For the 2024 model, Honda has enhanced its Ridgeline pickup truck with some offroad prowess thanks to the first TrailSport edition. That is in part thanks to a specially tuned suspension, large all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection for the oil pan.
The mid-sized Ridgeline pickup has three trims, with the Sport and Black Edition book-ending the TrailSport, which is priced at $56,458.30.
All trims come standard with Honda’s all-wheel drive system, and for 2024 the model received some interior upgrades to the centre console and tech.
Powertrain: The Ridgeline has but one available engine, a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, numbers that resulted in an overall positive feel from behind the wheel.
It is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which is quite good despite the button setup for the shifter controls in the centre console.
And the pickup features the i-VTM torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system from Honda, crucial for anyone hoping to take the Ridgeline into the wilderness.
Featuring Eco Assist technology, the Ridgeline is estimated to have a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres, and I didn’t miss that mark by much, returning 12.1 L/100 km.
The setup provides the Ridgeline with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, in addition to the truck bed capacity and the weatherproof below-the-bed cargo box.
Exterior: The TrailSport model has a few extra enhancements to differentiate it, including a unique grille with a more rugged mesh design, Pewter Grey 18-inch wheels and black door-pillar trim. Adding to that are orange TrailSport in the grille and tailgate that has the name Ridgeline stamped across its width.
This version of the Ridgeline comes with a large set of 18-inch General Grabber A/T all-terrain tires for any off-roading but beware because there no difference in ride height (7.6 inches) from the regular Ridgeline’s. The TrailSport has a protective plate covering the oil pan, thankfully.
On top of that unique grille is a gloss black crossbar that runs over the headlights, and the gloss black trim also extends to the exterior mirrors.
The Ridgeline features a dual-action tailgate that can either open down, like a typical truck tailgate, or swing open to the side like a door.
Interior: Like the exterior, the TrailSport’s interior gets a few unique touches such as orange ambient lighting and contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door panels. And the TrailSport logo is embroidered into the headrests of the comfortable front seats. All Ridgeline models receive a new centre console area with a larger storage bin and integrated armrest.
At the back, the Ridgeline offers a flat floor for extra storage thanks to the foldaway 60/40-split rear seat bottoms.
I appreciated the overall comfort, layout as well as the fit and finish of the cabin, all of which are what you would expect from Honda.
Rear legroom is more on the tight side; however you aren’t overly cramped back there.
Infotainment: The TrailSport features the new 9.0-inch touchscreen for the model, and Honda has also upgraded the driver information display to a 7-inch colour unit for key information.
The infotainment system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although this was less than perfect during my time with the Ridgeline. The system kept cutting off and voice commands were almost always incorrectly interpreted. Despite phone resets, the issue never went away and was experienced on other Honda products tested recently.
The system also comes standard with satellite radio, and seven speakers including a subwoofer.
Drive: On city roads, the Ridgeline drives exceptionally well. It almost feels more like a Honda SUV than a pickup truck, and that isn’t a bad thing.
It does have specific setups for off-roading, but how much of that you will do with the truck remains to be seen. The suspension on the TrailSport has a different spring setting than other models, and Honda added anti-roll bars into the underpinnings to improve handling.
Despite the all-terrain tires, road noise in the cabin is kept under control.
The overall handling feel of the Ridgeline is one of control and poise, thanks in part to the suspension tuning but also the setup of the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, which can adjust the engine’s torque distribution as needed to remain agile when going around corners.
Conclusion: There are many mid-sized pickups on the market, but the Ridgeline has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it unique, like the underfloor storage in the bed.
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
That said, the competition has been catching up to the Honda model in recent years in terms of refinement of the cabin, which has long been a strong advantage for Honda in my view.
I always found the Ridgeline to be a unique proposition on the market, but we have seen new entrants try and imitate it, which is a sure sign that Honda is doing something right.
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
Price as tested: $56,458.30
Freight: $2,000.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre V6/ 9-speed automatic
Power/torque: 280 horsepower/ 262 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (73.8 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 11.6 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.1 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Toyota Tacoma
Website: Honda Canada