More Rugged Ridgeline: 2024 Honda Pickup Gets Increased Off-Road Performance and Upgraded Tech
Blog Nov 6th, 2023- New Ridgeline TrailSport is more rugged and off-road capable than ever with all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension and steel underbody protection
- Rugged design includes “RIDGELINE” stamped boldly across the tailgate
- Enhanced cabin adds even more comfort and advanced tech
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is ready to work hard and play even harder with improved off-road performance, updated styling and a more high-tech cabin.
The first-ever Ridgeline TrailSport is more off-road capable, engineered to get weekend adventurers even further off the beaten path with new features, including an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection. All 2024 Ridgeline models will begin arriving in dealers this winter.
“This latest Ridgeline continues Honda’s decades long tradition of bringing rugged, off-road ready light trucks to our Canadian customers,” said Steve Hui, Assistant Vice President Honda Canada. “The new Ridgeline TrailSport is even more capable with enhanced suspension, all-terrain tires and underbody protection, so you can take it and all your gear almost anywhere.”
Taking Ridgeline’s rugged styling even further, “RIDGELINE” is stamped across the tailgate for the first time and the pickup’s prominent front skid garnish is painted Pewter Grey, matching the finish of its new 5-spoke 18-inch wheels. The crossbar, atop the grille, and mirror caps are gloss black for an upscale touch.
Inside, more advanced tech has been smartly integrated to enhance Ridgeline’s cabin experience. A new 7-inch digital instrument panel is now standard, featuring an all-digital tachometer on the left and a physical speedometer on the right. The display also includes user-selectable functions, such as Honda Sensing® settings, vehicle information and more.
All Ridgeline trims get a new larger 9-inch colour touchscreen with a faster processor for lag-free performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility is now standard, and Ridgeline’s integrated navigation system has been simplified with new graphics and fewer menus. To make the screen easier to use when the vehicle is in motion, it is recessed slightly from the edge of the dash, resulting in a finger rest that allows the user to steady their hand while making selections. The Ridgeline Black Edition adds upgraded speaker performance to further enhance the listening experience of its premium audio system.
For increased comfort and functionality, all 2024 Ridgelines benefit from a new center console featuring a large integrated armrest and expanded storage. The new center-console storage bin can swallow a full-size tablet, while a larger storage tray ahead of the shifter can accommodate two large smartphones side by side and incorporates a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline will be available in three, all-wheel drive trim levels; Sport, the new TrailSport with special off-road hardware, and the top-of-the-range Black Edition.
New Ridgeline TrailSport
Engineered with intrepid weekend adventures in mind, the new Ridgeline TrailSport gives the Honda pickup truck an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires and steel underbody protection, shielding its oil pan from sharp rocks and other off-road hazards.
TrailSport’s exclusive suspension tuning features unique spring rates, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars to increase articulation and improve off-road ride quality, without sacrificing Ridgeline’s exceptional on-road comfort and best-in-class handling.
Trail-ready all-terrain tires take Ridgeline TrailSport’s rugged capabilities even further. Extremely capable on the trail, standard General Grabber™ A/T Sport tires (245/60R18) radically improve traction in dirt, sand, mud, rocky terrain and snow, while remaining quiet and comfortable on the road.
Tuned and tested in some of the world’s most challenging off-road environments, including the Imperial Dunes in Glamis, California, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Honda’s innovative i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system greatly enhances Ridgeline’s off-road ability.
Standard on all Ridgelines, the i-VTM4™ system enhances controllability and traction management in all conditions, automatically sending up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and continuously apportioning 100% of that torque between the rear wheels based on driving conditions at each wheel.
In off-road situations, i-VTM4™ will continue to route torque where it provides the most benefit, helping maintain traction and stability in mud and deep sand. It even works in extreme conditions, such as when one rear wheel is off the ground, by sending power to the wheel in contact with the ground to pull the vehicle through and ensure momentum. For additional control, Ridgeline’s standard four-mode Intelligent Traction Management allows drivers to customize the i-VTM4™ system for different terrains, including sand, snow, mud and paved roads.
For an even tougher look, the trail-ready Ridgeline TrailSport gets a unique grille with a more rugged mesh design, Pewter Grey 18-inch wheels and black door-pillar trim. Orange TrailSport badges grace its new grille and tailgate.
Exclusive to TrailSport models, a newly available Diffused Sky Blue paint colour, which debuted on the all-new 2023 Pilot TrailSport, highlights its rugged design and adventurous spirit.
TrailSport’s cabin stands out with orange ambient lighting and orange contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door panels. The TrailSport logo is embroidered on the front seat and headrests. Ridgeline’s spacious cabin offers top-class passenger comfort and rear-seat legroom, with a flat floor and foldaway 60/40-split rear seat bottoms, offering the flexibility to carry long and tall gear in the cabin.
The Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on every Ridgeline, including the new TrailSport. On Ridgeline, Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). A rear seat reminder is also standard across the lineup.
Rugged Platform and Features
Underpinning Ridgeline’s extraordinary packaging, capability and driving character is its rugged unibody construction that includes extremely stiff, fully boxed frame members and a robust independent rear suspension that improves stability and response. The unique design and sophisticated chassis deliver a high level of driving refinement and responsive handling no traditional body-on-frame competitor can match, while supporting an impressive 718 kg (1,583 lbs) payload capacity. Ridgeline can also tow as much as 2,267 kg (5,000 lbs), which is more than enough for many boats, campers or “toy” trailers that serve as the key to adventure for many customers.
Another benefit is Ridgeline’s extra-wide standard bed, which can flat-carry 4-foot-wide items, such as plywood and drywall, between the wheel wells. Constructed of glass fibre-reinforced composite, the bed resists dents and scratches without the need for a separate bed liner. For securing loads, the bed also features eight 158 kg (350 lbs) tie-down cleats.
Under the bed floor is Ridgeline’s class-exclusive washable, lockable In-Bed Trunk®. The additional 206 litre (7.3 cu.-ft.) of secure storage space can double as an ice-filled cooler, making Ridgeline the ultimate tailgate vehicle for sporting events, picnics and other gatherings.
Speaking of tailgates, Ridgeline’s innovative Dual-Action Tailgate opens down like a typical truck tailgate, but it can also swing open to the side like a door. This gives users a choice of easy-access methods for both cargo and the In-Bed Trunk®. In the down position, it extends the 1.62 metre (5 ft, 4 in) bed to more than 2 metres (7 ft) and can handle dynamic loads up to 136 kg (300 lbs), such as a motorcycle or ATV. The tailgate inner surface features two comfortable moulded-in seats, further improving Ridgelines “tailgate party” capability.
Ridgeline Manufacturing
The Honda Ridgeline and Ridgeline TrailSport will be built in the USA* at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama auto plant, continuing the 40-year legacy of Honda’s commitment to build products close to the customer.
* Using domestic and globally-sourced parts
About Honda Canada
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969 and is the parent company for both Honda and Acura vehicle brands in Canada. Since 1986, the company has produced Honda engines and almost 10 million cars and light trucks at its Alliston, Ontario manufacturing facilities, where the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V are currently built. Honda Canada has invested over $6.5 billion in Canada, and each year sources over $3 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Since its inception, Honda Canada has sold over five million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light trucks in Canada through a dealer network of more than 280 dealerships across the country. For more information, please visit www.hondacanada.ca.