2024 Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport Review

This week I am behind the wheel of the first-ever 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport. Loaded with special off-road hardware, Honda calls it the most capable Ridgeline  ever.   2024 also brings updates to the entire Ridgeline lineup. We're talking updated styling, a better cabin experience, more standard technology and storage. The TrailSport slots third in the lineup behind the top-of-the-line Black Edition.

Exterior

My Ridgeline test vehicle wears a premium Sonic Gray Pearl hue. Its TrailSport status shows itself with orange TrailSport badging on both the front grille and tailgate. It also rides on TrailSport's 18-inch Pewter wheels.

The TrailSport features LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights along with LED tail lights. 

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Heated power-folding side mirrors adorn the sides and in back you'll find Ridgeline badging stamped on the tailgate as well as dual chrome exhaust finishers. 

Performance

Under the hood you find a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The system delivers 280-horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Ridgeline is also equipped with standard all-wheel drive. The Intelligent Traction Management system features modes for sand, snow, mud and paved roads. The engine's stop/start feature can be disabled. You can also turn the engine on remotely via key fob.

TrailSport

TrailSport off-roading goodies include an off-road-tuned suspension,  steel underbody protection and the Ridgeline's first-ever all-terrain tires -  General Grabber A/T Sport tires (245/60R18).

Interior 

I have to say the TrailSport cabin surprised me. While there is a bit more plastic than I'd like,  the orange-hued TrailSport elements along with the leather-trimmed seats give the interior an overall polished feel. You do get some soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels and the soft seat backs are definitely a nice surprise. 

TrailSport elements really add appeal. They include orange contrast stitching on the steering wheel, orange ambient LED lighting and TrailSport logos embroidered on the front seat head rests. 

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Seats in both front and back are cushiony and comfortable. It's nice to see a 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar as well. (The passenger must make do with a 4-way power seat.) The perforated leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel looks and feels great especially with the contrast stitching.  A new standard 7-inch digital driver's display is easy to read.

The center stack isn't terribly tech-forward, something traditionalists will like. You'll find standard climate controls there and nothing fancy.

Honda did a great job on the redesigned center console that now offers more storage space. It also features a large, newly-integrated armrest.  On the center console, ahead of the shift-by-wire gear shifter, an improved storage tray can fit two smartphones, side by side.   

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In terms of roominess, there's plenty of leg-room. Headroom is better in front than in the back seat due to stadium seating, which could pose an issue for tall passengers who"ll likely prefer the front.   Second-row passengers get A/C vents but no digital controls.  A cushiony drop-down center console reveals two small beverage holders. But there are larger ones in the door handles.  

I'd love to see a panoramic sunroof in here, the standard one feels too small.  The nice rubber floor mats with the TrailSport logo though are great. I've no doubt they can handle any adventure.

You'll get USB-A and C ports in the front, but you'll need the Black Edition to get an additional 2 USB-C's for rear seat passengers.

Standard lineup features include 12-volt power outlets in both rows and a lockable glove compartment

Multimedia 

For 2024, the lineup features a new, larger 9-inch color touchscreen that's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with HD Radio, Bluetooth and Sirius XM capability. Honda says the multimedia system also has a faster processor. It's also simplified the nav system with new graphics and fewer menus. I do wish the screen were sitting a bit lower on the center stack. It sat a bit high for me.

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The touchscreen also houses a multi-rearview camera, but I think the camera could use better placement as it does not provide a fully unencumbered view.

The TrailSport is equipped with a 7-speaker sound system.

Utility

One of the coolest things about the Ridgeline is it's utility. For one, there's a power sliding rear window, available on all but the base trim. Then you get under-seat storage beneath the lift-up 60/40 split second row.

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Even better,  Honda's Dual-Action Tailgate and In-Bed Trunk continues to be standard on all models.  The tailgate opens down or swings to the side. The in-bed storage area is also great. The trunk is also equipped with bed lights and eight tie-down cleats in the trunk along with bed lights. 

There is also an integrated Class III Trailer Hitch and the Ridgeline can tow 5,000 pounds.

Ride and Drive

The Ridgeline's ride and drive is really enjoyable.   Despite its clear off-road capability, it still delivers a car-like ride with great on-road comfort and handling. Honda says that's thanks to its new off-road tuned suspension that doesn't sacrifice a comfy ride.  The suspension delivers a smooth highway ride that was quieter than I expected.  Acceleration is great, too, and it's so easy to maneuver, unlike larger half-ton pickups.  Visibility is also terrific thanks to the 7.64 inches of ground clearance. 

Safety 

Honda Sensing, Honda's suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, is standard across the lineup. On Ridgeline, it includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

TrailSport also features front and rear parking sensors.

What You'll Pay 

My test vehicle monroney shows that my tester is slated for some dealer installed options that are not on it yet, like the some HPD Packages, Utility Packages and two Function Packages as well as Tailgate Blackout Package. If you add all those in the total MSRP would be just shy of $56,000.

As it stands here, with destination MSRP runs $46,375.

Verdict  

The Ridgeline is a really enjoyable pickup and I love its versatility.