2024 Honda Ridgeline Review: Not a normal truck and that's totally OK

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is quite obviously not a normal truck. It has more in common with car-based “utes” sold in Australia than the F-150s and Tacomas of this world. Once you accept that it’s OK to be different, and admittedly look a bit dweeby, the Ridgeline can make so much sense. Its under-bed trunk compartment never ceases to be useful. Its rear cabin’s flat floor and flip-up seat bottom grant it full-size truck versatility in a mid-size package. Its ride and handling are far superior to any “proper” truck.

We could go on, but basically, the Ridgeline can be considered an alternative to either midsize trucks or midsize crossover SUVs. To the latter group, we’re betting there’s quite a few people who’ll more frequently use the Ridgeline’s bed and underfloor trunk than the third row of a Honda Pilot, for instance. One of our editors brought a 5-foot-tall tree home using the Ridgeline bed/trunk – that was not happening in a Pilot. Now, there’s not as much backseat legroom present, so it’s admittedly less friendly from a passenger perspective. And, back to midsize trucks for a moment, you won’t be able to tow as much or go as far off-road.

So, the Ridgeline certainly won’t be for everyone, but it will always be uniquely appealing for those slotted within a particular niche.

The big news is the new Ridgeline TrailSport, which adopts many of the same elements of the all-new Pilot TrailSport and the recently revealed updated Passport TrailSport. The suspension gets unique spring rates, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars. The tires are General Grabber A/T Sports. Visually, the TrailSport gets a unique grille insert complete with Pewter Gray finishing, a color also on the special-to-TrailSport 18-inch wheels and lower fascia garnish. Below that is added steel underbody protection to go with unchanged ground clearance.

As for the rest of the lineup, every 2024 model gets RIDGELINE stamped across the tailgate, along with some notable interior changes. The instruments are new and the infotainment system is updated to a newer, quicker system with a 9-inch touchscreen and a little ledge added at the bottom to rest your hand while making inputs. The center console was