2021 Honda Ridgeline HPD: Test Drive Review

[@wongchai807]

Hands down the best everyday truck.

[@AK-rx6hv]

Anyone knocking on the price hasn't shopped around for a pickup truck lately. A Ram 1500 with same features will cost you $60-70k.

[@thomasdausch8557]

excellent review,,, my eye on this truck to buy in 2022,,, thankyou for your insight,,

[@wizeguiz]

Great, honest review which I really appreciate! Thanks!

[@rodneyharris6813]

I have the 2017 Ridgeline and I m thinking about trading for the 2021 but if I am going to spend that kind of money I want all of the features power windows and power seats and especially the all wheel drive.

[@frandanco6289]

Rodney Harris - for 2021 all the ridgeline models are awd...

[@triggerxx9760]

Thanks for the info now making a reservation for the ford Maverick

[@drewyager4020]

Also Jorts!!! :-)

[@SaltyDog69]

They really need to get mpg in the mid 20’s.

[@frandanco6289]

It is supposed to be 24mpg, so that is 1 mile off of mid 20's, right?

[@rossej56]

Overpriced !!! Every SUV & Truck vehicle in U.S. has a starting 40K price tag ....makes no damn sense and do no understand why people are willing to pay these outrageous prices.

[@SVSky]

Financing.

[@jg8263]

So, this review contains one of my favorite comical items: Ridgeline Haters: We are big burly macho men who do big macho things, this isn't a real truck and we wouldn't be caught dead in it. Also Ridgeline Haters: OMG it doesn't have a soft-down tailgate I might strain myself! It's like everyone these days doesn't remember that before the mid-2000s we had to be tough and lift the damn thing ourselves. Unless you are young enough to just now be getting your license, you lived in a time when this option was only available recently, and even then until very recently it was reserved for the top trims. Of course the counter argument I usually hear is that it helps prevent possible damage to the tailgate on the $50k or more status symbol you just bought. To which I say, aren't trucks meant for work and expected to get dinged up? If you are afraid of scratching it doing work, you probably don't need a truck in the first place, at least not for work.

[@IamGroot786]

LOL, so true!

[@dougnyc8324]

Thanks, always appreciate your perspective. Personally, I think the Ridgeline deserves to be taken seriously and is a very compelling option for those needing the utility of bed without any of the tradeoffs of a traditional body-on-frame truck. Not the best choice for towing or off-roading but the payload is awesome and it handles like a SUV. Even more compelling seeing how well it handled those washboard roads (my favorite part of your evaluations). Curious, do you think the Passport would hold up as well in your washboard test drive? I got the impression that you were lukewarm on the Passport when you reviewed it at Yosemite.

[@cliffh8486]

I bought a this truck in 18 after your review. I have owned diesels, half tons and small trucks. While it doesn’t compete with those larger trucks this is hands down the best everyday vehicle I have ever owned. It’s simply so handy, and so easy to live with. The toughest part of owning it is the small hand crowd comments about being a “real truck” hauls more than a taco and that’s a truck? Weird. Great review !!

[@IamGroot786]

I have a 2017. Being a Ridgeline owner takes confidence and not having insecurities about your manhood. It drives guys that talk crap about it crazy that in constantly ranks as one of the most reliable, durable and better resale valued vehicles out there. I always tell the haters: "Sure, you can call it anything you want, but it will easily go into the 300K miles range while you're taking on a new monthly car payment all over again".

[@cliffh8486]

This truck spends most of its life on pavement……… sam, that’s all trucks! Even the lifted diesel pavement princesses.

[@johntyson]

The Ridgeline seems to be pretty polarizing in the circle of dudes I hang out with. Some hate it and some love it. There isn’t much middle ground. It’s just not macho enough for some guys, it seems. I love it. I also love the new Santa Cruz but I like odd ball vehicles.

[@johnchen3]

Gotta look macho with a lift and 33s on a 2WD truck. Especially at the Lowes and Costco parking lot.

[@johntyson]

@@johnchen3 lol! Especially here in Texas where I live.

[@daveroski]

Small truck Big $%#$

[@mgp9733]

Great review Sam. Best Midsize truck in America, just bought a 2021 BE trim fresh off the factory line to trade in my 2006 Ridgeline for three weeks ago and couldn't be happier.

[@arie1293]

I think the RTL trim is also missing rear passenger USB ports and I find that really disappointing. It’s not going to be a deal breaker but dang Honda.

[@IamGroot786]

If that’s the case, you’re right. That’d be a major oversight on Honda’s part. My 2017 has the rear USB ports but it’s an RTL-T. A trim level that I believe they phased out.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Seems like the mileage should be better. We have the 21 Ody and easily get 31 mpg on the highway and 23 in town. Can't imagine the 9spd is that less efficient than the 10 spd.

[@slscamg]

All comes down to aerodynamics and frontal area. I’ll bet city driving is pretty much the same.

[@jg8263]

@@slscamg Also the Ridgeline being a much heavier vehicle. That said, my 2017 RTL-T has a Leer bed cap, and I get 29mpg driving 70MPH down the interstate, so I think a large part is just the aero compromise of an open bed.

[@jg8263]

@@chadhaire1711 I can't claim to have put either of the vehicles on a scale, but sites such as Edmunds and car and driver have the Ridgeline 100 to 200 lbs heavier depending on trim. That is the basis of my comment. I do believe that they also use different transmissions depending on the model year, as well as several other small differences that add up to different mileage. An example of why the truck is heavier, per Honda the suspension components are 70% stiffer than the van's. Also there is a steel plate located between the bed and cab.

[@jg8263]

@@chadhaire1711 and I never claimed it was the sole factor, if you have read my prior posts (aero design of a truck bed, tires, transmission, etc also factor in). But 100 to 200 lbs can contribute, just ask any racing team. But clearly you only read what you want to so you can gripe. The ratios of the transmission are also different in the van vs truck, with the 1st and 2nd gears being lower and longer to shift out of in the Ridgeline, for towing purposes, probably a huge factor when all of the rest is included. Little things add up.

[@frandanco6289]

@@jg8263 And perhaps the van is fwd???

[@johnbw2597]

Enjoyable sensible review as usual. HPD? Too close to HPV for me but I’m considering the RTL-E to replace my CRV. I’m 6’1 and like my rear passengers being comfy too sooo 🤷🏾

[@ericpizarro3084]

Wow a base model that cost over 40K??? I love Honda. A good quality brand, still not sure I would spend that amount of money for a vehicle without power seats, leather interior a premium sound radio…

[@mgp9733]

Keep in mind that this has the over 2k HPD package, so the base is around 37k. You can get the RTL package which has the leather and BSM for just under 40k which IMO is the value point for the Ridgeline.

[@americandude3825]

RTL is best option. With no HPD package.

[@jeffreyblanton9877]

I own the 2022 model and I have to say it is a very nice vehicle. The engine paired with 9 speed transmission is the best feature. I’ll hang on to this one for a while and would give it 5 stars. I have the RTLE version with the HPD package.

[@frandanco6289]

Sounds like a lot of Loud Road Noise, no ???

[@garym81]

At first I questioned the "truckness" of the Ridgeline. But with the latest version that went away. This appearance package, though... It reminds me of my daughters when they were learning to wear makeup. I would tell them, a little bit goes a long way. This truck looks like my 7 year-old daughter got a hold of her mom's makeup and tried to wear too much. Those fender flares would have looked much better 1/2 the width. The wheels, though alright, in combination with the flares look too...thick(?). If the "V" pattern had been slightly thinner or tapered inward, something to make it look like they weren't trying so hard. Finally, that Honda badge is almost the same size as the Ram emblem on the Ram 2500...too much. Overall, the truck is fine, but, Honda, tone it down.

[@foretraveler2852]

I’d buy this in a New York minute if I could tow it behind my motorhome! Have an ‘07 Jeep Liberty I tow and drive a 2015 XC70 as my daily, but I’m ready for a new vehicle and want to buy just one new vehicle. CRV used to be a wildly popular dinghy to flat tow, but if Honda would make the Ridgeline flat towable I know they could sell even more! Thanks for the review, Sam! Watch ‘em all and always enjoy!

[@Alienwhiskey]

The sport should of had a msrp of 29-31k.

[@luckypaco1148]

SO I own a ridgeline for 1 1/2 years now, love the truck but it has 4 horrible features #1- Infotainment sucks #2- Adaptive cruise control horrible #3- Mushy brake pedals #4- AC control buttons are tiny and horrendous, impossible to change settings w/o taking your eye off the wheel.

[@darylgrylls1140]

way too expensive here in canada ,if im going to spend 50k on a truck might as well get an f150

[@Stevemax07]

Great job. Really enjoy your reviews and how you talk to your audience!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Good review 👍

[@fernandosuarez5815]

Once again a great review !!!

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@warrenbarnes9653]

Sam, is there a manual seat height adjustment for the drivers’ seat? Thank you.

[@TestDrivenTV]

If memory serves, yes.

[@814chappy]

No timing chain .. Honda uses a belt in this motor 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jay.0621]

@@chadhaire1711 or get a tacoma and go 400k without worrying about replacing a timing belt...

[@drewyager4020]

Hi Sam. Just a few of my thoughts. Was really wanting to get this truck this year but on the test ride I couldn’t forgive that emergency brake intrusion on the left leg. Also the lack of full LED’s, missing the 10 speed transmission, soft open tailgate and the older style infotainment. Thanks for all your work on these reviews. Appreciate your views always

[@mgp9733]

Took me 10 mins to update the high beams to LED, haven't had any issues personally with the E-brake hitting my leg, this 9spd is a little quirky but it learns your driving style and becomes more predictable especially in Sport Mode. The information is outdated but hasn't crashed on me like the newer Honda systems.

[@drewyager4020]

@@mgp9733 awesome feedback. Did you get the HPD package? I really like this truck

[@mgp9733]

@@drewyager4020 Not worth it to me to get the $2k HPD package esp with the front end squared off along with the improved new tire design. I bought my Black Edition three weeks ago and couldn't be happier. If you are in the market, I wish you luck and patience because they are being sold almost as soon as they come off the delivery truck and many dealers are marking up the price.

[@drewyager4020]

@@mgp9733 congrats getting yours. Enjoy. Buying now is difficult for sure

[@robertyoung8289]

TACKY!

[@Weak_juan]

Nice truck overall. My biggest complaint is towing capability. If honda could up the towing to 6000 or 6500lbs, I would've considered it.

[@Weak_juan]

@@chadhaire1711 are you an offended owner of a ridgeline?

[@Weak_juan]

@@chadhaire1711 or are you an internet Karen?

[@Weak_juan]

@@chadhaire1711 internet Karen. Got it!

[@WyLEE08]

Yes Honda made it look like a truck but did not give it a power train of a mid-size truck, therefore when the 22’ Frontier soon hits the showroom I will be trading at Nissan.

[@frandanco6289]

Good luck with Reliability from your new Nissan anything...

[@chillpengeru]

@@frandanco6289 Nissan trucks are a whole different thing than their cars. No cvt for one thing.

[@clarkkent9080]

The 2021 Honda ridgeline was 1st on my list but after considering the following, it’s a no-buy. 1. Unless you live in the snow belt, there is no reason for a truck designed specifically to NOT be used off-road to be offered only in AWD. The AWD makes it $3,000 more that its competitors, get 1-2 mpg less, and adds unneeded complexity and AWD does NOT make a vehicle handle better (see consumer reports). 2. Honda is the last major manufacturer to use timing belt interference engines. Honda saves $10 a vehicle by using a belt and the consumer has a $1,000 - 1,500 routine maintenance every 60-100K in belt and water pump replacement. EVERY other manufacturer has switched to timing chains. Honda also uses the hated push button shifters and touch screen controls all just to make it cheaper to build. This all says something about a company.

[@frandanco6289]

The timing belt has always been replaced at 90,000 miles.. When was the first time you heard of honda water pumps breaking all the time? When was the first time you heard of the Honda AWD system breaking down or causing problems??? Ever??? Admit it you are just another ford maverick troll...

[@TalismanPHX]

No power seats adjustment, no soft open tailgate, and the bolt upright rear seating. I'd much prefer a 2.0L turbocharged Maverick FX4 for less money TBH. Great review as always Sir!

[@wongchai807]

That's two totally different categories. This honda vs Ford, and thats new tech for Ford with the turbo. I would not trust that.

[@myemail3829]

I already commented on this post but as far as how the Ridgeline is priced I feel it's slightly high as you mention these features should be included as standard for the base model for the MSRP.

[@AK-rx6hv]

The upper trims have power seat adjustment. I don't get why all the reviewers review the base Ridgeline model?

[@frandanco6289]

In the higher trim you get all power everything and leather.. In case you have never had adjustable seats, even manual ones, the seat back Does adjust backward and forward..

[@myemail3829]

It's a awesome light duty truck. I have 5000 miles on my 2021 Ridgeline so far very happy. I agree with this review however I think I would give price 3 stars. Not because it's not a good truck but I think Honda overpriced it to a certain degree.

[@aRANDOMqUICKIEgunsandfun]

For sure, you can get a 4x4 Colorado Lt with a locking diff for less than a base Ridgeline. Though I'd say personally after driving both I'm still going to she'll out the extra to try and get a Ridgeline sport but so far it's been very difficult to find one at MSRP around here.

[@frandanco6289]

@@aRANDOMqUICKIEgunsandfun It would be better to try to purchase anything next year, or the year after.. The parts shortage, everyone blaming everything on covid19 (and there may be some truth to this), and raising prices of Everything, if you can wait, I hope that prices come back down to what they used to be awhile ago..

[@aRANDOMqUICKIEgunsandfun]

@@frandanco6289 I gave up. Any dealer that would go for MSRP totally screws you on trades.

[@victorblanco4499]

@@aRANDOMqUICKIEgunsandfun Yeah that get you one way or another... Dealers are sheisty like that.