
2021 Honda Ridgeline AWD Sport
Vehicle Type: Pickup Gasoline
65
overall score
Category Ranking: 3
Vehicle Price
Base Price:
$36,490
Price as Tested:
$40,860
Fuel Information
Fuel Type: Regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 19.5
EPA City mpg: 18
EPA Highway mpg: 24
EPA Combined mpg: 21
Advanced Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
- Advanced Headlights [O]
- Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
- Forward-Collision Warning [S]
- Lane-Departure Warning [S]
- Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
- [S] Standard, [O] Optional
NHTSA Rating:
Overall Observations
The midsize Honda Ridgeline comes set up just one way: a crew cab,
3.5-liter V6 (280 hp), 9-speed automatic, 5-foot-4-inch bed, and allwheel
drive. For 2021, the Ridgeline got a styling update: a new front
end and rear bumper. Four trim levels are available; we tested the base
Sport.
The Ridgeline’s roomy cabin is nicely finished—though a bit plain—
with plenty of backseat room. Clever features include a tailgate that
drops down or opens sideways, fold-up rear seats for extra storage
space, a rustproof composite bed, and a lockable, waterproof trunk
beneath a completely flat cargo floor (no wheel-well intrusions). The
Ridgeline’s payload (about 1,500 pounds) is competitive with other
midsize pickups.
Despite its 280 hp and overall good drivability, the Ridgeline’s
drivetrain feels underpowered. But its unibody construction and fully
independent suspension, unusual for a pickup, provide a smooth,
compliant ride, and the cabin is fairly quiet. Fuel economy (21 mpg)
and towing capacity (5,000 pounds) are subpar, and the infotainment
system could use an update. LED headlights are standard, as is most of
Honda’s Sensing suite of advanced safety features
Want to buy this car?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strong Points
- Good overall drivability
- Good headroom andlegroom
- Dual-action tailgate within-bed trunk
Weak Points
- Underpowered drivetrain
- Outdated infotainmentsystem
- Fuel-economy ratingscould be better
Vehicle Specifications
Model year tested: 2021
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4460.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 210.2 / 78.6 / 70.8
Wheelbase (in): 125.2
Number of air bags: 7
Warranty (months/miles): 36/36,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Firestone Destination LE2
Front and rear tire size: 245/60 R18
Max towing capacity (lbs): 5000
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 9-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 3.5L V6 i-VTEC
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 280 @ 6000
Test Data
Test Vehicle Scores
Advanced Safety Features:
6.30Fuel Efficiency:
2.75EPA Emissions Score:
3.00Acceleration:
5.54Braking:
5.88Handling:
6.50Ride Quality:
7.57Interior Size:
5.21Easy of Entry and Exit:
7.42Visibility:
5.61Interior Noise:
7.00Cargo Capacity:
3.12
![]() |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition
More Details
|
SUV/Minivan | Electric | 104/89 | $45,190 |
82
out of
130
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD
Car Guide Winner: 1st Place SUV/Minivan
More Details
|
SUV/Minivan | Electric | 96/84 | $56,200 |
89
out of
130
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD
More Details
|
SUV/Minivan | Electric | 85/72 | $59,630 |
86
out of
130
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
2021 Audi e-tron Sportback quattro
More Details
|
SUV/Minivan | Electric | 76/78 | $90,640 |
85
out of
130
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring AWD
More Details
|
SUV/Minivan | Hybrid | 22/25 | $89,600 |
81
out of
130
|
![]() |
Car Guide Categories:
- SUV/Minivan |
- Large |
- Midsize |
- Small |
- Pickup |
All Makes:
IIHS Top Safety Pick Vehicles: