More Rugged Ridgeline: 2024 Honda Pickup Gets Increased Off-Road Performance and Upgraded Tech
11/06/2023
Honda
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is ready to work hard and play even harder with improved off-road performance, updated styling and a more high-tech cabin. The first-ever Ridgeline TrailSport is more off-road capable, engineered to get weekend adventurers even further off the beaten path with new features, including an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection. All 2024 Ridgeline models will begin arriving in dealers this winter.
"With every new TrailSport model we bring to market, Honda light trucks get more rugged than ever and the increase in Ridgeline's off-road performance continues that trend," said Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Our more rugged Ridgeline will continue its strong momentum with sales up over 20% this year."
Taking Ridgeline's rugged styling even further, "RIDGELINE" is stamped across the tailgate while the grille gets a sporty new mesh design.
Inside, more advanced tech has been smartly integrated to enhance Ridgeline's cabin experience. A new 7-inch digital instrument panel is now standard, featuring an all-digital tachometer on the left and a physical speedometer on the right. The display also includes user-selectable functions, such as Honda Sensing(R) settings, vehicle information and more.
All Ridgeline trims get a new larger 9-inch color touchscreen with a faster processor for lag-free performance. Additionally, wireless Apple CarPlay(R) and Android Auto(TM) compatibility is now standard, and Ridgeline's integrated navigation system has been simplified with new graphics and fewer menus. The Ridgeline Black Edition adds upgraded speaker performance to further enhance the listening experience of its premium audio system.
For increased comfort and functionality, all 2024 Ridgelines benefit from a new center console featuring a large integrated armrest and expanded storage. The new center-console storage bin can swallow a full-size tablet, while a larger storage tray ahead of the shifter can accommodate two large smartphones side by side and incorporates a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline will be available in four all-wheel drive trim levels; Sport, RTL, the new TrailSport with special off-road hardware, and the top-of-the-range Black Edition.
Ridgeline can also be uniquely customized with several post-production option packages, including the popular HPD Package. Designed to evoke Honda's racing DNA, the popular HPD Package adds to Ridgeline's rugged appearance with a unique grille treatment, black fender flares, aggressive wheels and special graphics.
New Ridgeline TrailSport
Engineered with intrepid weekend adventures in mind, the new Ridgeline TrailSport gives the Honda pickup truck an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection, shielding its oil pan from sharp rocks and other off-road hazards. TrailSport's exclusive suspension tuning features unique spring rates, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars to increase articulation and improve off-road ride quality, without sacrificing Ridgeline's exceptional on-road comfort and best-in-class handling.
Trail-ready all-terrain tires take Ridgeline TrailSport's rugged capabilities even further. Extremely capable on the trail, standard General Grabber(TM) A/T Sport tires (245/60R18) radically improve traction in dirt, sand, mud, rocky terrain and snow, while remaining quiet and comfortable on the road.
Tuned and tested in some of the world's most challenging off-road environments, including the Imperial Dunes in Glamis, California, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Honda's innovative i-VTM4(TM) torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system greatly enhances Ridgeline's off-road ability. Standard on all Ridgelines, the i-VTM4(TM) system enhances controllability and traction management in all conditions, automatically sending up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels and continuously apportioning 100% of that torque between the rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel.
In off-road situations, i-VTM4(TM) will continue to route torque where it provides the most benefit, helping maintain traction and stability in mud and deep sand. It even works in extreme conditions, such as when one rear wheel is off the ground, by sending power to the wheel in contact with the ground to pull the vehicle through and ensure momentum. For additional control, Ridgeline's standard four-mode Intelligent Traction Management allows drivers to customize the i-VTM4(TM) system for different terrains, including sand, snow, mud and paved roads.
For an even tougher look, the trail-ready Ridgeline TrailSport gets a unique grille with a more rugged mesh design, black door-pillar and exterior mirror trim, and a black crossbar atop the grille. Also, TrailSport's front skid garnish is painted Pewter Gray, matching the finish of its new 5-spoke, 18-inch wheels. Orange TrailSport badges grace its new grille and tailgate.
Exclusive to TrailSport models, a newly available Diffused Sky Blue paint color, which debuted on the all-new 2024 Pilot TrailSport, highlights its rugged design and adventurous spirit. For narrow trails, Ridgeline TrailSport features power folding mirrors.
TrailSport's cabin stands out with orange ambient lighting and orange contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door panels. The TrailSport logo is embroidered on the front seat headrests and molded onto its standard all-season rubber floor mats. Ridgeline's spacious cabin offers top-class passenger comfort and rear-seat legroom, with a flat floor and foldaway 60/40-split rear seat bottoms, offering the flexibility to carry long and tall gear in the cabin.
The Honda Sensing(R) suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on every Ridgeline, including the new TrailSport. On Ridgeline, Honda Sensing(R) includes Collision Mitigation Braking System(TM) (CMBS(TM)) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). A rear seat reminder are also standard across the lineup.
Rugged Platform and Features
Underpinning Ridgeline's extraordinary packaging, capability and driving character is its rugged unibody construction that includes extremely stiff, fully boxed frame members and a robust independent rear suspension that improves stability and response. The unique design and sophisticated chassis deliver a high level of driving refinement and responsive handling no traditional body-on-frame competitor can match, while supporting an impressive 1,583-pound payload capacity. Ridgeline can also tow as much as 5,000 pounds, which is more than enough for many boats, campers or "toy" trailers that serve as the key to adventure for many customers.
Another benefit is Ridgeline's extra-wide standard bed, which can flat-carry 4-foot-wide items, such as plywood and drywall, between the wheel wells. Constructed of glass fiber-reinforced SMC composite, the bed resists dents and scratches without the need for a separate bed liner. For securing loads, the bed also features eight 350-pound tie-down cleats.
Under the bed floor is Ridgeline's class-exclusive washable, lockable In-Bed Trunk(R). The additional 7.3 cu.-ft. of secure storage space can double as an ice-filled cooler, making Ridgeline the ultimate tailgate vehicle for sporting events, picnics and other gatherings.
Speaking of tailgates, Ridgeline's innovative Dual-Action Tailgate opens down like a typical truck tailgate, but it can also swing open to the side like a door. This gives users a choice of easy-access methods for both cargo and the In-Bed Trunk(R). In the down position, it extends the 5-foot, 4-inch bed to more than seven feet and can handle dynamic loads up to 300 pounds, such as a motorcycle or ATV. The tailgate inner surface features two comfortable molded-in seats, further improving Ridgelines "tailgate party" capability.
Ridgeline Manufacturing
The Honda Ridgeline and Ridgeline TrailSport will continue to be built in America*, exclusively at Honda's Lincoln, Alabama auto plant, continuing the 40-year legacy of Honda's commitment to build products close to the customer. The Honda Ridgeline is the highest ranked pickup truck on Cars.com 2023 American-Made Index(R), and the only pickup with a top 10 overall ranking.
* using domestic and globally-sourced parts
About Honda
Honda offers a full line of clean, safe, fun and connected vehicles sold through more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The award-winning Honda lineup includes the Civic and Accord, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda's electrified vehicle lineup includes the Accord hybrid, CR-V hybrid, and, in the future, Civic hybrid. The Honda Prologue SUV, Honda's first volume battery-electric vehicle, will join the lineup in 2024.
Honda has been producing automobiles in America for over 40 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2022, more than 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, with more than two-thirds made in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
More information about Honda is available in the Digital FactBook.