Started thumbing around yesterday looking at different options, as I'll have to replace my truck for my auto allowance during 2021. The Ridgeline was on my list back in 2015 when I bought my Tundra, but that was during it's brief hiatus before the most recent design. I know the board's general feeling, and I know Mookie is the resident Ridgeline defender. I don't tow, payload will do what I need for work (and fit a standard 4x4 pallet in the back it seems), and sounds like it handles like a dream in snow/ice, which helps since I live in Minnesota.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/10/07/2021-honda-ridgeline-debuts-truck-face/

I'll be in the market for a mid-sized truck in a couple of years and this will definitely be on my test drive list. Always thought Honda could compete with Toyota's longevity if they put some resources into a good design.

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I don't tow, payload will do what I need for work (and fit a standard 4x4 pallet in the back it seems), and sounds like it handles like a dream in snow/ice, which helps since I live in Minnesota.

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Yep, sounds like a good match for you.

Also...if I'm reading things correct, same payload capacity as my Tundra? I know the Tundra was bad with that but woof. Of course, one has a 285hp V6 and the other a tree fiddy under the hood. Sure equal load in the Ridgeline will feel like dog***** I do haul a few hundred pounds to job sites for work from time to time.

They need to make it look different than the pilot and I think it would catch on more. I see lots of them in NC, though. Sounds like it's capabilities meet your needs. Ride will probably be more comfortable than a midsize truck. Personally, I'd lean Tacoma or Ranger. Payload shouldn't be a problem with the Ranger.

Honda also has a new acronym too so they can be like TRD/TRX/FX4/Z71/Pro 4X/etc,

meet "Honda Performance Development"

Does it still have the built-in beer cooler?

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Honda also has a new acronym too so they can be like TRD/TRX/FX4/Z71/Pro 4X/etc,

meet "Honda Performance Development"

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I believe HPD has been around for about 10 years now. Of course it started as a way to benefit weekend road course racers that compete in Hondas, as well as a way to bring in spec type parts for those race cars.

I will abstain, courteously.

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Honda also has a new acronym too so they can be like TRD/TRX/FX4/Z71/Pro 4X/etc,

meet "Honda Performance Development"

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Yeah and it seems like it's just an appearance package with some bronze wheels I'm undecided on

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For those looking to take Ridgeline's dynamic new styling to the next level, a new package created in collaboration with Honda Performance Development (HPD) answers the call. The new HPD Package adds a unique grille treatment, black fender flares, aggressive bronze-colored wheels, and special HPD graphics on the bed walls. Part of a new group of post-production options (PPO), the package will be available on all Ridgeline trims and is one of four new PPO packages that include Utility, Function and Function+ packages.

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Yes

Mookie said:

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I will abstain, courteously.

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changed your mind, no longer a champion?

Glad it's not Honda Performance Vehicles

Let's not forget it's still front wheel drive

You too can photoshop motorcycles into your minivan ute.....

Pahdz said:

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Mookie said:

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I will abstain, courteously.

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changed your mind, no longer a champion?

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Oh no, same position as always. Great truck, I am convinced the Ridgeline is a love it or hate it, it's very hard to convince someone to change their mind.

It does look much better now.

Tim Weaver said:

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You too can photoshop motorcycles into your minivan ute.....

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At first I thought one of those dirt bikes was sporting a #1 plate. Outside of Johnny Campbell (and I don't think SCORE issues a 1 plate), I don't think Honda has held a dirt bike championship since McGrath which was long before the Ridgeline.

Macarthur said:

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It does look much better now.

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Tundra owner here, my in-laws bought a ridgeline last year. They wanted something not low to the ground or too high to enter the vehicle due to one being disabled. We narrowed the list to some suv's and small trucks, the ridgeline checked all there boxes. It drives like a car and can handle a small load to the dump.

agdoc2001 said:

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Macarthur said:

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It does look much better now.

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It def looks better. It may still not be some folks cup of tea, but it does look beefier than before

This is imho one of those very good vehicles to buy right now, before insane new EPA standards come out in the next couple of years making these things surely 'hybrid-only' in the future, or electric. The Honda V-6 is pretty much one of the best in the business, and is still bullet-proof. Only concern for OP I'd have is if he's rural/too far from more than one Honda dealership for any support/recalls etc.

Oh, and those bronze wheels...they had me seeing visions of a low rider thing.

I'll add that everyone I've ever known to own one absolutely loves it. That goes for the old style or current style.

I drove a 2006 and 2011, and now have an F150. Both the Ridgelines performed perfectly fine, never had either one in the shop. I got some odd looks in elk camp, but as previously mentioned, they are borderline boring in snow and ice. I didn't care for the new design, and I have a big kid so the backseat was quickly getting outgrown. Function wise, I had way fewer issues than my F150 (reality---had to get a brand new motor before hitting 2,300 miles, but no issues at all since then).

Picard said:

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Let's not forget it's still front wheel drive

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Most trim levels for the Ridge (including HPD) are all wheel drive

Definitely has more of a Tacoma look to it now. At least the front grill.

The Blue Goose said:

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Picard said:

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Let's not forget it's still front wheel drive

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Most trim levels for the Ridge (including HPD) are all wheel drive

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more specific...

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Standard on every 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V6 backed by a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. Available on Sport and RTL, and standard on RTL-E and Black Edition, is Ridgeline's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, which automatically sends up to 70 percent of the engine's 262 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels and continuously apportions 100 percent of that torque between the left and right rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel. The Intelligent Traction Dynamics System, standard on all Ridgelines, optimizes power delivery and distribution for various conditions including snow and pavement for 2WD models, while Ridgelines equipped with i-VTM4 get additional selectable modes for mud and sand.

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Pahdz said:

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The Blue Goose said:

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Picard said:

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Let's not forget it's still front wheel drive

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Most trim levels for the Ridge (including HPD) are all wheel drive

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more specific...

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Standard on every 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V6 backed by a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. Available on Sport and RTL, and standard on RTL-E and Black Edition, is Ridgeline's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, which automatically sends up to 70 percent of the engine's 262 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels and continuously apportions 100 percent of that torque between the left and right rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel. The Intelligent Traction Dynamics System, standard on all Ridgelines, optimizes power delivery and distribution for various conditions including snow and pavement for 2WD models, while Ridgelines equipped with i-VTM4 get additional selectable modes for mud and sand.

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Well that's good. Just don't buy the entry level trim