The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is on a quest to silence its doubters once and for all. Though Honda engineers haven’t disclosed the full story, it appears the 2020 Honda Ridgeline was sent to summer camp and locked in a gym with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who quickly threw away the key. The Ridgeline has been toughened up and is ready to ascend to the top of the segment.
The body transformation went on for months—its physique being carefully sculpted with intentions of turning heads. There were no cut corners, and the programming goals were executed to perfection.
When the Honda Ridgeline finally reemerged, it was hardly recognizable.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Exterior Styling
The front clip has been entirely redesigned—with the hood, fenders, bumper and grille all-new in 2021. The 2020 model’s slanted, aerodynamic front end now stands more upright, certainly giving the new Ridgeline a more imposing presence. In addition, its rounded front bumper, grille and fenders have also been squared off on the 2021 Ridgeline, a design cue that certainly aids its shift in demeanor. The new front bumper and grille are perhaps the most striking changes—with the former now featuring functional side vents that look aggressive and create air curtains that improve aerodynamic efficiency. Whereas on the previous model nearly half of the front bumper was comprised of unpainted plastic that looked cheap, the new Ridgeline extends the body-colored portions of the bumper much lower than before and adds a new prominent skid plate as well. The grille now features a much more open-air mesh design, losing the closely-spaced horizontal slats and unnecessary chrome trim that bisected the Honda emblem. Even the crossbar that stretches across the top of the grille and bisects the headlights is cleaner and sharper. It’ll be gloss black on the Sport and Black Edition trims and chrome on the RTL and RTL-E models. The 2021 Ridgeline also sports a pronounced power bulge hood and a restyled rear bumper with twin exhaust ports.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) Appearance Package
If the exterior styling changes to the 2021 Ridgeline still aren’t enough to sway you, Honda Performance Development has released an HPD appearance package that is sure to make you reconsider. The trim adds an exclusive blacked out grille, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels and HPD graphics on the bed that will transform the Ridgeline into the envy of your neighbors. The bronze-wheels are simply stunning—reflecting an off-road persona previously missing in the Honda Ridgeline. The stylish HPD bed graphics and badge on the tailgate are there to remind others this is no ordinary model but rather one that is set apart from the rest. The HPD package is $2800 and is available on every trim.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Powertrain Specifications and Fuel Efficiency
All 2021 Honda Ridgeline models share the same engine—a 3.5L V6 that has proven to be one of the most reliable powertrains in the segment. Paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and rated at 280 and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Ridgeline never feels labored or underpowered in daily-driving situations. Its power delivery is smooth and predictable, unlike many of its competitors who suffer from an inherent lag in turbocharged engines. The EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers are 18-mpg city and 25-mpg highway, making the Ridgeline one of the most fuel-efficient midsize trucks on the market. This is one of the Ridgeline’s greatest selling-points, in addition to its superior ride and handling characteristics as a result of its unibody construction. Its handling is sharp with minimal body roll—feeling well-mannered and poised on various levels of terrain as a result of the Ridgeline’s standard AWD configuration. The advanced system features Intelligent Traction Management with three unique modes for snow, sand and mud. Car and Driver was so impressed, they named the Ridgeline as the best new midsize pickup of 2021. Though its capabilities are inhibited by its overall infrastructure, the Honda Ridgeline still manages a 5,000-pound max tow rating which is excellent for a unibody pickup. That’s more than most buyers in the segment will ever tow with a midsize truck, and the Ridgeline is plenty capable of towing a boat or small camper to the lake for the weekend.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Technology and Safety Equipment
Every 2021 Honda Ridgeline trim comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. An on-board satellite-linked navigation system is also available. A powerful-540 watt, eight-speaker premium sound system is the ideal choice for audiophiles who demand high-level audio streaming—standard on the RTL-E and Black Edition trims. To bring the party outside, an industry-first truck-bed audio system is also available in the Ridgeline that delivers the ultimate tailgating experience. Every Ridgeline also comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies including a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels and Pricing
2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport (starting at $36,490) Entry-level trim featuring the aforementioned suite of standard features
2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL (starting at $39,470) Includes all equipment standard on the Sport, plus notable features like: Blind Spot Information System (BSI) Moonroof Leather-trimmed interior Heated front seats
2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E (starting at $42,420) Includes all equipment standard on the RTL, plus notable features like: LED headlights Truck-bed audio system 540-watt premium audio system Navigation system
2021 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition (starting at $43,920) Includes all equipment standard on the RTL-E, plus notable features like: Black Edition exterior trim Black Edition leather interior Exclusive 18-inch black wheels Red ambient LED lighting
