This is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline and it benefits from a host of upgrades that should broaden its appeal among pickup truck buyers. Whereas the outgoing Ridgeline has a very soft look and the front fascia better suited to a crossover, the 2021 model has a much tougher appearance. Key among the changes include all-new sheet metal from the A-pillars forward, including a new hood with a power bulge, redesigned fenders, updated LED headlights, and a more upright grille. There is also a large crossbar connecting the headlights that is finished in gloss black on Sport trims and the Black edition model while being finished in chrome on RTL and RTL-E variants.
Elsewhere, Honda has fitted the updated
Ridgeline with a new front bumper that includes large side vents. There is also
a prominent skid plate. Few changes have been made to the rear but there is a
new bumper and twin tailpipes. All trim levels come standard with
tougher-looking 18-inch wheels and an increased track width of 20 mm.
Buyers who want to make a statement can
opt for the Honda Performance Development (HPD) package that includes a unique
grille, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels, and special HPD graphics on
the bed walls. The Ridgeline pictured has the HPD package.
Few modifications have been made to the
interior but there is a new infotainment system that includes a physical volume
knob. Ridgeline models ordered in Sport trim also add new cloth seat inserts
and contrast stitching on the seats while Sport, RTL, and RTL-E models have a
new dashboard, steering wheel and center console accents.
No chassis modifications have been made
and all variants continue to be sold with a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine producing
280 hp and 355 Nm of torque while mated to a nine-speed automatic
transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard but a torque-vectoring all-wheel
drive system is available.
