The mid-size pickup market seems hotter than ever, with three major models receiving full redesigns within two years. And therefore, it’s no surprise that Honda is also working on a redesign of its mid-size pickup, which has always been famous for a slightly different design approach. But, the officials are still quiet, so it’s hard to say at which stage is the development of the next generation. Most likely, it won’t be ready for the next year, so we expect the 2024 Honda Ridgeline to carry on with the same design.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, even though the current generation has been for a while. Simply, this pickup features a slightly different design approach from the rest of the pack, which helps it stand out in many ways, starting from superior comfort and ride quality.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is expected to be a typical carryover model, so we don’t expect to see it before late this year.
2024 Honda Ridgeline Design
As mentioned, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline will most likely be a carryover model, so it’s pretty much easy to predict most of its design characteristics and features. In terms of the base design, the next year’s model will continue with its unique, unibody design, which ensures a couple of pretty big advantages over the rest of the classmates. The Ridgeline is easier to drive, more engaging and more comfortable, thanks to its SUV-sourced chassis, from Pilot and Passport, but that also means a couple of compromises, especially when it comes to the max towing capacity, which doesn’t go over 5,000 pounds.
The next year’s model will also continue with the familiar styling, which was updated a few years ago but still doesn’t look particularly amazing. It’s rather bland than attractive, but we think it’s good enough considering all the other benefits. Moreover, Honda also offers a couple of optional appearance packages, which definitely contribute to the Ridgeline’s visual appeal.
Interior
The same thing is with the interior design. In Ridgeline’s case, a car-based platform also means a car-like interior. Honda’s pickup looks way more attractive compared to rivals, with a car-like dashboard and overall aesthetics and superior build quality and selection of materials. And, even though it may not feature the most advanced infotainment system around, it is a highly convenient place to be in.
What’s more important is that the Ridgeline comes exclusively in a crew cab layout and that its crew cab is probably the biggest in the class. Thanks to the SUV-based design, the cabin is also the most comfortable, with better driving position and overall ergonomics. The second row is very generous with space and accommodates adults with ease.
Features
Since this will most likely be the final production year of the current generation, we presume that the list of standard and available equipment will remain largely unchanged compared to the 2023 model. Therefore, base models are about to come with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a seven-speaker stereo, Bluetooth and two USB ports, as well as remote keyless entry, push-button start, remote start and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Among upgrades, expect to find goodies like navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, HD Radio, two additional USB ports, an eight-speaker stereo and in-bed speakers, power outlets, a moonroof and ambient interior lighting.
The same is true with safety systems, so expect to see base models with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist etc. Also, count on available upgrades like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams etc.
2024 Honda Ridgeline Engines
Under the hood, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline is about to carry on with a familiar 3.5-liter V6. While most competitors are turning to turbo-four power, with more torque, Honda is keeping the good old V6 that may not be as capable but offers superior smoothness and overall refinement. With the max output of 280 horsepower, it has plenty of power to satisfy a vast majority of potential buyers, while the 9-speed automatic transmission is also smooth and very refined, with quick and on-time shifts.
All models come standard with all-wheel drive, while the average fuel economy goes around 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. As we mentioned, one of Ridgeline’s biggest drawbacks is subpar towing capacity, which goes around 5.000 pounds. For comparison, classmates like Colorado and Gladiator can tow way over 7,000 pounds.
2024 Honda Ridgeline Release Date and Price
As there are no bigger changes to come, we expect that the 2024 Honda Ridgeline will hit the market sometime close to the end of this year. In terms of price, the current model starts at around 40,000 dollars and we don’t expect bigger changes in the near future.
