Add TrailSport and Some Dirt

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Honda Rdgeline TrailSport

Finally, Honda added something to their Rigdeline mid-size pickup truck that would bring active-lifestyle adventure seekers right up to its two-way tailgate!

For 2024, we now have the Ridgeline TrailSport. 

The addition of the TrailSport trim gives the Ridgeline some more credibility for outdoor activities. It already has standard all-wheel drive, something expected in this unibody pickup truck. What more could the TrailSport add to this package?

On the surface, a lot. The all-terrain tires and 18-inch pewter gray alloy wheels are the first things that will stick out visually. There is a specific grille – a familiar honeycomb design found on other TrailSport models. For 2024, a new tailgate design debuts with the Ridgeline’s name stamped across it. 

Inside the 2024 Ridgeline is a new digital instrument cluster that is now in line with Honda’s latest vehicles. With the exception of the TrailSport badges, there is really nothing else new inside the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. 

What you do not see is the new off-road tuned suspension. These enhancements include a set of unique spring rates, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars. These components help to increase articulation and improve off-road ride quality. Even though there is no difference in ground clearance than the other three Ridgeline models, the suspension modifications enhance ride quality away from the highway. 

In addition, a series of steel underbody protection was added to keep loose rocks, gravel and other debris from damage to key parts such as the oil pan. These two add-ons encourage Ridgeline TrailSport drivers to go anywhere they want to go. 

Certainly, it appears that there is really nothing new to add to this unibody mid-sized pickup truck. The current generation model has been around since the 2017 model and have undergone some updates throughout the years. The biggest add over this time has been the addition of the TrailSport. But, is that the point?

A quick refresher of what it continues to offer needs to be revisited. The Ridgeline is on a modified platform from the Passport, Odyssey, and Pilot – all of which come from the same assembly plant in Mississippi. This front-drive biased unibody pickup truck is powered by a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the torque-vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system.

Each Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while providing comfortable seating for up to five people inside of its four-door cab. The tailgate can swing down or off to the side. 

These essential elements for Honda’s mid-size pickup truck remain as primary reasons for its continued existence. The Ridgeline is steadfast and resilient against the tide of a new wave of competitors. All with bolder cab/bed/interior designs, robust turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and heightened technology. 

However, a couple of recently introduced vehicles have taken to the Ridgeline’s own format. Both of these newer offerings are smaller than the Honda. Granted, unibody pickup trucks are nothing new in the world. Their presence in the North American market was rekindled by Honda towards a segment that fostered something different than the rest. Now, it has become an influential vehicle for a smaller segment of pickup trucks. 

Comparing the Ridgeline to the two smaller unibody pickup trucks is not a fair one.  They’re in two different segments with specific capability points. Yet, the Honda is basically on its own within its class, while offering a mix of advantages and challenges. 

The solidity of unibody construction is one advantage. When a truck is solidly built, there should be nominal flex between the frame, cab, and bed. There is none of that in the Ridgeline. It can also haul up to 1,521 pounds in the bed, which is on par with the rest of the segment. 

Yet, I just wish for more ground clearance for the Ridgeline TrailSport. At least eight inches worth – which is about the minimum ground clearance for something that advertises off-road prowess. The Ridgeline TrailSport currently sits at 7.64 inches from the ground. 

You can change traction modes on the Ridgeline, yet there is nothing unique or specific on the TrailSport. The Intelligent Traction Management system is switchable between Normal, Snow Mud, and Sand modes. The system does the job just fine, especially in Mud mode during a rainstorm. 

That’s all that matters. The Ridgeline does the job fine. It will haul what you need. Take you wherever you want to go. It is perhaps the most comfortable pickup truck in its size class.

The TrailSport sits as the third out of four trim levels available for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. Our tester’s sticker price came to $46,830. You can get a 2024 Ridgeline starting from $39,750. 

Throughout the years, Honda has been offering an alternative to the mid-size pickup truck with a useful and practical vehicle made of unibody construction. As it was mentioned before, we always had unibody pickup trucks. There continues to be a growth of more such vehicles.

The Ridgeline’s usefulness is a plus for those looking for a pickup truck that offers capability without the feel of as truck. It’s a tall order, but Honda seems to have the formula down pat. Even with a set of all-terrain tires.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

All photos by Randy Stern