All the Truck You Need? 2024 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport First Look, Drive

We got our first look and drive with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport. Publisher Tim Esterdahl takes it for a quick spin to see what's new and gives you his thoughts on the small pickup.
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[@jackshoffstall7677]

Bought the same truck last month after a lifetime of F150s and Tundras, absolutely love it! Great truck for what I need.

[@germanjimenez5968]

You are absolutely right. This truck serves a purpose for those who don't want to have big trucks. I have a Silverado, and I'm not a spring chicken. Lol. It's time to adjust according to my age. 😊. The Ridgeline is perfect.

[@yourenzyme]

really wish they'd done more for the trailsport trim than just a tire package. The Pilot got a 1" lift for its Trailsport trim. Maybe in the future they can give the Ridgeline its due with a proper redesign

[@therues7071]

I agree. I bought a 2024 trailsport and I am getting a 2 in lift out on this week. I think that is the only thing this truck is really missing. It won't be a rock climber but I don't need that. It won't be able to haul a horse trailer with 5 horses in it but again I don't need that. When I see Silverado owners with dueles never do that stuff I ask myself "why do you even own that truck".

[@duggydo]

The Ridgeline and Maverick are nice little small trucks. Great for deliveries and such. Also, but easier to park than the bigger trucks.

[@Wellh0wrya]

I would take this thing any day over the overpriced Tacoma

[@henrigreene3781]

I was driving through a city some time ago in an 18 wheeler. Stopped at a red light and Honda ridge line 1st gen pulled up to the light next to me. Towing a first gen ridge line on a trailer. That answered any questions I had about its capability. That’s more than enough truck for me. I don’t know that I’ll ever use it to its limits.

[@DaveInCanada081]

That smooth and powerful V6 put a smile on Tims face. I have renewed hope for him.👍

[@DaveInCanada081]

I think it's time to replace my RAV4 with this.👍 Perfect vehicle to haul a Honda CRF250R to the offroad trail head. Looks like it would be easy to load and unload a Honda lawnmower. Even a Honda snowblower would be way easier to take to different customers during a snowstorm. And the other thing is, a Honda generator will fit nicely in the lockable bed storage area.

[@b.g.4277]

Replaced my Venza with it and happy with the change.

[@IamGroot786]

I've had a 2017 for the last five years and the damn thing just goes! It absolutely rocks on the ice and snow! The versatility of the rear seat set up is unmatched. Tons of flat floor storage once you flip them up.

[@reyperez3424]

I love my 2022 Ridgeline Sport No issues so far I don’t need a higher trim

[@Expedition18]

Great walk-through Tim. Still has some unique features.

[@geesss8675]

EXCELLENT video

[@dj9151]

I went from a 2019 Ram to a Black Edition. I’m now going back to into a full size truck. Retired, drive it twice a week locally but 4-5 fishing trips a year. The big one is in the eastern sierras. This truck cannot get me to half the places I need to get to. Other than that this does everything I need it to do. And at 25+ mpg.

[@Gene1969]

If people like it and it can do the things they want it to, then it's a truck. 👍

[@jayray274]

It’s not bad, but I think when Honda originally brought this concept to reality they missed the mark on design and what truck buyers want. If they would have made it more of boxy design it would done better. The lastest redesign is by far the best design.

[@Bestoftherest222]

Its just the right amount of truck for me.

[@stw2186]

Tim, love your videos. Would you say this is a good truck to haul fishing gear and a 9.6ft kayak? I live in PA and I am looking to get my first truck that can haul that type of stuff and then some, but also be a reliable daily driver that can get through the snow.

[@whippersnappercc]

That must be a Canadian window sticker. That truck stickers for mid forties. You can buy one at Beaverton Honda here in Portland for $43,700, Trailsport.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Nope, not Canadian sticker.

[@gazzyT644]

@@Pickuptrucktalk Starting MSRP for a Trailsport is $44,980 + delivery. Honda isn't doing any favors by providing a truck with window sticker this high. The amount of useless addons Honda added is mind blowing.

[@09roadraider40]

You left out two key points about the storage in the bed and that it is waterproof with a seal around it and it has a drain plug

[@ck1abe515]

With my line of work delivering parts to paint and body shops in the area, sometimes using an enclosed trailer, the midsize truck just doesn’t cut it and for the price i’m just gonna stick with a full size truck like my 19 ram 1500 v8 hemi

[@darkange0035]

i bought one last week the exact same truck. I dont know how i will like it yet because its on recall hold for wiring harness in tailgate, but i am looking forward to driving it.

[@scottluthy5828]

A good reliable truck.

[@normanlapierre142]

my wife has a 2022 whit black addition, and she loves it her lease is up in a couple months and is unsure if she wants to buy it out or just get another one and a lot of are friend like it plus it has lots of room in back seat I'm 6ft 240 lbs. and its comfy

[@deanmay338]

I currently tow a 2,900 lb camper with a midsize SUV that is rated to tow 7,500 lbs with 1,157 lbs of payload. Given the ride quality, interior room, bed innovations, tow capacity, nearly 1500 lbs of payload capacity, and reliability, the Honda Ridgeline is the benchmark that I am using to evaluate all other midsize trucks for my needs. I am buying at the end of 2024 and I am a Ridgeline fan, but will consider all other midsize trucks. I am disappointed in the real world payload for the Tacoma and Frontier, though. Both are great life style vehicles, but I need more payload than what I am seeing in the Tacoma/Frontier. I don’t want a hard core off-roader either. I want 4WD/AWD for light off-roading when camping (forest service roads, etc.). The Ridgeline checks a lot of boxes for me.

[@bwhit707]

Im right where you are at on that. I was going to get a LB Tacoma or LB Frontier and the payload sucks. Im most likely going for a Ridgeline now. I tow a 3700 lb camper with 530 tw. As this video reveals, the cab to bed configuration allows for use of a WDH.

[@deanmay338]

@@bwhit707 Yup! I would rather have a 5’ bed with 1500 lbs of payload than a 6’ bed with 1200 lbs of payload. I need payload to manage tongue weight while towing, hitch weight, topper/shell, camping gear, passengers, and our pet (but he only weighs 14 lbs ;). BTW, did you know that the Ridgeline, despite its 5000 lb tow rating, will handle 600 lbs on the hitch? Given payload issues, I will probably not do the Tacoma or Frontier. I will look at the GM twins, the new Ranger, and the Gladiator (max tow package that should yield decent payload). The Ridgeline will be the benchmark for me in terms of comparing it to other trucks and my needs.

[@DA-qe9py]

Nice review! What are your thoughts on the need to replace the timing belt and probably the water pump every 100K miles?

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Depends on how much you drive. I know a lot of owners who never make it to 100k and they sell it to buy something new. If you hold onto your truck, then yeah it is going to be an extra maintenance expense.

[@IamGroot786]

@@Pickuptrucktalk Good point. If you only drive 10K miles/year, you're looking at 10 years of ownership. Most people do no go that long with a vehicle. I might be the exception, but even then, you replace the belt and you're good to go for another 100K miles. Way cheaper than taking on a new car monthly payment.

[@johnstapler5956]

I love my 21 RTLE, 2nd one. Had an 06 too. Had a 14 RAM 1500 Hemi in between. Miss the Hemi but did not trust the engine and trans.

[@rondail5675]

As a Ridgeline Black Edition owner, the only other truck I might consider is the new Ranger Raptor. At $55,900, that is ridiculous.

[@SkippyPB.]

$55.9? They discount these all the time. You can find them under $50k new. Might need to go out of the area a bit but deals are out there.

[@stevepatch1809]

That sticker seems high there must be dealer add-ons, I just bought one a few weeks ago and the sticker was $46,800

[@russelljones2468]

Our local dealer has new, 2024 Trailsport for $47,055.

[@rondail5675]

@@russelljones2468 I thought that is the going price. Thanks

[@09roadraider40]

Base price is 44 so it just depends on how many options you get want

[@trl1980]

Save money and get the RTL. Trailsport or Black Edition is all cosmetic.

[@IamGroot786]

Even the Sport is pretty decent. I got it as a loaner the other day and it had all kinds of equipment.

[@plmn93]

A/T tires, skid plates, and retuned suspension aren't cosmetic. Whether they are worth what the Trailsport costs is another matter.

[@trl1980]

@@plmn93 Nice. I didn't know the suspension was different. I think the oil pan plate should be standard on all.

[@daverules]

@@IamGroot786 the only thing the sport is missing for me is the heated seats, living where it snows its a necessity, need to go to RTL for those

[@IamGroot786]

@@daverules Ahhhh, yes you're right about that.

[@ALMX5DP]

Interesting how Honda rolled out the DOHC V6 for the Pilot, but the Passport, Ridgeline and Odyssey still get the SOHC version for 2024. Wonder if there is improvement enough with it or maybe we'll see it come over next year or something.

[@ExcitedIsoscelesTriangle-ot4rk]

I'm sure they love you dropping the tail gate on their truck like that.

[@icare7151]

Cool.😎

[@kaytod]

Perhaps to coin a phrase, SUT. or SUB Sport Utility Truck or Bed

[@brians.1357]

Tim isn’t that usually a $46k truck?? Looks like that Monroney had a bunch of extra utility groups that must be dealer installed and not on your test vehicle yet jacking up the price to $55k. Like the tonneau cover $1300.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Honestly, I didn’t even notice. I was filming 5 other vehicles so hopping through them quickly that day.

[@bkpoirier]

@@Pickuptrucktalk If you're gonna do a job, at least do it right.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

@@bkpoirier well that's a rude comment.

[@spiceyfrenchtoast9421]

vTEC!!!! ❤

[@castandblast1852]

55k for that….nope

[@Dusdaddy]

Really can't knock this as a truck. It has more payload than a Tacoma and a bigger back seat than a Ranger. About the only thing it lacks is towing but very few will ever need to tow more than 5k with a mid-size anyway. Definitely not a serious off-roader but the Awd would be awesome for snowy climates. Much better than a traditional 4wd Taco. I don't think I'd pay $55k but a $47K version that is nicely equipped would be fine. Everyone brags about functionality in one brand over another. Well, hard to argue against this over the others. It just doesn't have that "aggressive" look of a truck that many want.

[@OGtruthserum]

The issue with the Ridgeline is how much it cost. It should not cost more than a Tacoma.

[@stevepatch1809]

That price doesn’t seem accurate I just bought a Trailsport a few weeks ago and the sticker was $46,800

[@teddustman6974]

Yeah, I got mine 2 months ago for just under 46k and now they're going for under 45k. Portland, OR area. I'm guessing one could snag a Sport for just under 40k.

[@Dusdaddy]

@@OGtruthserum It doesn't. This one is just their top-of-the-line model.

[@OGtruthserum]

@@Dusdaddy But it still starts at 40K, that more than the Gen 3 Tacoma.

[@1976axerhand]

Still using a timing belt???

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Yup, like a lot of trucks these days.

[@NotTelling51]

55k... yea right.

[@MrHand-ih4sz]

That's cute.

[@DaveInCanada081]

This is it, folks! The 2024 truck of the year! 🏆

[@elche1976]

🙄 last JD Powers had it ranked 8th in segment.

[@trl1980]

I read the same.

[@jnmaher1967]

Honda would sell a lot of these if priced right

[@b.g.4277]

Can get a great lease deal on them at times. Mine was $395 a month, no money down trading in an old lease. Used car prices helped a ton :) Basic Tacoma SR was over $500 a month at the time.

[@juanfernandez9492]

I had a leased 2020 Ridgeline, had issues with it, only 43k miles and got bad front bearings and bad sway bar links… bad infotainment system, unacceptable for that low mileage, lot of problems with Apple car play… took the decision to turn it in, didn’t buy it.

[@tomcharbonneau9788]

I had nothing but trouble with my 17 RTL. Navi, 2 sets of fuel injectors, torque converter, fuel pump, oxygen sensor due to fuel injectors, and finally the cat converter was going out too. Honda, to their credit replaced everything, free of charge. I loved the vehicle, but had no confidence it in. Traded it in at 95,000. Torque converter is a huge issue on this truck.

[@plmn93]

We've been told for nearly 20 years now that the Ridgeline is "all the truck most people need". Yet it continues to sell poorly because in the real world most truck buyers want more than it offers. The Maverick has proven there is a market for unibody pickups, Honda just keeps missing the mark.

[@erickisel8668]

$55.9k? Huh?

[@stevepatch1809]

That sticker seems very high I bought a Trailsport a few weeks ago and the sticker was $46,800

[@Sideler74]

$55K 😂 No Bueno

[@WadeSmart]

I like the truck - but I wouldnt buy it for the same reason as the Rams.

[@user-vt9ss3ft2z]

They are just so ugly. I can't deal with that ridiculous looking molding around the back window. And why can't they put the back window in straight? What's with the tilt?

[@Vox-Populi]

I like it, but it's so expensive. 20% cumulative inflation over 3 years impacts vehicle prices too. Thanks Joe.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

Lets be honest with ourselves men. This is not a truck. This is a Honda Pilot with a bed and it is a great vehicle. I call this the old man truck or the "city truck" for guys who need something to pick up some plywood or some mulch. That's it.

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Too short of box.

[@ramonahumada4]

They tried to make it look like a Maverick! That’s the only reason I hit play on this vid. Stopped watching.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Ridgeline was out first btw. Maverick came out later.

[@ramonahumada4]

@@Pickuptrucktalk I know sir cause I had a 2020 Ridgline. 2 months ago was the first time I saw the new one and I thought it was a Maverick in Area 51. Honda did copy the look! I’ve had my Area 51 maverick going on30 months now. I know a copy cat when I see one. Now I have 2 mavericks.

[@leedanielson7452]

Overpriced ladies car......

[@tonyllaguno4845]

Okay, Toyota salesman.

[@nordlandak6853]

First it’s not a real truck. Second it’s overpriced for what it is. It really needs to start in the low 30k maxing out at 38k.

[@shawnkleveland196]

Should be. But Unions fought for better pay. People stop showing to work, wanting more pay. Sadly all manufacturers pay employees more. Cost goes up. Plus inflation on parts to build. I work in manufacturing and cost has gone up. So we unfortunately we won't see cheap under $30k. Unless parts are shipped from China or Mexico. I blame the Government!

[@trl1980]

Define a truck. What is a truck?

[@nordlandak6853]

@@trl1980 body on frame not uni body…

[@stevepatch1809]

@@nordlandak6853you do know the El Camino from the 60’s was body on frame

[@nordlandak6853]

@@stevepatch1809 I did not.

[@user-vt9ss3ft2z]

Yea, I'll take a nissan frontier over this abomination.

[@erickisel8668]

Please stop calling it a truck. It is a pickup but not a truck.

[@trl1980]

I thought we were beyond this. Please, define a truck...?

[@erickisel8668]

@@trl1980 body on frame... vs unibody. My father is leasing a Ridgeline on Monday. Told him he is making a bad decision.

[@stevepatch1809]

For something that isn’t a truck it has more payload than most of the other midsize “trucks”

[@ALMX5DP]

It's called a truck by the manufacturer, government, insurance institute for highway safety. Seems like there is a consensus (aside from some grumpy YT commenters for some odd reason).

[@erickisel8668]

@@ALMX5DP they can call it whatever they want. People call Biden the President and they are wrong.