2021 Honda Ridgeline Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$36,490 to $43,920

Original MSRP

7
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
6/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
6/10
Form & function
10/10
Cost-effectiveness
5/10
2021 Honda Ridgeline Test Drive Review summaryImage

With the 2021 Ridgeline, Honda injects a hefty dose of truck personality into what’s always been an appealing midsize crew cab pickup.

Trucks dominate Canadian sales charts in terms of the best-selling models, accounting for a volume of total new vehicle sales hovering around 20%. Nevertheless, this is a segment in which many of the major car companies compete, including Honda. Now, thanks to styling, packaging, and functionality changes, the model year 2021 Honda Ridgeline pickup is poised to attract even more truck buyers. In part, that’s because it now actually looks like a truck.
8/10

Styling sells vehicles. If someone doesn’t like the way a car, SUV, or truck looks, they’re not going to buy it unless they feel like they have no choice.

And that’s why it’s so essential for a truck to look like a truck.

We’re talking about a long and flat hood, an aggressive grille and front end, bulging fenders filled to the edges with appealing wheels and tires, and a seam separating the cab from the cargo bed. Beyond these fundamentals, a truck can take on various custom details ranging from expressive paint colours and stickers to a lifted or slammed suspension. And let’s not forget accessories like roll bars, roof racks, and running boards, oh my!

Honda appears to understand this now. The 2021 Ridgeline is redesigned forward of the windshield and front doors and gets a new rear bumper with exposed dual exhaust outlets. The tires have a more aggressive shoulder tread, and new wheel designs debut in black and gunmetal. (The bronze wheels and HPD packaging shown in this review are not available in Canada.)

The Ridgeline comes in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trim levels, and pricing ranges from an MSRP of $44,355 to $53,355, not including a destination charge of $1,870 to ship it from Honda’s factory in Lincoln, Alabama to wherever it is that you live.

Every Ridgeline has a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch aluminum wheels, triple-zone automatic climate control, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even in its most basic form, this isn’t a stripped-down price leader. Our test truck came with standard Sport trim, extra-cost Radiant Red Metallic II paint, and a set of all-weather rubber floor mats.

Sport trim is the only one with cloth seats, and they come only in black with a subtle pattern for the inserts. They look good and feel durable, but they’re magnets for pet hair.

Modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, the Ridgeline’s interior emphasizes functionality. Storage is generous, and it is everywhere. Hard plastic surfaces are the rule rather than the exception, but that simply means the Ridgeline is easy to clean up after time spent adventuring.

Christian Wardlaw
Published Nov 10, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2021 Honda Ridgeline

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User rating:
by Thao P
Jul 15, 2024
The ridgeline drives amazing as I expected, didn’t disappoint for a truck at all unlike the Tocoma which is way overrated and overpriced price.Jul 15, 2024
by Tony B
Jul 21, 2023
Love the features of this truck. Drives nice and comfortable. My first truck and it was a simple process to find it through CarGurus!Jul 21, 2023
by Ruben R
Apr 10, 2023
The 2021 Ridgeline Sport is great. The dual exhaust and new front end make it look mean. Interior is great. No leather which is fine for the sport model. The larger dark whiles and sporty tires also add the the mean look and fit the vehicle well. Drives a little more like a truck when compared to the other models that are lower to the ground. Connectivity is ok. On the safety front the sport had solid features with the lane assist and adaptive cruise control. Wish it had all the Honda Sensing features like collision control. Overall, great vehicle.Apr 10, 2023

2021 Honda Ridgeline Pricing

Original MSRP
$36,490 to $43,920
Price range
$39,880 to $41,464
Average price on CG
$39,880
YoY price change
$40,266 to $39,880

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · Watts: 215

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.33

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Tailgate: dual-action · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · Watts: 215

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.33

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: black · Tailgate: dual-action · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · HD radio · Rear audio: pickup bed · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · Watts: 540

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: dual front · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: lockable trunk in bed · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.33

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Pickup bed light: LED · Rear bumper color: black · Tailgate: dual-action · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: pickup bed · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · Watts: 540

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: lockable trunk in bed · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.33

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Pickup bed light: LED · Rear bumper color: black · Tailgate: dual-action · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: folds up · Upholstery: contrast stitching

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: Class III · Trailer wiring: 7-pin

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: power horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse