2021 Honda Ridgeline - Refreshed in a Huge Way

The new 2021 Honda Ridgeline is here and Honda refreshed the exterior and interior in a big way! The outside has a new bold look and the volume knob is back along with a new infotainment system. Is this the best midsize truck you can buy today, find out!
If you're in the Chicagoland area, check out www.hondaoflisle.com/ for all of the latest Hondas!
To see where this new 2021 Honda Ridgeline ranks, check out: driversonlyrankings.com

[@DriversOnly]

If you're in the Chicagoland area, check out www.hondaoflisle.com/

[@ilovetotri23]

I love the Ridgeline specifically because it has truck abilities with car comfort! Honda nailed it! Again.

[@willalexander9171]

Yeah it’s perfect for a way to have the utility to throw something in the back or pull a small trailer along with good mpg. It wouldn’t be a good “truck” for contractors. It is for the main 90% who use trucks as daily drivers/ small diy projects

[@oliviasmith7044]

My husband and I went to Ohio to visit a 2006 Ridgeline with 227,000 miles for our son. The boy didn’t like it. I loved it and asked my husband to buy it for me. We fixed a couple things, but it runs like it’s new. Amazing car manufacturer. Waiting for my minivan to die, Dodge, and I’ll be driving one of these. Won’t be long now. Great video.

[@paulm6481]

Hondas are the most reliable vehicles out there other than may be Toyotas. Particularly ones with these V6 engines. The old six speed was proven. I prefer the 10 speed on Odyssey. May be next version of Ridgeline we get the 10 speed instead of the ZF 9 speed.

[@MoeJae86]

*sigh* Man I made two mistakes clicking on this video..... Number 1. I Watched it. Number 2. I showed my wife. And now my wife won't stop talking about the ridgeline and I can't stop thinking about it. It's like watching a cooking show when your hungry. Man you slung me a craving for Ridgeline. Oh I guess I better go schedule a test drive now. BTW This was a great review , it really helped us decide on the kind of truck we wanted wasn't sure about going full size or mid size.

[@seamasaccounts4363]

😂😂😂

[@user-vf3gf4xq3v]

I love my 2018 black edition. It’s now approaching 68,000 miles with no problems. I actually like the front end on the 2nd Gen because the hood drop gives you better visibility. Much better than the new Tacos. I bought this for road use. My other truck is a 1998 Toyota Taco with over half a million miles on it that’s been heavily modded for off-road use. I’ve had it since new.

[@MrHand-ih4sz]

I love it because I dont need a truck. I want a car. I really have no need for a truck. But I want to be able to say I have a truck, so this is perfect.

[@wontondestructxn]

I absolutely hate the trend of buttons replacing the shift knob.

[@JG-pw5cr]

I'm not a fan of them either but at least they are way better than the stupidity of moving EVERYTHING to the touchscreen. I drove my dad's new civic for a week that has the same shifter, you get used to it and it's nice that you can feel the physical buttons so you can just shift by touch without needing to look at a screen.

[@wontondestructxn]

@@JG-pw5cr I'm sure I would get used to it, but it's unnecessary and complicated, with a higher likelihood of something going wrong leading to a costly repair. Same goes with moving things to a touch screen. Manufacturers are making things more complicated and less reliable.

[@JG-pw5cr]

@@wontondestructxn the shifting is completely electrical, so if the transmission buttons wear out or have issues you can just replace the whole module.

[@fredmoss4540]

@@jonhernandez3783 I saw KZbin from Honda dealer. The same question was ask. He said didn't know if sealed or not. But he had spilled liquid on another Honda vehicle with like shift buttons. He cleaned it up said no problems with his vehicle in time. But they probably have tested this since many vehicles have same buttons.

[@ddphotoadventure2657]

I drive semi for a living and that has a 12 speed automatic and the shift lever is a twist knob like where the blinker is. It is very nice and you will get use to it just like with the buttons on the ridgeline. Also no problems at all after hundreds of thousand miles

[@edschukar8030]

FINALLY!! Ridgeline content again! ;)

[@jasonlau]

I want one now. Nice job on the review. It is nice to hear from someone who owned the previous Ridgeline. You must know this thing inside out. Color looks good in white. Keep up the reviews!

[@dabradguy]

I'm a Honda Salesman and sold a 21 Ridgeline sport with the running boards and roof rack yesterday. I am not normally one to buy in to the "masculine" aesthetic, but these things look so much better than the 2020. Hoping the pilot and passport follow next year with the improved looks.

[@RK-mn5ei]

Your Ridgeline videos are always very informative

[@jaimeruiz6229]

Best review of the Ridgeline.

[@borctree5481]

Love your channel!! Decided to use you referral code for my Tesla today!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@franciskalaw8476]

great review! you mentioned getting leveling kit for your previously leased RL, did it void the warrant? did you have any issues giving up the lease bec of that?

[@drchulo76]

One thing to mention is that ALL trims of the Ridgeline are now (2021) only AWD standard, no more 2WD. 👍🏼👍🏼😁

[@paulm6481]

That is an amazing fact. A sport trim with AWD is a great deal. May be best deal in auto business right now, next to may be a lower trim Pilot or Grand Cherokee.

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

I have one on order. I currently have a 2017 4Runner, I originally thought I wanted a Tacoma until I drove the Tacoma. The Tacoma definitely looks better but the interior feels like a coffin and it’s loud!

[@Relaxokay359]

I love the push buttons to shift instead of the old shift knob sticking up. It's not supposed to be like every other truck out there it's ment to be diffent.

[@clarkkent9080]

The design of Ridgeline was better suited to meeting my needs than any other midsize truck. However, it has 2 fatal defects. First it is not an off-road truck, so the standard AWD only adds complexity, decreases fuel economy, and adds $3,000 to the price when compared to the completion. If you live in a snow belt then disregard that comment. Second, it has one of the last remaining interference timing belt engines. Apparently, Honda has no problem saving $10-15 per vehicle when they know every customer will spend $1,000 between 60,000 and 100,000 miles to change the timing belt and water pump. And the HPD package is more than a $3,000 option for some graphics and tire package. Try buying a Ridgeline for less than $40,000.

[@GeneralOrhan]

Good stuff George. I test drove a Tacoma TRD Off-Road and this 2021 Ridgeline sport over the weekend. I am probably going to get this! Was looking forward to your review so thanks.

[@hangryturtle9006]

Been looking at Fords, Toyota’s, and these Ridgeline’s. Ridgeline is definitely my favorite!

[@paulm6481]

We own a 2019 with the six speed and 20,000 miles. It is really a great truck. Reliable, nothing wrong with it. We have the AWD RLT with leather. In silver. We tested the Taco and Frontier. Interior of Ridgeline is so much better. We hate that ours doesn't have regular knobs for radio, which this new version has at least fixed by giving you a volume knob. Apple car play integration is not perfect. The only other issue may be if you do serious off roading this is not the truck for you. But it is so fast and smooth on highways and mostly quiet except when you want that V6 engine to roar.

[@hangryturtle9006]

@@paulm6481 thanks for the info!

[@RichardBazinet]

Thank you. Great review, good job. Appreciate it.

[@jaimejimenez754]

This is how it should have looked from the beginning, the 1st generation looked more like a truck than the previous 2nd gen.

[@doug_EX]

Yep! The 2021 looks like a blend of the 1st and 2nd gen. More blocky but refine. Getting mine this Friday.

[@localguy8]

I got the 2020 just a week ago cos I thought the 20’s looked like their own n not like all the squared face trucks out there

[@maloney7461]

@@doug_EX U will love it. I have a 2019. Luv everything about it, except for the suv looking front end.

[@budphillips5968]

How about a review of the rtl-e? There are sport reviews everywhere

[@billseiler4952]

I like it. Good review

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I love the trunk

[@kimnewling5728]

It is sweet!!!

[@johncallery814]

We Are All George!!! The side steps perform the same function as what we used to call "running boards". I have the "side steps" on my 2020 Passport and I have not had any rock chips on my doors because of this. If you go on forest service road and do some light off roading the "side steps" will protect your paint job. I also like the paddles. If you are in a mountainous area and you have to drive from 6000 feet down to 1000 feet you should use the paddles. I like to have my Passport in 3rd gear which keeps the car in control on steep descents and more importantly saves your brakes from overheating. Driving downhill on steep mountains in "drive" mode should not be done as you will pump your brakes and risk losing your brakes.

[@localguy8]

I agree like going to Yellow stone thru the Grand Teton better use those paddle shifters

[@edmorse8654]

Great review ty

[@realdata8624]

thanks for the review. which one did you drive? nice color with the rims!

[@handsomerob9715]

Excellent review! Cheers

[@587G]

Great job on the review, nice truck. I'd either go for this one or the Ford Ranger.

[@Jackdelfranco68]

I own an MDX which is about the same height. I use my running boards to load and unload skis from a ski box and load and unload cargo all the time. In fact you would have to open the doors and step on the door sill to obtain the same access. And in muddy ski area parking lots that makes a mess inside. But I don't use them at all to enter and exit the vehicle.

[@cyclopentadiol2923]

Love the new look, what it should have been for the 2016 model. My biggest issue is if Honda is going to change that much of the front face, why omit the full LED array headlights like the pilot and passport? Elite trim bs, headlights are a safety issue so all trims should have the best available.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

2:13 FYI - the Sport actually comes with LED headlights in 2021

[@adrianr8486]

Just got a 2021 civic, 2022 were a little more but I think the Ridgeline would be my next vehicle in about two years.

[@deh2775]

Awesome truck!

[@foilist1]

The first generation had a narrow back window but I never had any trouble looking thru the window with the rear view mirror.

[@Siiiphon]

you mentioned you put a level kit on your previous truck. how was the MPG? did it drive/handle differently?

[@kimnewling5728]

Well George, when I listened to your review of the Ridgeline in the past I went and bought new one. 2019 RTL-T. I really love it. Everything you said in the past and now are so very true. Yes it might be true the 2nd generation isn't "manly" or bold, but you can't tell that from the inside. Inside is amazing. Tried all mid sized trucks and Ridgeline is the best by a long way. Just wanted to thank you for your great review in the past so I could make my decision buying Ridgeline. Will I trade my 2019 for new one? I don't know.

[@kimnewling5728]

@U Betcha lol. Ok only 40k? That's not alot of wear? It would take alot of wheeling and dealing for me to trade in my truck. I love it. Your right. 6 speed transmission is way better then 9 speed button pusher. I did buy the Honda hard tonneau cover at dealer, plus the Honda lockable tailgate. Color matched. Also bought the Honda weather guard floor mats. I got the Grey color exterior with light Grey leather interior. I did change the cabin air filter last fall and it was pretty dirty. I recommend you change yours. Pretty simple to do. I also did the rear door checker change out so rear doors open further. Really worth it. I also machine polished the paint last fall and put a layer of sealant on it to protect from road salt. So far so good. Im very happy with my ridgeline and glad I bought it.

[@dave434]

I just wish I could find one in my area!

[@silntstl]

they are hard to find. I lucked out that a BE was on the lot the day I decided to test drive one.

[@glenneric1]

I like the smoothed over look better. Like the original Tundras. Now if they lift it an inch or two and give it beefier tires I'd buy it tomorrow.

[@tomhockman6267]

Do you have any regrets about not staying with the Ridgeline Sport and going to the Tesla Y?

[@leegarner2157]

Does the sport model come with remote start?

[@SifuBang]

Read that the 6speed was Honda designed trans where the 9sp is from ZF.

[@andymiller3138]

i have the 2020 ridgeline i love it i wish they would stop trying to look like everyone else JUST BE A HONDA !

[@samanimeguy23]

Got mine last week...😁😁😁😍

[@patricklouis6992]

I was on the fence about this truck but you’ve definitely swayed me. Is it enough to fit 3 car seats in the back? (2 toddlers and an infant)

[@uekisushi4683]

Honda now with this new look can start maybe branching out new trim levels focusing on off-road or outdoor like how Toyota does their 4runner trims called the trail special.

[@maloney7461]

I agree

[@JS-qi1ou]

This would be closer to a Rav4 than a 4Runner.

[@mooglemy3813]

The Ridgeline is not intended for off road use. Has low ground clearance and no unibody protection. Look at the 2021 reviews for a real description and it being used off road. Even the all season tires almow it to function very well due to its 4x4 driveline. I uses a 2006 prototype Ridgeline in deep snow severe cold weather. All of us were amazed at it's performance. First try at a light p up truck they nailed it. 2nd gen updates were good but making it look more Iike a truck makes a huge difference. My son just got the 2021 touring. It rides better than my 2016 Odyssey and 9 speed tranny makes it very fuel efficient.

[@fredmoss4540]

Just to let know as I wasn't sure for USA spec Ridgeline for 2021 they added the Platinum White Pearl color that seems to be extra cost of $395 same as the New Red color and one other are extra $395 This year for 2021 Ridgeline you also have the Black Edition but it also comes in the Exterior Platinum White Pearl paint color for$395. The interior and everything else that Black Edition features are the same. They had this on Canadian version but look like USA gets it this year.

[@ceemiselrooy889]

great job! solana to the moon!

[@foilist1]

Honda does have a one inch lift kit to increase ground clearance. And I suspect you could add two inches without a problem.

[@charlesmc258]

Could you tell a difference with the sport button?

[@keeferh1]

I could just see my coffee spilling on that gearshift system, not good!

[@edwardgiver]

Get a Thermos brand insulated mug. Keep coffee hot for hours and guaranteed no leak when it's sealed. I've had mine for years, expensive sure, but the value of having hot beverages stay hot for hours instantly pays off.

[@biznatcho7]

The previous lever shifter was also shift by wire with no mechanical linkage.

[@noobfisherman1626]

This or the new Nissan Titan???? Any thoughts???

[@Ro0m309]

Do you remember the time when you had to change the door hinged for the door in the back to widen the entrance? Is this still the case for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?

[@DriversOnly]

Fixed, no longer a hack you need to do.

[@jjhi2760]

How easy is it to park the Ridgeline? Is it similar to a Pilot or better?

[@markgoogle6973]

wow this is a great car and truck channel ... love the 360 ... George you should be over 100k soon from mark in UK England ... will stay up as its 2.14am lol to watch your bitcoin chat now... thanking you sir

[@mrkg6051]

George! I didn't know that you're from Illinois, do they accept BTC? Nice video, looking to get one actually.

[@JuniorCasipe2424]

I like the roof rack

[@gamerman4286]

I love the ridgeline even though I don’t have one. I just wish they would add a long bed option and make the bed deeper.

[@pm270x]

It’s the widest midsized bed on the market, so the cubic capacity is very competitive.

[@bobgomavitz1330]

What a voice! You do ads on the radio or TV? Would hope so

[@rossej56]

They need to include the rear slide window on the sport

[@skmk88]

Website shows different type of black rims. They look same as the HPD package bronze wheels but in black. Have you heard anything about this? I haven’t seen a single video with those rims on the truck

[@fredmoss4540]

Saw a 2021 Black Edition review non HPD package. It didn't have black HPD wheels. So the black HPD wheel like design is accessory wheel with different coating same price as Bronze HPD wheels. You can also buy the sport grille and other HPD appearance package parts separately.

[@revd4461]

I like it. The bed could still use a bit more tweaking.

[@maloney7461]

Thank god they changed the front of the truck. My 2019 Ridgeline looks like a suv in the front . The new front end on the 2021 looks more truckee. Looking to sale my 2019 after they have a more drastic refresh. I still love my 2019, not the front of it .

[@pauladaly1560]

You may need the step up if you get the 3 inch riser package.

[@justincosby5771]

for what

[@fightingcarrot]

Its such a great truck, versatile and reliable. It looks like the new 2021 is mostly cosmetic changes?

[@fredmoss4540]

Just a mid cycle refresh that addressed the biggest problem with 2nd Gen Ridgeline. They worked on front end. Also put volume knob in and got rid of non needed FWD model. They put in 9speed transmission in 2020 They also added locking tailgate. They fixed the rear door opening wider 2020.

[@localguy8]

@@fredmoss4540 I had a chance to pick the 20 or 21 a week ago, I picked the 20 RTL cos it looks like a Honda n not like the rest to the Squared off trucks .also had a great deal 0% financing fo 60 months. So I traded my 2.3 liter turbo RDX , I miss the speed!

[@PaulNaylor3]

@12:50 Honda made AWD standard beginning with this 2021 model.

[@tylervance0146]

Dude you're from the Chicago area? I went to Lisle High School

[@wilfriedgronau5052]

honda please bring the shifter back

[@jedknutson8373]

did they now...

[@cleanasdirt6832]

Has Honda increased the door opening for access to the rear seats?

[@DriversOnly]

Yes they fixed it in 2020

[@227110703]

The first generation Ridgeline had more room in the back seat area. Honda shortened the cab for the new model. Huge mistake. Also the trunk is smaller in the new truck. Another mistake.

[@gilmacababbad9549]

How about the reliability?

[@angadsingh3023]

...yeah, hopefully Honda calls me again to early upgrade my 2020 CR-V Sport to this beauty.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Nice SUV

[@Arid379]

Come to think about this truck. It does it all as a truck and if you especially live in California and if you don’t care for off roading.

[@julioserna5659]

Honda has the potential to make the BEST truck out there, dont know what happened with the 2nd gen ridgeline...

[@cthao4501]

How wide is the bed between the wheel wells? Will a full 4x8 sheet fit flat in there? With the rear window one solid piece like that, can they make it roll down? or is this something only Toyota has the rights to?

[@fredmoss4540]

RIDGELINE has feature of Lay-Flat Truck Bed. So it's Bed was designed to fit 4×8 sheets of plywood and dry wall flat in the bed. RIDGELINE has no protruding wheelwells humps like other pickup trucks so easier haul things in bed. compared. That particular model in the US is fixed window. The upper trims add the electric center piece sliding window. The Canadian models have different features we don't get on models there trims are different. Like they have ventilated seats, heated rear seats and power folding mirrors US RIDGELINE don't get.

[@jetlee7743]

this truck look the least like a bold truck. Some front improvements. But it says im not sure. The back seat and truck bed design best in class. Interior looks suv. Alot of potential.

[@dcar7446]

Ridgeline or jeep gladiator?

[@davidramez6219]

1st time on this channel based on KZbin feed. I thought this was EddieX channel. lol

[@slowsti0535]

How's the audio?

[@SmackMule]

Excellent review and correct on everything. I have a 2006 Ridgeline with 245K miles and it runs great. I'm expecting to get at least another 25-40K miles. Looking to buy a new one soon when I can score a reasonable deal. This is a great rig bigger guys like me. If you don't need to bang around off-road but still want a truck, give this a serious look. Favorite rig I've ever owned.

[@jorgebarajas7372]

We are all George!

[@texasyank48]

Didn’t they add a locking tailgate for 2021?

[@fredmoss4540]

Yes for 2021 all and some 2020 models have it also not sure all. The 2020 RTL-E and Black Edition have it for sure. Inable disable by using transmission button and Infotainment screen vehicle settings menu.

[@eduardos526]

Unpopular opinion: we need a 6 speed manual ridgeline.

[@superset5]

8 people would buy it. Virtually no one buys manuals anymore.

[@seandavis007]

Having an issue with my brand new 2021 ridgeline. Audio when I'm hooked up with android auto OR with bluetooth does this weird volume adjustment thing when standing still. I've reset everything done all the troubleshooting, even took it to dealer who said oh it's normal to have a shitty sounding stereo in your new $38k truck... Oddly enough my brother new 2021 crv with the same basic stereo does NOT do this. Nor does my wife's rav4 2020 when we use android auto,,,,

[@Relaxokay359]

The only 2 differences between the 2020 RTL and the 2021 RTL is the front end and theres dividers in the bavk storage space

[@fredmoss4540]

The Trunk Dividers in the in-bed trunk are Honda Accessories Parts that you can order at or from dealers or Honda parts. They fit the 2017-2021 Ridgeline. When you go to the Build a Ridgeline on Honda website. There a specific Accessories the offer in certain packages together. I think what he was driving offered the roof rails, running boards, trunk dividers. Utility package.I don't know what else but they are Accessories packages that you can get that combo or buy separately. I re- check website They have 4 Manufacturer Packages for Ridgeline and 8 Accessories Packages. The in- bed trunk dividers cost between $ 60-$80

[@Kuhladestkyicky]

I own a ‘14 RTL which at that time was top if the line. 30k milea. Falken Wildpeaks and that’s it. Could have bought the gen 2 but it looks weak. I’m ok with 30 less ponies and a 5 speed. I will look at the ‘21. To me they took the 1st gen, added an Acura MDX engine and tyrannies, cut the sails off the bed and said “ here”. Modernization of the interior also.

[@localguy8]

Except the Acura inside n electronics are much more refined . I had a 3.2 , TL , MDX n 2.3 turbo now a 20 Ridgeline it’s different

[@carlosmartinez-ix8gj]

Does the tailgate remote lock?

[@fredmoss4540]

For 2021 all RIDGELINE have a Power Locking Tailgate feature from the factory. I know some 2020 have it also but not sure all. It can lock with doors or you can disable or enable the feature. You do this by pressing button on transmission and going into the vehicles infotainment screen and going to vehicle settings menu. Also it has a back up release you can use key located in key fob then insert into access cover to unlock and pull release cable. That cable is tied into factory alarm so if it's pulled alarm will sound. So you'd have to silence with remote. They have KZbin on Honda website how Power Locking tailgate works

[@artstar5994]

Definitely a better profile.

[@RyanThomas-rl5hk]

Better profile, front end, and rear end (exhaust tips)

[@localguy8]

Now it looks like all of them

[@jorgebarajas7372]

We are all George!!! Cardano👍🏻

[@paulm6481]

This is a major refresh. I think this body still will be around at least two years, may be three. I dig what Honda did here. I really like that trim with gold wheels.

[@fredmoss4540]

I would half mid-cycle refresh only because the put the 9speed Transmission in last year for 2020 and addressed the rear door opening. Also added Power Locking Tailgate to some models last year not sure if all but some like RTL-E and Black Edition. For 2021 they redesign front end exterior added same size infotainment screen to all trims with volume knob. New wheel design for some trims. Got rid of that FWD Ridgeline that they never needed. All 1st Generation Ridgeline trucks had 4WD with VTM4 lock button. But 2021 not sure did they change interior trim around shift buttons? They added the dual exhaust tips that 1st or 2nd Generation never had. Also HPD package added got rid of some trims like RT and RTL-T not sure did they add The Black Edition but in White exterior paint to US version The Canadian spec has that option.

[@ilovetotri23]

A volume knob is nice. Why did CR-V need it so bad? Why do ridgeline buyers need it?

[@danmiedema1927]

Does the RTL have heated and ventilated seats?

[@paulm6481]

Heated not cooled.

[@localguy8]

And a sun roof too

[@coolhandchunk]

I wonder why the Ridgeline hasn't adopted the Pilots dash and infotainment system...there are a couple differences...but not many

[@tylerhamilton5658]

Because the Pilot and Passport are having issues with audio, cracking/popping coming through the speakers because of the connectors they used on the stereo. The new instrument cluster control module software is also having issues. Somewhat surprised they haven’t worked out the bugs yet.

[@coolhandchunk]

@@tylerhamilton5658 ya, I know all about the radio connector...already replaced under warranty on our 2020 pilot.

[@edwardgiver]

I just got a 2019 odyssey elite and my wife will get the 2021 ridgeline rtl-e. But she's also going to turn her Volkswagen Jetta VR6 into a truck.

[@shanes481]

You should switch vehicles and you get the ridgeline IMO. Either way my wife and I are very impressed with her 2020 passport. So much so that I'm thinking of getting a ridgeline for myself

[@edwardgiver]

@@shanes481 nope. I'm a van man, ever since I had a Volkswagen Bus, then Ford E-250, Chrysler Town and Country, now this Honda Odyssey.

[@kalebm9302]

Nice to see someone who appreciates the practicality of vans

[@willthorson4543]

About time. It's less hipster looking.

[@briand.1694]

I'm a Honda guy but it's still too Pilot/Odyssey-ish. They need to square off the front a bit more! Honda needs to do more to differentiate it from the other vehicles in their lineup.

[@lurchman60]

All it needs now is a small block Chevy LS 5.3

[@jonmarshall3414]

how did they go from 2019 having a 6 speed and 25mpg highway to a 9 speed with engine stop/start and go down to 24mpg highway? I do find my 2019 doesn't get great mileage and the display is often 10% more than what i actually get. Maybe we actually get the rated mpgs now..

[@reyperez3424]

Is yours AWD?

[@jonmarshall3414]

@@reyperez3424 yes, its a black edition

[@ericfenton8447]

The mpg is overhyped........I get about 17 mpg.

[@jonmarshall3414]

@@ericfenton8447 same (75% city, 25% highway)