2021 Honda Ridgeline Toughened Up For The New Model Year

This is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline and it benefits from a host of upgrades that should broaden its appeal among pickup truck buyers.

Whereas the outgoing Ridgeline has a very soft look and the front fascia better suited to a crossover, the 2021 model has a much tougher appearance. Key among the changes include all-new sheet metal from the A-pillars forward, including a new hood with a power bulge, redesigned fenders, updated LED headlights, and a more upright grille. There is also a large crossbar connecting the headlights that is finished in gloss black on Sport trims and the Black edition model while being finished in chrome on RTL and RTL-E variants.

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Elsewhere, Honda has fitted the updated Ridgeline with a new front bumper that includes large side vents. There is also a prominent skid plate. Few changes have been made to the rear but there is a new bumper and twin tailpipes. All trim levels come standard with tougher-looking 18-inch wheels and an increased track width of 20 mm.

Buyers who want to make a statement can opt for the Honda Performance Development (HPD) package that includes a unique grille, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels, and special HPD graphics on the bed walls. The Ridgeline pictured has the HPD package.

Few modifications have been made to the interior but there is a new infotainment system that includes a physical volume knob. Ridgeline models ordered in Sport trim also add new cloth seat inserts and contrast stitching on the seats while Sport, RTL, and RTL-E models have a new dashboard, steering wheel and center console accents.

No chassis modifications have been made and all variants continue to be sold with a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque while mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard but a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system is available.