There are plenty of excellent reasons to pick the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. However, no truck is perfect. Each model has its pros and cons. As critics review the Honda Ridgeline, they are finding a few potential reasons to avoid it. 

Three reasons to avoid the 2021 Honda Ridgeline 

For some quick background information, you can get started in the 2021 Honda Ridgeline for about $36,460. This price is pretty high compared to other options, but the Ridgeline has luxury features and clever options. For example, all-wheel drive is standard. 

The second generation launched in 2017, and it’s stayed true to its roots with a unibody design. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are following in their footsteps, proving the success of this truck. But before you go all in, there are three things to consider. 

The potential Ridgeline drawbacks: 

1. The Ridgeline is thirsty 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Rivals have a better fuel economy. Now some options are going hybrid. The Ford Maverick is expected to get up to 40 mpg. 

You get a 3.5-liter V6 engine with the Ridgeline that provides 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power is solid, but there isn’t a diesel engine or a more efficient option. Plus, AWD is standard, so models are weighed down, even if you don’t want or need AWD. 

2. The 2021 Ridgeline could be sportier 

The Ridgeline lacks some fun despite having a unibody design to handle more like a sports car or SUV. According to Cars.com, this truck feels lifeless. The steering has too much assistance, and the brakes feel soft. 

But the Ridgeline can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is quick for its class. It may lack the underbody clearance for proper off-roading, but its rear independent suspension provides a smooth ride over dirt roads. 

3. The tech is a little frustrating 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that could be improved. For example, it doesn’t have a tuning knob for the radio. However, it does have a volume knob now. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but the onscreen menus make easy tasks complicated. You may have to press a few extra buttons, and the graphics look a little dated. 

Positive Honda Ridgeline features 

With the negatives out of the way, we can cover what the team at Cars.com likes about the Ridgeline. For example, it provides a smooth ride over bumps and has plenty of acceleration for passing others. 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is easy to enter. Plus, the seats are large and comfortable. There is plenty of space in the front and rear for passengers, and there’s tons of storage space. You can flip up the rear seat for more cargo space. 

You can access a concealed trunk beneath the cargo bed too. It has a drainage plug for wet gear and can be used as a cooler. The dual-action tailgate swings out and drops down to provide easy access. 

Also, the Honda Ridgeline’s bed is made of reinforced composite. It’s scratch and dent resistant, meaning it’s durable, and you don’t have to buy an aftermarket liner. It’s also at the perfect height for a workbench. 

If you can get past the fuel economy, lifeless driving aesthetics, and dated infotainment system, then the Ridgeline is an excellent option to consider. It’s capable, comfortable, and durable.