The distinctive features of the TrailSport version include a retuned suspension, “toothy” tires, steel underbody protection and black exterior decor combined with exclusive sky blue color Diffused Sky Blue.
Honda developed the mid-size Ridgeline pickup truck with a monocoque body specifically for the North American market; the current second generation has been produced at the Honda plant in Lincoln (USA, Alabama) since 2016 and, in theory, is already at the end of its career, because the related family crossover Honda Pilot has replaced generation last year, but the fact is that only now things have started to improve for the Ridgeline, so for now, instead of a new generation, there is a new set of updates.
Even in the first generation, Ridgeline was considered an outsider in its class; the “second” Ridgeline also sold sluggishly for a long time, but in the first three quarters of this year it sold 39,568 units in the United States. (+22.5% compared to last year), ahead of Ford Ranger (31,503 units, -31.9%), Hyundai Santa Cruz (29,083 units, +8.5%) and GMC Canyon (19,351 units). , -9.6%). Note that the Ford Ranger is now under pressure from the more affordable, but no less practical Ford Maverick pickup truck with a monocoque body: in January-September its sales amounted to 66,430 units. (+28.2%). In general, the monocoque body is no longer an obstacle to the success of a pickup truck in the market; the off-road version of TrailSport should once again emphasize that the Ridgeline is ready for adventure no worse than its body-on-frame counterparts.
Let us recall that Honda launched the TrailSport sub-brand in 2021 for off-road versions of its models; it is aimed at combating Subaru’s Wilderness sub-brand, which is similar in purpose; the Pilot and Passport crossovers already have TrailSport versions. From the front, the Ridgeline TrailSport looks exactly like the Passport TrailSport, with a large mesh grille and a black crossbar above it. The window frames and mirror housings are also painted black. The newly designed 18-inch wheels are shod with all-terrain General Grabber A/T Sport tires. The engine is protected from below by a steel plate.
The Ridgeline has a crossover, fully independent suspension. The TrailSport version has retuned springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars that are better suited for off-road driving than other versions. The proprietary i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system with two individual power take-off clutches to the rear wheels has several operating modes, including for driving on snow, mud and sand. The standard power unit is a petrol 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 (284 hp, 355 Nm) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The updates common to all versions of the Ridgeline are a junior instrument panel borrowed from the new-generation Pilot crossover with a multifunctional 7-inch screen docked to an analog speedometer, a new 9-inch multimedia screen with a more powerful processor and wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improved sound audio systems, a new box armrest between the front seats, an expanded central tunnel with wireless charging and a tray for two smartphones, a large Ridgeline inscription on the tailgate.
The Ridgeline's load capacity has not changed – 718 kg, the permissible towed trailer weight is 2268 kg. The rear side of the body can be folded down to transport large cargo or opened to the side for more convenient removal of heavy items. In the rear overhang of the Honda pickup, under the floor of the cargo area, there is an additional lockable cargo compartment with a volume of 206 liters.
The updated Honda Ridgeline and the TrailSport version will appear at American dealers this coming winter, prices have not yet been announced. A pre-reform pickup truck now costs from $38,800 in the USA.
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