The Pragmatic Pickup | 2021 Honda Ridgeline 

It's legitimately impressive how much information there is in this video. More nuance, distinction, and qualification here than anywhere else on RU-vid.

This is the only truck I'd consider because of the AWD. It rains a lot where I live. Throw in the Magic Seat and trunk and it's no contest. I don't tow or go off road.

Alex, excellent review, as always. For your readers, I am a contractor and have owned my 2018 Ridgeline for 3 years. I’ve never encountered a loading / towing situation that didn’t work well, excluding once wanting to tow a mini-excavator on a flatbed. I tow a twin axle 4,000 ski boat plus trailer no problem, and it handles great. I’ve hauled a full bed of demo debris, a full pallet of brick, etc., no problem. Excellent truck for all the reasons you stated, and never one maintenance problem whatsoever. It’s a very comfortable, well-design and excellent handling truck. The biggest plus of the new model is the 9-speed transmission, which increases average mileage by 3 MPG.

Best review of the Ridgeline I've seen. Very fair and you evaluated the truck on its intended purpose. I'm on my second Ridgeline and there really is no comparable truck. I don't tow with it, but I do make those Home Depot runs, move furniture, haul a motorcycle in the back, and of course it's my daily driver and family hauler. I am 6'5" 220lbs and didn't fit well in the Tacoma...just too small. The Ranger was similar, but better than the Tacoma. The GM twins were okay, but at the end of the day, none of those trucks had full time AWD and a trunk in the bed. Once you have that in bed trunk, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. I toss everything in there. The back seats are also awesome. They fold up revealing a flat floor. None of the other trucks have a flat floor. I can attest to how well the Ridgeline performs in any weather. Even in the dry the AWD torque vectoring can be felt working to pull you around a corner. It's fantastic! As you said, if you need to tow heavy loads or plan on going muddin' or rock crawlin'...the Ridgeline isn't your truck. But if you don't plan on doing those things and still want the utility of a pickup bed...there really is no other choice. The Ridgeline is THAT good.

I think another strong category for the Ridgeline has always been its safety rating compared to the competition. I'm surprised you don't evaluate this.

We Americans love the appearance and IDEA of capability and ruggedness in our SUV's and pickups. How many people use their 4Runners, Raptors, TRD Pro everything, Jeeps, or full size pickups, etc, etc to their full capabilities? Even living in a rural area as I do, I marvel at the number of soccer parents and empty nester middle aged people owning these vehicles as their every day drivers, never taking them off road or towing--and still complaining about MPG's and fuel prices!

Best AWD system ever

I have the Black Edition, awesome vehicle! Good handling, practical and confortable a the same time. Very happy with it! 100% recommended. Great review!

Perfect for the everyday homeowner needing to haul random stuff for the house, and/or haul the occasional boat or camper. If you're a farmer hauling cattle or other heavy duty trailers/tractors, and driving around the farm/off road all day long, you're probably not shopping for a Honda Ridgeline anyway.

And… the included safety suite of adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist is flawless, wonderful interior comfort and room. This is a really wonderful truck for long haul trips.

I just wanted you to know that this video is why I have a 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E in my garage. Thank you so much; this was more informative than any dealership I visited.

Had a 2013 ridgeline, and I really miss it now, after watching this video while looking for a new truck, I have decided on another ridgeline. Thanks for the serious and honest information.

So practical. Full size pickups are just the modern day $70,000 family haulers that have an empty payload and nothing behind them to tow 99% of the time

OMG! You the only one that can find a way to fit in the oddest Trunks! LOL Love when you do that! HAHA

I have a 2017 Ridgeline. Great truck and glad to see Honda still making them. I probably will get a 2021.

I just purchased the new Ridgeline after test driving all the mid-size truck offerings and all had their pros and cons. The game changer for me was the comfort and roominess inside and just how solid it felt. I have nothing bad to say about it’s competitors. For me, it was perfect for what I need as an everyday vehicle. It drives smooth and is very quiet inside too btw.

Acura NSX engineer talking to peers: hey do you know what would be real cool? Peers: what? Installing a version of our sh-awd torque vectoring diffs in a Ridgeline. They all stare at each other with mouths open, the rest is history.

It's a real talent to be able to talk for half an hour and not have your viewers get bored. Thank you Alex you deserve more subs

Funny how I go and watch all the reviews AFTER I already bought something, but it's nice to confirm my purchase decision. The Ridgeline is the antithesis to the bigger/louder/flashier mantra so prevalent here in America. I had a 2015 Chevy 1500 crew cab with the short bed and got really tired of parking it and having to use side steps to get in and out of it. Heaviest trailer it ever towed was a 21-22 foot travel trailer (4k-ish lbs loaded). I currently own a small pop-up camper which is around 1500 lbs. Interestingly, my half-ton's payload was only 100 lbs higher than my Ridgeline. Interior room is impressive, nearly as wide as my Chevy. When I took it to show it off to my parents, first thing my dad did was grab a measuring tape to compare back seat width of his Chevy 1500. They are nearly identical. Obviously, there is less leg room due to the shorter cab length, but I think overall cab height is pretty close, too. These truly are a perfect balance of compact and roomy. I am happy that Honda built these because it really does fit my needs better than any other pickup on the market. Yeah, I'll miss my big ol' V8 beast, but this Ridgeline is perfect for 99% of what I do and probably not much worse for the other 1% than my old truck. Winner, winner!

This is exactly what 99% of non commercial truck folks need! So many lifted parking lot trucks here in scottsdale, they have never been off road. Great review

The Ridgeline was not even on my radar. I had sat in every other midsize truck and was leaning heavy towards Toyota (build quality and a manual option). On a whim, I went by the Honda dealer and test drove a Ridgeline. The Ridgeline will be my next truck...

Great review. I bought a 2023 3 weeks ago and it’s been a great experience. I don’t tow but I do use the bed often and it’s just the right size. Car like ride quality is the most important feature for me since I do a good amount of commuting for work.

I have no problem with the Ridgeline, in either its stated purpose and abilities, or the badge on the hood. Truck guys largely have blinders on anyway, even between brands. "Regular" folk will see that the Ridgeline does in fact tick the right boxes for most.

Give me a Ridgeline with a 20+ mile electric range which gets at least 25 mpg after that... Basically build a RAV4 Prime competitor out of this.

Thank you for this, I totaled my GMC Canyon and found this review to be complete of not only the Ridgeline but the other midsize vehicles. The net result was a better informed consumer and allows for a better understanding of the trucks as a whole. Thanks again

I've never understood the logic of buying a truck that allows you to put a full sized refrigerator, or a ton of gravel in the bed, on the off chance that you may some day need to do so. The same goes for buying a rig capable of navigating the rocks at Moab, when the most off road use it will ever actually see might be a shallow ditch on the side of the road. I guess it's the prepper mentality, which do I share to a certain extent; but not to the point where I would invest an additional twenty or thirty thousand dollars in order to insure against highly unlikely situations. Then again, it would be another story entirely if I had the money to burn.

Alex is the best car salesperson out there! No matter what car you buy, you'll have less buyer's remorse because he'll always balance it out with the positives.

I have used mine countless times to haul things in the bed, dump runs, storage locker to home and back, moving, towing utility trailer and moving. The in bed truck I use for golf clubs and going shopping. Really appreciate the tailgate that opens two ways. Rear seats flip up and you will use that more than you think.

Thanks. Very comprehensive. I'm considering a 2017 Ridgeline Sport with low mileage. This helps. Just bought a 2017 Sport with 39,000 km and I love it!

Just here for the trunk comfort index and as always you never disappoint

Love my Ridge. Great real world truck.

I just got one yesterday and randomly ended up here. now I'm happier with my decision. you're a great commentator or whatever it is you're doing!

One of the most comprehensive and helpful ridgeline that I have seen thanks.

I really appreciate the comparisons across all truck offerings. Very valuable in helping make my decision on a new truck.

Hands down the best Ridgeline review and comparison I have yet to see 👍. It covered and explained most if not all the features that will assist in making informed decisions when shopping for a truck in this segment. I’m on my second Ridgeline. My first was a 2017 RTL-T. UNFORTUNATELY, it was totaled by a distracted driver who ran a stop 🛑 sign hitting my left rear spinning me around ending up head-on into a concrete wall. Truck handled the hit very well. Thankfully, no serious injury, only bruised by seatbelt tensioning and jolts. My current is a 2022 RTL, love it as much as my 2017.

Very nice presentation. . . THANK YOU, I enjoyed it soooooo much!!!

I’ve finally found it… After all of these years. The Scroll of Truth! “The Ridgeline is all the truck you need and is more practical to live with” Truck buyers: NYEHHHH

Your comparison is by far the best with real technical comparisons. Thanks

Amen Alex! Always such great factual reviews with the truth about payloads & weights, too! (and not a commercial touting a payload or weight number from a single cab 2WD). Like I've mentioned in the past…I’ve literally owned just about every truck or truck based SUV there is except for a Nissan product. I've had a 454 Suburban; F-150; Cummins Turbo; 3 Tundras, 4Runner, Tacoma TRD Sport (33 vehicles in my young 50+ years). 😉 Last fall I towed a 4,100# Venture RV Sonic tandem axle travel trailer using a REDARC brake controller; Andersen WDH; Rock Tamers; and 3 adults from Michigan to Oregon…and it might sound crazy but the Ridgeline pulls GREAT! And I’ve done a lot of towing w/previous trucks pulling two (2) Malibu Competition Ski Boats (also w/tandem axles). Also I've recorded every fuel up of every vehicle at the pump, and if the Ridgeline is going freeway (not pulling)…the 6-Speed ’17 Ridgeline RTS AWD get’s 24.1-26.3 MPG. Plus, it’s very nimble, handles WAY better & quieter than my 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring. And when I read specs, the Ridgeline is only 1 inch narrower than our old ’92 F-150 or 2011 Tundra CrewMax, so it really is a BIG “truck” inside. Plus, as stated the AWD is PHENOMENAL! Every time I needed 4WD in other trucks it was always too late. Example, in the Northwest w/wet fall leaves on the road…a person can punch the accelerator and the Ridgeline just grips & goes instead of cutting power w/an “Anti-slip Nanny” (punching it can be a safety thing too). Random tip for those looking to test drive…be sure to try “Sand Mode”. It totally changes the truck’s dynamics, response, shift points & makes it rear drive bias. Plus, it goes like a bat out of “He” double hockey sticks (if you know what I mean). 😇 It’s very hard to beat for 98% of what we ever used any of our trucks for in the past. Yet still, I understand some people need more towing capacity. And I’m NOT a fan of the HPD package. When ours was new…I immediately took off the Firestones & put on Michelin Defender LTX M/S (very similar to the LTX M/S I’d put on all our other Trucks & SUVs. Alex, I LOVE your reviews…you notice EVERYTHING! I even watch reviews of vehicles I’ve rented for a week of business travel & you really do catch everything. So thanks again for helping me feel “sane”, that I’m not the only detail person. Really appreciate your hard work over the many years!!! So my newest conundrum, as I’ve always been blessed w/a very patient wife (which she drives the Ridgeline the majority…she loves trucks having grown up w/trucks & horses)…is I put money down for a spot in line to buy the new F-150 Lightning! My wife & kids were shocked (no pun intended) as I’m actually thinking I might sell my longest owned vehicle of all time (the 2015 Accord Hybrid Touring). Especially as it has had ZERO squeaks & rattles; fits my wide butt nicely; is pretty quick; & gets 38-42 MPG everywhere I go. So we’ll see…I might have to take 2 aspirin & see if the Lightning thought goes away. 😉 Worst case, the $100 is refundable, but I still want to learn more about the final options before I either continue the pursuit or give up my spot in line. 🤪

Clear, concise and to the point. Excellent video.

Nobody buys a Tacoma with a long bed. 99% are full cab/short bed.

Good discussion of the practical tradeoffs. Too often the Ridgeline has simply been dismissed based on bed length, without considering other factors that may matter more for many owners. This puts things in perspective.

I have a 2020 Ridgeline Touring and I absolutely love this truck. I agree with some of your complaints but overall, I couldn't have asked for a better truck!

icredible overview/review/comparison. best ive seen on youtube by far. instant subscriber. also, i love the ridgeline.

I wish more people bought these Ridgelines

I'm a former Ram 1500 Crew Cab owner. My 2023 RTL-E is due at the dealership within 1 week and I am anxious for it. I'm the guy Alex described, trips to Home Depot and Garden Center, no off-roading at all. I've watched many reviews on this "real truck" and Alex is the best and most comprehensive.

You are direct, right to the point, no bloviating about how wonderful you are, just good fantastic helpful information, you're very smart in detail thank you for this!

This color is awesome 👏🏼

The ride in RLs is amazing, but be sure to check under your back carpet for water leaks...they have a water intrusion issue that most people have no idea about...

Great Review, Alex. My wife & I have owned a 2017 Ridgeline for about 11 years--and love it. Later this month our 2022 Ridgeline is scheduled to start building, but we are keeping the 2017. At our ages (65 & 69), the 'ride' & 'accessibility' of the Ridgeline(s) are huge WINS--not to mention everything else it does.

I really like my 21 Ridgeline RTL-E AWD.

Love to see a hybrid option. Great review. So good I had to subscribe!

I haven't seen another comparison including the level of detail shared here. Great value, thank you!

Bought a Black Edition yesterday!

I get an average of 27 mpg on the highway in my 2016 Pilot and seriously considering a Ridgeline. I love the power on that engine which always puts a smile on my face.

This is an amazing video and the comparisons at the end are fantastic. I don't think I've seen a clear and honest breakdown like this in any other reviewer channel, and I watch a ton. Well done! For me personally, the Ridgeline is all the truck I would "ever" need. My family and I like to rockhound, backpack, and mountain bike - so we don't almost ever need to really tow anything, but we haul a lot of crap around - dirty crap - and the idea of an open air space for things like actual rocks is nice. The bed trunk is also really neat for storing all kinds of things that you don't want hanging out in the bed, or in the cab. Can't imagine needing anything different.

This was a great review, thank you

Bought my 2021 RTL E right before supply problems and sold my 2019 F150. For a profit 😂 it is a great vehicle for what I need.

I wonder how the new 2022 Honda Pilot's gonna look like. I wish they put the 10 speed automatic transmission of the current generation Honda Accord in it.

Hopefully, with the debut with the new Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick pick-up trucks, Honda will add safety features to the Ridgeline (and a front camera/360 camera).

You get a thumbs up for jumping in that trunk....LOVE IT

I have one. Lifted it 3" to give it the proper stance it deserves.. overall it's a great "truck". I've taken it out on some soft off-roading and it did pretty well. I know I can't take it rock crawling and that's okay. Wish it had a 48v mild hybrid system or a plug-in system. That would be amazing!

They definitely made it look better. The previous generations were pretty fugly. For what it is, it could very well be a do it all type of vehicle for most types of owners. Great vid, Alex!

Thanks again for the review, really thinking about snagging one

I don’t understand why Honda won’t update their infotainment across the board. The latest system has been out for years now yet when they do a refresh they don’t update the software.

Great review Alex, I own a 2011 and I'm waiting for delivery of a new 2022. I tow a 17' boat and love the way the Ridgeline rides, my son bought a new Tacoma last year. I found the Ridgeline rides better then the Tacoma with or without the boat.

Remember to set the transmission to "S" and use the paddles to start the launch in 1st gear. You should be getting at least 6.5s 0-60. Still the best Midsize truck in America.

7:47 Thank you for showing that a person can fit in the trunk. Definitely will need that feature for ...... a thing

Good and honest review Alex.

Best ridgeline review on youtube ...... Currently driving an F150 sold my 7000 lbs. deck boat, so I want to go to midsize P/U never believed Ridgeline to be a contender until I saw your review have tested driven a Frontier and loved it but way too tight inside, If Ridgeline feels good inside, I will order an RTL-E Thanks for doing the review helped with my research. The HPD package is a Joke

Great video, very detailed... BTW, love your logo

Alex will meet his demise in a trunk someday. "Do you remember that one reviewer who used to get in all the trunks?..."

Thanks. I appreciate the comparison.

Best small truck platform review !!!

Picking up my black edition this week when it comes in

“Little Honda”on the Radio. 😉 AonA always brings the details! Nice 👍

Alex, Great in depth review, I really like the Ridgeline, I like the new look, and want to get one, but I wonder about that ZF 9 speed automatic. I think Honda has programmed it better, Alex did you notice any issues with the 9 speed auto?? I know years ago you did a video about the ZF 9 speed automatic transmission and why it feels weird. I wish Honda put their 10 speed auto in this. Once again great review, and I think this is a great truck, that makes a lot of sense.

The design of Ridgeline was better suited to meeting my needs than any other midsize truck. However, it has 2 fatal defects. First it is not an off-road truck, so the standard AWD only adds complexity, decreases fuel economy, and adds $3,000 to the price when compared to the completion. If you live in a snow belt then disregard that comment. Second, it has one of the last remaining interference timing belt engines. Apparently, Honda has no problem saving $10-15 per vehicle when they know every customer will spend $1,000 between 60,000 and 100,000 miles to change the timing belt and water pump. And the HPD package is more than a $3,000 option for some graphics and tire package. Try buying a Ridgeline for less than $40,000.

Excellent review! I've owned two Ridgelines and love the new 2021 design. Best midsize by far!

Would love to see them offer a 6 seat option. With the extra width, this could really stand out for families with 4 kids.

Did a test drive of a Ridgeline. As a Pilot owner, it felt very familiar. The only downside for me is the rear seat legroom. My 14 year old 5’11” daughter was cramped behind the driver. I’ll still consider the Ridgeline when shopping for my next truck. Right now I’m in a F150 supercrew and 90% of the time, the Ridgeline would be plenty big enough for what I do.

Had a 2015 and 2018 Tacoma, and they were great trucks. But for me the Ridgeline was the way to go. I commute into the city every day but own a multi family that was built in the 1800s (what the hell was I thinking) and that stupid house needs a ton more work than I am qualified to do. I am probably on the line of a suburb dad that goes to Home Depot once in a while... but I am really there every day. The Taco was rock solid, but smaller cab, smaller bed (except for depth, I give the Taco the edge during fall leaf cleaning season) and a way less refined ride. After 2 Tacos and a lot of other trucks, the Ridgeline is the sweetspot for me. Granted, I do not tow or go offroad more than crappy New England roads. For what it's worth, the MPG between the Taco and Ridgeline are about even (bad). I think I get 17 MPG on the Ridgeline but I drive like a jerk. I get the temptation of the Maverik, not sure if it would help me much because of the way I drive. The Ridgeline's trunk and folding back seats just give me a ton of utility though. Dislikes on the Ridge would be the radio head unit. Really slow and laggy. Once I get it into Apple Car Play it works pretty good. Also, every once in a while I feel like the transmission has lost it's mind, really revving up for no reason... well, it could be my jerk driving. Honestly, I love the Ridgeline- but I really liked my Taco's too.

You got in the trunk. Easy thumbs up from me.

Picking up my 2021 RTL next week, I’m very excited. I did a lot of cross shopping, I have a 2017 4Runner now and thought I wanted a Tacoma until I sat in one and drove it! The thing felt like a coffin inside and was so loud! I’m not sure about the push button transmission but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.

Alex for President!

It looks like you can actually reach over the side into the bed which is nice. Not so common anymore in other trucks.

great revew, thanks!

Great review, amazing info. In todays market that ridgeline is now more compatible to the new 2022 Honda Passport Trailsport trim!

Another exceptional review Alex. I've test driven all the mid size pickups and was leaning toward the 2021 Ford Ranger, but evaluating my needs and the practicality of the Ridgeline I think it may be time for a test drive. I believe the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline are the most American-made mid size pickups.

Honda Ridgeline: best AWD daily commute snow/ice/rain truck. Toyota Tacoma: best 4WD off-road rock climbing and trail truck.

You are an excellent communicator.

I have a 2014 tundra but I think I might have to reevaluate and go with the Ridgeline !

Great review!

Awesome truck, I still love my 2010 sport and my 2017 black edition and will be getting this revised year... Front is combination of both first generation and 2017... Awesome.

The Avalanche is still very popular in the South. They are everywhere where I live. I have gotten a lot of compliments on my Ridgeline though.

Hopefully the rumors of a Ridgeline hybrid will come true in 2023. That would be one awesome truckster for those of us that don't need a full size pickup.

Very well done video

I honestly wish they made two more model years of the Chevy Avalanche just so there was chance Alex would have reviewed it back then!…also I love the 07-13 body styles for Chevy trucks and suvs

I have 2022 Honda Ridgeline sport love it

Yes about that brake lever. I test drove one and that stopped me from getting the truck. It was awful. Thanks for pointing that out. I thought I was crazy and the salesman said nobody has mentioned that. Full LED inside and out, 10 speed, electronic parking brake, updated infotainment and a little more power would equal a sale to me. Hope next year