Home Comparisons Trim Comparisons 2024 Honda Ridgeline: Choosing the Right Trim

2024 Honda Ridgeline: Choosing the Right Trim

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline provides the utility of a pickup truck on a body and chassis shared with Honda’s midsize SUVs. This combination somewhat limits the Ridgeline’s towing and off-road ability but provides a more comfortable ride, better handling, and a quieter cabin. As such, the Ridgeline has more in common with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, two competitors with smaller platforms and lower prices.

Powered by a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, the Ridgeline delivers impressive off-the-line power. Equipped with i-VTM4 all-wheel drive (AWD), it can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,583 pounds.

Honda offers four Ridgeline flavors: the economical Sport, fancy RTL, off-road ready TrailSport, and luxurious Black Edition.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport starts at $39,750.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport starts at $39,750.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport starts at $39,750.

HPD (Honda Performance Development) graphics are a $360 option on the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport.

HPD (Honda Performance Development) graphics are a $360 option on the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport.

HPD (Honda Performance Development) graphics are a $360 option on the 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport.

The new 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport, designed for more serious off-road use, starts at $44,980.

The new 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport, designed for more serious off-road use, starts at $44,980.

The new 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport, designed for more serious off-road use, starts at $44,980.

The new Ridgeline TrailSport gets all-terrain tires, beefed-up suspension, skid plate protection for the oil pan, and available Diffused Sky Blue paint.

The new Ridgeline TrailSport gets all-terrain tires, beefed-up suspension, skid plate protection for the oil pan, and available Diffused Sky Blue paint.

The new Ridgeline TrailSport gets all-terrain tires, beefed-up suspension, skid plate protection for the oil pan, and available Diffused Sky Blue paint.

With tailgate down. two motorcycles fit in the back of the Honda Ridgeline.

With tailgate down. two motorcycles fit in the back of the Honda Ridgeline.

With tailgate down. two motorcycles fit in the back of the Honda Ridgeline.

The new digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen, as seen in the 2024 Ridgeline TrailSport.

The new digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen, as seen in the 2024 Ridgeline TrailSport.

The new digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen, as seen in the 2024 Ridgeline TrailSport.

A closer look at the new digital instrument panel of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline.

A closer look at the new digital instrument panel of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline.

A closer look at the new digital instrument panel of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline.

What’s New:

Honda drops the RTL-E trim, replacing it with a more off-road capable TrailSport. Sharing much of its upgrades with the Honda Passport TrailSport, this new model gives the Ridgeline a more rugged image, with grippy trail-ready all-terrain tires, additional skid plate protection, and an off-road suspension.

The Ridgeline cabin gets some attention, too, touting a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch color touchscreen complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other changes include a wider center console with expanded storage and a new driver-assist feature on the Sport trim. Sadly, Ridgeline’s tailgate-party-friendly in-bed audio system is no longer offered.

Our Recommendation:

We continue to like the Honda Ridgeline RTL best. It comes equipped with a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, heated side mirrors, a power sliding rear window, a power sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

However, if you have the slightest off-road intentions, do consider theTrailSport and all its fun and clever upgrades.

Ridgeline Sport

  • 3.5-liter V6 with 280 hp
  • All-wheel drive
  • Lockable in-bed trunk
  • Class III trailer hitch
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • 9-inch audio touchscreen
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • See more features or see listings

Ridgeline RTL

  • Leather upholstery
  • Moonroof
  • Power front seats with heat
  • Memory for driver’s seat
  • SiriusXM satellite radio
  • Power-sliding rear window
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • See more features or see listings

Ridgeline TrailSport

  • All-terrain tires
  • Skid plate protection
  • Off-road suspension
  • Unique exterior styling and paint
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 18-inch Pewter Gray alloy wheels
  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • See more features or see listings

Ridgeline Black Edition

  • Black exterior trim accents
  • Black Edition leather seats
  • Red ambient interior lighting
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • 540-watt, 8-speaker audio
  • Honda satellite navigation
  • Black 18-inch alloy wheels
  • See more features or see listings

2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport

Along with its 280-hp V6, standard AWD, and 9-speed automatic transmission, the Ridgeline Sport comes with remote start, hill start assist, and idle stop/start.

What else do you get with the Sport? Manual seats with durable black cloth, plus a 60/40-split rear bench that folds up to create more room for cargo in the back of the cab.

The Ridgeline Sport also has a proximity key fob, a push-button starter, power mirrors, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, rear privacy glass, Shark Gray 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED fog lights.

The Ridgeline’s durable coRidgeline’s features heavy-duty tie-down cleats, bed lighting, and perhaps the most popular feature: a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, which means you can use it for ice and beverages at your next tailgate party.

Speaking of tailgates, the Ridgeline’s is a dual-action unit that can be lowered conventionally or opened via a side hinge when you need to get closer to cargo in the bed. An integrated Class III trailer hitch and a 7-pin wiring connector are also standard.

Comfort and convenience features on the Ridgeline Sport include power windows (with one-touch up/down for the front windows), power door locks, and even a tailgate lock. You’ll also find a tYou’lllescope steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rear window defroster.

Infotainment and connectivity features center around a 9-inch color touchscreen with HondaLink, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 200-watt, 7-speaker audio system, including a powered subwoofer. A wireless charging pad complements two 12-volt power outlets and two USB ports.

A thorough safety suite is also standard. Honda Sensing includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and road-departure mitigation. Also in the group is a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Dual-action tailgate – This tailgate can be lowered like a traditional pickup tailgate or swung out via a side hinge. It’s lockable, too.

In-bed trunk – This large compartment, set within the bed floor, helps keep expensive gear and tools securely out of sight. Its drain plug can convert it into an impromptu cooler.

Honda Sensing – This standard safety suite helps prevent the Ridgeline from getting into collisions.

See 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport models for sale near you

2024 Honda Ridgeline RTL vs. Sport

The Ridgeline RTL costs only about $3,000 more than a Sport but includes many extra features.

Along with the upgrade to RTL are heated side mirrors (with integrated turn signals) and an acoustic windshield (that reduces cabin noise), plus a power sunroof and a power sliding rear window.

Inside, the RTL features leather-covered seats; the driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat with power lumbar and 2-position memory. The front passenger seat is also powered, with 4-way adjustability. Heated front seats are standard in the RTL.

Other RTL niceties? In addition to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and LED map lights, you get illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

Leather upholstery – This significantly increases the luxury quotient of the Ridgeline while being easier to clean.

Power-sliding rear window – With the back window and side glass open, airflow through the Ridgeline cabin is refreshing.

Blind-spot monitor – Lets the driver know when a vehicle is in the Ridgeline’s rear three-quRidgeline’s spot, making lane changes much safer.

See 2024 Honda Ridgeline RTL models for sale near you

2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport vs. RTL

The new TrailSport brings a more rugged feel to the Ridgeline. It adds General Grabber all-terrain tires, a beefed-up off-road suspension, skid plate protection for the oil pan, and unique TrailSport styling enhancements, including a unique grille and Diffused Sky Blue paint.

Additional TrailSport upgrades are Pewter Gray 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, LED high beam and low beam headlights, power-folding side mirrors, plus front and rear parking sensors.

Cabin upgrades count orange ambient LED lighting, a heated steering wheel, orange seat and steering wheel stitching, and TrailSport embroidered headrests. Honda satellite-linked navigation with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital traffic are also part of the TrailSport’s price of admission.

Power-folding side mirrors – Help ease the way when navigating narrow canyons.

Skid plate protection – A steel plate covers the oil pan, protecting it from possible damage when off-roading

Off-road suspension – The TrailSport features stiffer springs, damper valve tuning, and softer stabilizer bars for better off-road articulation.

See 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport models for sale near you

2024 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition vs. TrailSport

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition lives up to its name with black exterior accents and gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels. As the top Honda Ridgeline, the Black Edition features LED daytime running lights, truck bed lights, and power-folding side mirrors. Also standard are front and rear parking sensors and a handy 150-watt/400-watt power outlet in the bed.

Inside, you’ll find black leather seats (with red inserts and matching stitching), a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. Red light also graces the cupholders, door handle cutouts, and storage pockets. Even the infotainment touchscreen has unique red backlighting.

Black Edition amenities include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, a conversation mirror, courtesy lights in the front doors, and a memory function for the driver’s seat and sidedriver’s.

Honda satellite-based navigation carries over from the TrailSport but is backed by a 540-watt, 8-speaker premium audio system. Additional features include a built-in compass and a pair of rear USB-C charging ports.

GPS navigation – Since it doesn’t rely on a cellular signal, this nav system works anywhere a satellite can see it. Includes voice recognition and traffic monitoring to help find the least congested routes.

Front and rear parking sensors – These are especially helpful in tight parking situations. 

150-watt/400-watt power outlet – Provides plenty of power to run your compressor or charge your tools.

See 2024 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition models for sale near you

FAQ

  • What kind of warranty coverage comes with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?

    The Ridgeline has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic plan and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. All 2024 Honda Ridgeline models come with Honda Service Pass, a name applied to free factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

  • How many miles per gallon does the 2024 Honda Ridgeline get?

    The Sport, RTL, and Black Edition of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline are rated by the EPA at 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. The TrailSport, with its larger A/T tires, gets 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

  • Which 2024 Honda Ridgeline trim level offers the most safety?

    We expect all 2024 Honda Ridgelines to be equally safe because they come standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite. In addition to automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, the safety suite includes lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and road-departure mitigation.

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2 COMMENTS

    • Thanks for reading, Tim. The 2024 Ridgeline bed size is 64 inches long and 50 inches wide between the wheel arches.

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