On sale in the North American market since 2017, the second generation of the Honda Ridgeline pickup has just arrived in the 2021 lineup with important updates. Built on a monoblock structure with architecture shared with the Pilot SUV , the truck gains more robust lines at the front, improvements in the cabin and incorporates elements typical of larger pickup trucks.
On the outside, the front assembly was completely redesigned to gain independence from the Pilot. Thus, the front became more imposing with the adoption of a refurbished hood, headlamps with modified internal elements, a wider front grille and a more robust bumper. At the rear, the bumper has also been revised and the exhaust outlets are now double and visible (a demand from consumers, according to Honda ).
Still on the look, the Honda Performance Development (HPD) design package is highlighted, which includes several customization options. Among the main highlights are the exclusive grille on the front grille, exclusive emblems, Sonoran Bronze wheels and plastic moldings on the wheel arches. Three other packages – Utility, Function and Function+ – are also available and can equip any version of the Ridgeline 2021.
In the cabin, Honda only made adjustments to the finish and returned to offering a physical volume button in the multimedia center (another demand from the public). In addition, the pickup continues with differentials such as a trunk built into the bucket and modular seats that can be collected in different ways to increase the space in the cabin. The smooth and comfortable ride shouldn’t change either, being credited mainly to the platform inherited from the Pilot.
Under the hood, the 284 hp 3.5 V6 engine is the same. All production is concentrated at the plant in Alabama, in the USA, where the Odyssey minivan and the MDX crossover, from the Acura luxury division, are also assembled.