Honda Ridgeline Gains TrailSport Trim for ‘24; Refresh for Entire Lineup

The Ridgeline is the Honda pickup truck offering that you may not think of as often as other compact and mid-size competitors, but probably should. Last time we tested one in 2021, we considered it a real winner, delivering “car-like comfort and maneuverability that no other truck can match” while still doing most truck-like things “just as good as any midsize pickup.”

That’s a long way of saying that the Honda Ridgeline is a solid offering in the realm of less-than full-size pickups; and for the 2024 model year it’s getting even better with updated looks, improved tech and a new TrailSport grade.

And that’s where we’ll start. For those that don’t know, Honda’s ‘TrailSport’ designation, as the name suggests, is a basic off-road treatment given to the host vehicle. Think “off-road lite,” so to speak; though, that doesn’t mean it should be scoffed at. More than just an appearance pack, the Ridgeline TrailSport is built with off-road-tuned suspension, special tires and additional underbody protection.

Diving into specifics, the suspension is tuned with unique spring rates, damper valve tuning and stabilizer bars. The tires are General Grabber A/T Sports, measuring 245/60R18 all around. The underbody protection is made from steel, deflecting harsher rocks and obstacles away from vital underpinnings. Topside, the Ridgeline TrailSport rocks a unique grille and black exterior trimmings, complemented by new 5-spoke 18-inch wheels. Like other TrailSport trims, orange is used to accent various pieces, expanding into the interior where the ‘TrailSport’ logo is embroidered on the seat headrests. The “Diffused Sky Blue” paint is a carryover from the new Pilot TrailSport, and is exclusive to this off-road trim.

While this grade has its own personality, it should be noted that the updated design is shared between all ‘24 Ridgelines. It’s not a drastic overhaul, but changes have been made to the front and rear; for example, the ‘RIDGELINE’ name stamped into the tailgate. Speaking of, the tailgate can both swing to the side or fold down, granting access to the 5-foot, 4-inch bed. Payload sits at 1,583 lbs, backed by a 5,000 lb tow rating. For a little extra flair, customers can opt for the HPD Package for a unique grille, black fender flares, different wheels and special graphics.

Interior enhancements include a new, more comfortable center console and a standard (and larger) 9-inch infotainment screen, with wireless smartphone integration included. This system is said to have been simplified with “new graphics and less menus,” and less menu diving sounds like a good deal to us. Honda Sensing, the brand’s safety and driver-assist suite, is standard on all grades, those being the Sport, RTL, TrailSport and Black Edition.

All Ridgelines will come with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, aided by a standard four-mode Intelligent Traction Management system with settings for sand, snow, mud and, of course, paved roads. It’s still a unibody design, for those that are wondering, and the same powertrain, a 3.5-liter V6, is still standard. That means 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent to Honda’s i-VTM4 through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

We know the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, TrailSport included, will be made at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama auto plant; however, pricing and availability is yet to be announced.