.
Storage: While the Ridgeline comes a little short in towing capacity, you'll find no shortage of storage space—in the bed and inside the vehicle. Payload capacity is solid, too, and a lockable trunk inside the bed is a standout feature. There are numerous cubbies and a large storage area under the rear seats, and it’s a cinch to install child safety seats.
What Needs Improvement
Truck stuff: The Ridgeline is comfortable and practical, but other midsize trucks are better at doing truck things. Other trucks can handle heavier towing or hauling jobs. And if you’re an avid off-roader, competitors have higher ground clearance and available 4x4 with low-range gearing.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Honda Ridgeline an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Honda Ridgeline 5th out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda RidgelineHonda Ridgeline features and specs
Sport 4WD/AWD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bed Liner
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
- Running Boards
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
280
Torque (ft-lbs)
262
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.5
Wheelbase
125.2"
Overall length
210.2"
Width
78.6"
Height
70.8"
Leg room
F 40.9"/R 36.7"
Head room
F 40.1"/R 38.8"
Front tires
P245/60HR18
Rear tires
P245/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Honda Ridgeline FAQ
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Sport: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- RTL: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- RTL-E: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
- Black Edition: 18 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway
The Honda Ridgeline received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Honda Ridgeline as 4 out of 8 among Midsize Truck
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has received an average 3.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Honda Ridgeline, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Honda Ridgeline Reviews.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline:
- Automated Cruise Control
- Bed Liner
- Memory Seat(s)
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Satellite Radio Ready
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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