2024 Honda Ridgeline vs 2023 Honda Ridgeline

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, which included a new front end with bolder details, LED lighting all around, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread design. These changes gave the Ridgeline a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The 2023 model was available in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition, all featuring a robust V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and an i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system. The Black Edition, despite its name, was also available in white and grey, with prices ranging from $47,435 to $56,435, excluding additional fees. The Ridgeline's interior, shared with the Honda Passport, offered quality materials, ample storage, and a comfortable layout, maintaining a modern and upscale feel despite its design origins dating back to the 2016 Honda Pilot.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline continued with the second-generation design but received updates for a more commanding presence. The blunt nose, tall hood, and new tailgate lettering contributed to its improved aesthetics, while the TrailSport trim added all-terrain tires for a more adventurous look. The interior saw a significant change with a new centre console design, enhancing the pickup feel. A 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system were introduced, offering improved functionality. The 2024 model was available in Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims, all powered by a 280-horsepower V6 engine with AWD. Prices ranged from $49,126 to $56,126, including destination charges. The TrailSport trim, with its Radiant Red paint and black tailgate lettering, was priced at $56,524.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform with the third-generation Acura MDX and Honda Pilot SUVs, as well as the Honda Odyssey minivan and Passport SUV. It featured a 3.5-litre VTEC V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system capable of directing up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. This setup provided sophisticated driving dynamics on pavement, with a payload capacity of 694 kilograms and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, its unibody construction limited its off-road capabilities, with a ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres and a lack of low-range gearing. Despite these limitations, the Ridgeline excelled in on-road performance, offering a comfortable and quiet ride with class-leading fuel economy figures of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a road trip.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline retained the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and i-VTM4 AWD system. It maintained the same towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a payload capacity of 687 kilograms. Off-road, the Ridgeline's shallow approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a ground clearance of 19.4 centimetres, limited its capabilities. The TrailSport trim's off-road suspension felt firmer on pavement, and the all-terrain tires emitted a faint whir at speed. The automatic transmission occasionally rolled when parked, requiring careful use of the parking brake. Fuel economy on the test route was 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres, higher than the official rating. Despite these challenges, the Ridgeline remained comfortable and responsive on the road, with a smooth powertrain and quiet cabin.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function with features like shelves in the front door panels, a large storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The interior, shared with the Honda Passport, offered easy access, comfortable seats with power adjustment, and a quality feel. The rear seat provided adequate space, with a high bench for an elevated seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space, and the truck bed featured a dual-action tailgate and a scratch-resistant composite cargo bed. The Ridgeline's unique unibody platform allowed for a 206-litre lockable, weatherproof trunk under the load floor, ideal for various uses.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline continued to offer practicality and comfort, with easy access and supportive seats. The TrailSport trim featured perforated leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, with a triple-zone climate control system and cupholders in the rear door panels. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space, and the rear window power slid open for ventilation. The cargo bed offered a 960-litre capacity with a 206-litre in-bed trunk, equipped with a drain plug for easy cleaning. The dual-action tailgate provided practical curb-side loading.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system, dating back to the mid-2010s, included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than expected, with slow content loading and delayed voice recognition. The system lacked modern design standards, but the user interface was simple, with touch-sensing shortcut buttons and a stereo volume knob. The navigation system was cluttered, and the wireless smartphone charger worked inconsistently. Overall, the Ridgeline's technology needed an overhaul.

In 2024, the Ridgeline received a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The system was easier to use, with quicker response times and improved voice recognition. The Black Edition featured HD Radio, extra USB ports, and an eight-speaker premium sound system. The 7-inch digital display in the instrumentation added to the improved user experience.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The adaptive cruise control system struggled to maintain a safe following distance, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was irritating. The Ridgeline received favourable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with top marks in all crash tests except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline added a standard blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Honda Sensing suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The ADAS performed as expected but lacked smoothness and confidence. The Road Departure Mitigation system occasionally braked unnecessarily. The Ridgeline received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a Marginal rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings in all crash tests except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.