The Honda Ridgeline pickup seems like it just got a new design but time flies and Honda feels it’s time for a refresh. The 2021 Ridgeline will get updates along with a refresh to the fascia, but still keeping what makes a Ridgeline a Ridgeline. And what mostly makes it a Ridgeline is that it is not body-on-frame but rather, unibody. 

The entire doghouse ahead of the A-pillars is redesigned for a fresh, new look

It’s a pretty significant refresh with the entire doghouse ahead of the A-pillars redesigned for a fresh, new look. The more aggressive grille gets a black skid plate positioned below it. Side vents and brighter headlights cap off the changes. The Ridgeline also gets wider 18-inch wheels, and the rear features twin exhaust outlets. 

A new package is the Honda Performance Development bundle. It includes a unique grille, black fender flares, bronze-finished wheels, graphics on the bedsides, and other HPD accents. This adds an additional $2,800 to the overall 2021 Honda Ridgeline price. In addition, there are also dealer-installed packages that Honda will reveal in the near future. 

What has changed is the all-new audio display featuring a big volume knob

Inside things stay pretty much the same as the 2020 model. New is contrast stitching across the board. New accents can be found on inserts and other prominent surfaces. What has changed is the all-new audio display that features a big volume knob. Anything able to keep drivers’ eyes on the road is an improvement. A wireless phone charging feature is also included. 

Only a single drivetrain powers the 2021 Ridgeline. A 280 hp 3.5-liter V6 provides power that is hooked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive only has been eliminated for 2021. All Ridgelines are now all-wheel-drive. The i-VTM4 torque-vectoring drive system sends up to 70% torque to the rear wheels which can also be split between the right and left rear wheels. This is controlled by driving conditions and drier input through the ECU.

Ridgeline beds are unique and exclusive to the segment

Standard safety features include collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 2021 Honda Ridgeline beds are unique in that they feature an in-bed trunk. It is a storage compartment that can be locked, accessible by the dual-action tailgate. It’s an exclusive feature of the Ridgeline in this segment. 

With the elimination of the previous Ridgeline’s front-wheel-drive also comes a pretty hefty bump in price by around $2,500. Trims include the Sport at $37,665, RTL at $40,645, RTL-E that retails for $43,595, and the top-of-the-line Black Edition for $45,095. The new 2021 Ridgeline should start showing up at Honda dealerships sometime in early February.