Flash Drive

2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport

October 12, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Honda Ridgeline AWD Sport

2021 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package is a great family recreational vehicle.

Engine:  3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $36,490

As Tested: $40,860

Performance:

All-wheel-drive is now standard

Smooth automatic transmission

Good fuel economy for a truck—our best was 24.2-mpg

2021 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package haas a roomy, comfortable interior with room for five.

Acceptable acceleration, but not especially quick

Smooth, car-like highway ride

Impressive off-road capabilities

Paddle shifters

5,000 pound towing capacity

Nice array of safety features

Bronze 18-inch HPD wheels

Comfort:

Spacious, high quality interior

Comfy, supportive front seats

Driver power lumbar support

2021 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package adds bigger wheel arches and unique bronze wheels and bold graphics.

Ample headroom

Flat rear floor

Adults fit fine in rear seat including middle position

Soft, wide armrest with cupholders

Good range tilt/telescopic column

Large amount of auxiliary steering wheel controls

Utility:

Big, deep console bin with sliding cover

Large front door bins

Lockable tailgate

Huge locking “trunk” under bed floor

The standard trim Ridgeline makes for a clean, stylish luxury compact pickup.

Sturdy tie-down cleats

No rear door bins

Two large seatback pouches

Split rear seat folds up for big items

Bed is good size for homeowners

Four-foot wide plywood fits in bed

Receiver hitch

Locking, medium size glovebox

WOW Factors:

Great, roomy interior front and back

Lots of small items interior storage

Huge, lockable storage bin under bed deck

The controls and storage features are great.

Car/SUV ride/comfort with truck/SUV functions

Double-action tailgate

Whines:

Oversized wheel arches seem more cosmetic than functional

Plastic steering wheel not in keeping with rest of interior quality

HPD package overpriced

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport with the HPD (Honda Performance Development) package adds a more

2021 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package is smooth riding both on and off paved roads.

rugged look to this compact pickup. That seems to be what buyers want, but we think the Ridgeline looks much better without the extra gingerbread. The Ridgeline is a handsome compact luxury pickup with excellent SUV capabilities, great interior room/comfort and a very useful size cargo bed with a bonus “trunk.”