2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline was a revelation when it came to styling. Styling was crucial because if a vehicle didn't look appealing, potential buyers wouldn't even consider it unless they absolutely had to. Honda understood the importance of making a truck look like a truck, reflecting classic elements such as a long and flat hood, an assertive front end, and bulging fenders. These essentials were complemented by attractive wheel and tire designs, alongside a practical seam separating the cab from the cargo bed.

For the 2021 model, Honda redesigned the Ridgeline forward of the windshield and front doors. The rear bumper also got a facelift, featuring exposed dual exhaust outlets. The tires flaunted a more aggressive shoulder tread, and the wheels came in new designs offered in black, dark gray, and bronze. The bronze wheels were part of the new Honda Performance Division (HPD) Package that included oversized fender trims, a unique grille, and bold stickers on the cargo bed. You could add the HPD Package to any Ridgeline trim, which ranged from Sport, RTL, RTL-E to the Black Edition, with prices from $36,490 to $43,920, excluding the destination charge of $1,175.

The standard Ridgeline came equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission, triple-zone automatic climate control, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the basic form wasn't stripped-down. Our test vehicle in Sport trim came with optional Radiant Red Metallic II paint, all-weather rubber floor mats, and the HPD Package, rounding up to $41,039 with the destination charge.

The Sport trim featured cloth seats available only in black, which were durable but also pet hair magnets. Modeled after the Honda Pilot SUV, the interior emphasized functionality, boasting generous storage spaces and hard plastic surfaces, making it easy to clean after adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline stuck to its unique unibody platform, similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot and Passport. Most truck makers avoided this construction, but it provided increased rigidity that a separate body and frame could hardly match. The engineering was innovative, although the styling was relatively conservative. The primary giveaway was the snub nose—a consequence of a platform tailored for front-wheel-drive vehicles. The rear three-quarter view was more traditionally pick-up, featuring vertical taillights, a centered badge, and dual exhausts.

While the styling saw minor changes from its predecessor, the 2022 model retained the blockier and more upright grille introduced in 2021, bringing it closer to other trucks in appearance. HPD packages were still available, and they added a bit of flair with fender flares, bronze or black 18-inch alloy wheels, and decals. Our test vehicle, a Ridgeline Black Edition, sported Berlina Black paint along with blacked-out wheels and trim elements.

Inside, the 2022 Ridgeline featured a basic but practical design with admirable fit and finish. The Black Edition came well-equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-sliding rear window, and a moonroof. However, the copious use of piano black trim was a downside, as it easily picked up smudges and scratches, making it a bit less practical overall.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline thrived on its potent, smooth, and refined V6 engine, which was the sole option. The engine generated 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This powerhouse was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission featuring Normal and Sport modes, distributing power to all four wheels.

Honda discontinued the front-wheel-drive version, making the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) standard. This system could deliver up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline also offered Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) with Snow, Sand, and Mud settings, but lacked a dedicated Rock setting, as it wasn’t intended for heavy rock-crawling. With 7.64 inches of ground clearance and modest approach, breakover, and departure angles, flat terrain was its strong suit.

Acceleration was swift, thanks to the torque-vectoring AWD, unibody architecture, independent rear suspension, and 245/60 all-season tires. These attributes made the Ridgeline exceptionally athletic and enjoyable to drive compared to other midsize pickups. It didn't quite drive like a traditional body-on-frame truck, as it simply wasn’t one.

Despite its unique construction, the Ridgeline proved its capability with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a competitive maximum payload rating of 1,583 pounds. Built on a platform shared with the Passport and Pilot SUVs, Honda adapted the chassis and components for truck duties.

The Ridgeline handled various off-road challenges, including sandy washes, dirt trails, hill climbs, and steep angles during testing at Honda’s proving grounds in California’s Mojave Desert. However, it was crucial to remember its limitations and avoid overestimating its off-road potential.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline continued with the 3.5-liter V6, nine-speed automatic transmission, and standard AWD configuration. Like the 2021 model, the engine produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds across all models. Payload capacities varied slightly, with the RTL-E and Black Edition rated at 1,509 pounds, while the RTL and Sport ranged up to 1,583 pounds.

These figures weren't class-leading. The Ridgeline’s towing capacity was comparable to many midsize crossovers but lagged behind other midsize pickups like the Ford Ranger, which boasted a 7,500-pound towing capacity and a 1,680-pound payload rating. Nonetheless, the Ridgeline could still manage a small boat or a pair of jet skis.

Driving the Ridgeline without cargo was a pleasure, thanks to the naturally aspirated V6, delivering ample power. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to respond at times, making acceleration from stops less enjoyable. A sluggish engine start-stop system didn’t help, turning quick takeoffs into moments of impatience.

Once up to speed, the Ridgeline impressed with its superb handling and ride quality, showcasing the advantages of a unibody platform. It felt more like a luxury car compared to traditional pickup trucks, offering a nearly unmatched comfortable ride and quiet cabin. The fully independent suspension and torque vectoring AWD contributed to its precise handling.

Still, the unibody design limited its off-road abilities. The Ridgeline's maximum ground clearance of 7.64 inches was greater than a Subaru Outback but quite modest for a truck. Without a dedicated off-road variant to rival the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, or Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the Ridgeline could venture off the beaten path, but wasn’t suited for hardcore off-roading.

For the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, if you didn’t require heavyweight towing, rugged off-roading, or a particularly deep cargo bed, it served the average midsize pickup owner admirably. The Sport trim offered manually-adjustable supportive front seats with inboard armrests. With standard triple-zone automatic climate control, comfort was easily maintained. Higher trims offered leather, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power sunroof, and ambient cabin lighting.

Utility shined with a large center storage console that featured a rolltop-style cover, and storage spaces were integrated everywhere possible. The composite cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity and minimally intrusive wheel wells, allowing flat placement of building materials. Premium trims included a 150-watt/400-watt power outlet and an in-bed audio system ideal for tailgating. The dual-action tailgate and 7.3 cubic-foot weatherproof trunk under the bed floor were standout features, emphasizing utility and ease of use.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was available only with a four-door crew cab and a 64-inch bed, offering a balanced combination of passenger and cargo space. Honda's truck bed was more functional than a mere open box, featuring a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk under the floor. A drain plug allowed easy washing or drainage if used as a cooler. The slot ahead of the trunk housed the spare tire for convenient access. An in-bed audio system and a 115-volt outlet were notable inclusions. The Dual-Action Tailgate opened downwards or sideways, and the bed could fit 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood.

Inside, the Ridgeline provided extra storage under the rear seats. USB ports for rear passengers were available on higher trims. The pushbutton shifter in the front maximized space for cupholders and a wireless phone charger. Controls were logically laid out, with toggle switches for cabin temperature.

In terms of interior space, the Ridgeline didn’t overshadow competitors in headroom or legroom numbers. However, it felt roomier subjectively, thanks to its wide stance and lower cowl height, contrasting with the somewhat cramped feel behind the wheel of a Toyota Tacoma.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also included a seven-speaker sound system, text-messaging capability, basic HondaLink connected services, and USB charging ports. Higher trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, navigation, voice recognition, traffic information, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging.

Our Sport-trim test truck had basic features, but Apple CarPlay sufficed for streaming music and navigation through apps. The Ridgeline's technology suite was low-key and straightforward, adhering to the analog nature of a truck.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline also featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity. SiriusXM satellite radio was standard on all trims except the Sport, while navigation was exclusive to the RTL-E and Black Edition.

The interface wasn’t cutting-edge, with relatively small screen size and dated graphics. However, it was user-friendly. Essential functions were accessible via analog controls on the dashboard and steering wheel, reducing dependency on the touchscreen. While the tech didn’t cater to the most tech-savvy buyers, it wasn’t difficult to live with and outshone rivals that offered similarly basic tech.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured Honda Sensing as standard across all trims. This advanced driving assistance system included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. Although mostly helpful, these features weren’t infallible. During testing, the adaptive cruise control reacted unexpectedly when it mistakenly identified vehicles in adjacent lanes as obstacles. The Ridgeline also featured a multi-angle reversing camera, with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning available from the RTL trim upward.

Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure aimed to absorb and deflect crash forces effectively. Last year’s Ridgeline earned high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. However, due to the redesign, new crash tests were necessary for the 2021 model.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received favorable safety scores, with “Good” ratings from the IIHS in most crash tests, but an “Average” score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. The front-crash prevention tech earned a “Superior” rating, while the headlights received a “Marginal” score and the LATCH system an “Average”.

The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Ridgeline a five-star overall safety rating, including five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover testing. Standard Honda Sensing included automatic emergency braking, Road Departure Mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams featured on RTL-E and Black Edition, and blind-spot monitoring was standard, with warning lights inside the cabin for better visibility. However, a 360-degree camera system was notably absent.