by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Honday - 07/15/2024
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport brings a fresh blend of rugged aesthetics, advanced functionality, and urban comfort to the midsize pickup truck market. Positioned as an all-terrain-ready trim, the Trailsport is aimed directly at city dwellers who envision themselves as weekend warriors who will likely never need any serious off-road capability but still like the aesthetic.
The 2024 Ridgeline Trailsport's exterior exudes a rugged look, thanks to the addition of unique styling elements. The model features a distinctive front fascia with a more aggressive grille and rugged lower bumper designs. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/60R18 all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road credibility. The TrailSport also boasts orange accents on the seats and dashboard, setting it apart visually from the rest of the Ridgeline lineup.
Inside, the Ridgeline Trailsport is a sanctuary of comfort and sophistication. Honda has successfully blended a car-like atmosphere with the practicality of a truck. The cabin features leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching, which add a touch of elegance and sportiness. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with physical buttons for essential functions like climate control, seat heating, and infotainment, ensuring easy driving use.
The Ridgeline has many tech features, including a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-speaker audio system, and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment screen has an upward angle, which can cause glare issues, making it hard to see.
Under the hood, the Ridgeline Trailsport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Trailsport trim also includes Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction on various terrains by actively distributing power to the wheels that need it most.
While the Trailsport’s suspension has been tuned for off-road performance with revised shock absorber settings and additional skid plates, it maintains the Ridgeline’s reputation for a smooth, car-like ride. The Ridgeline’s independent rear suspension contributes significantly to its superior handling and comfort, making it a standout in the midsize truck segment.
The Trailsport’s off-road capability is enhanced by its all-terrain tires and tuned suspension, which provide better grip and stability on unpaved roads. However, the Ridgeline’s relatively low ground clearance of 7.64 inches and the lack of a more significant lift might limit its off-road prowess compared to more dedicated off-road trucks. Nevertheless, the Trailsport is more than capable of light off-roading and rugged fire road trails.
Practicality is where the Ridgeline shines. Although the truck bed is fixed at 5.3 feet, it features a dual-action tailgate and an in-bed trunk that offers 7.3 cubic feet of additional storage space. This under-bed storage can even be used as a cooler thanks to its drain plug. The rear seats can be folded up in a 60/40 split, providing flexibility for carrying larger items inside the cabin.
Honda has equipped the Ridgeline with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features contribute to the Ridgeline’s high safety ratings and provide peace of mind for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
The 2024 Ridgeline Trailsport delivers an EPA-rated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. While this is slightly lower than the non-Trailsport AWD models, it is still competitive within the midsize truck segment, especially considering the added weight and rolling resistance of the all-terrain tires.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport stands out in the midsize pickup market by offering a unique combination of car-like comfort, versatile functionality, and respectable off-road capability. While it may not be the most hardcore off-roader, its blend of everyday usability and weekend adventure readiness makes it an excellent choice for those who need a practical yet rugged vehicle. For urban adventurers and light off-road enthusiasts, the Ridgeline Trailsport is a great option and its compact size makes it easy to park in the city.
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