The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Actually Means Business
It’s time for the Honda Ridgeline to finally earn more respect with rugged, off-roading upgrades. This truck is popular for being comfortable and modern but can’t keep up with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. But the 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport is ready to change things. It could be redesigned for 2024, but if not, an off-roading trim is still to be expected.
What do we know about the 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport?
Updated 11/07/2023: The 2024 Hond Ridgeline TrailSport might be a little underwhelming. However, it does provide some off-roading upgrades thanks to suspension tuning. It doesn’t have new, stronger components like the Pilot Ridgeline, though.
It rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and has a 7.9-inch ground clearance. A steel skirt protects the undercarriage, but there are no actual skid plates. There aren’t any tow hooks or new off-roading modes, either. It also uses the same old 3.5-liter V6 engine, which offers plenty of power.
It’s hard not to be excited because the 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport could pack beefy upgrades. That means that this mid-size truck is about to gain rugged off-roading upgrades to enhance its capabilities.
Currently, the 2023 Ridgeline doesn’t exactly have an off-roading trim or package, but all-wheel drive is standard. There are no tow hooks, skid plates, trail camera views, or a true locking rear differential.
The Ridgeline has only a 7.6-inch ground clearance, making it the lowest truck in the segment. While it can go off-roading, it’s not as rough and tumble as the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, or Ford Ranger.
It’s expected to receive similar upgrades as the Honda Pilot TrailSport, which includes a 1.0-inch lift, 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, tow hooks, a locking differential, and the award-winning torque-vectoring i-VTM4 AWD system.
The system features a more robust rear differential to handle 40% more torque with a 30% faster response to optimize available traction in all driving situations, including in slippery or off-roading conditions.
Plus, 70% of the engine torque is sent from the engine to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be sent to the left or right wheel. Driving modes include Eco, Tow, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Trail.
Four exterior cameras provide off-roading views to help drivers avoid obstacles. Plus, the Pilot TrailSport features hill descent control and a full-size spare.
How much power will the Ridgeline TrailSport have?
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport is expected to pack a more potent punch. Currently, the 2023 Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is a solid amount of power.
But it could gain Honda’s new and most powerful engine ever. It’s currently standard with the Honda Pilot. The 3.5-liter V6 engine cranks out 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s only an increase of five ponies, but the engine features performance upgrades.
For example, it’s all aluminum with low-profile cylinder heads with high tumble ports and a narrow 35-degree valve angle for improved combustion. It has a more compact rocker arm and a hydraulic lash adjuster design. The engine has fewer parts overall while improving fuel efficiency.
2024 Ridgeline: What’s new?
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport isn’t the only substantial change in the works. The 2024 Pilot could receive a mid-cycle refresh. A few spy photos have captured the truck wearing camouflage in the front and rear.
This indicates that the new Ridgeline will feature a slight exterior redesign with new headlights, taillights, an updated grille design, new wheels, unique paint colors, and revised bumper shapes.
Reportedly, the interior has been hidden under camouflage as well. This could mean that the 2024 Ridgeline is gaining updated tech and a refreshed interior layout. It could be improved with upscale materials, too.
The Ridgeline TrailSport will probably have rubberized all-weather cargo mats, black upholstery, orange accent stitching, and embroidered logos.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue tracking the Honda Ridgeline. The Ridgeline TrailSport and mid-cycle updates could put this truck on a whole new level.
