The 2021 Honda Ridgeline takes on an American look

Despite all its fine qualities, the Honda Ridgeline remains far behind American pickup trucks in its class in terms of sales – and of course its great domestic rival, the Toyota Tacoma, which sits at the top. The automaker hopes to narrow the gap in 2021 by giving it a serious overhaul.

First, the body has been completely redesigned. The hood is more domed, the fenders and bumpers are more square, the grille is more aggressive and the LED headlights provide better lighting than before. These are connected by a new, more pronounced band – black or chrome depending on the version.

The 18-inch wheels have been revised to give the Ridgeline 2021 not only a more rugged look but also a 20-millimeter widened track. They are shod with slightly beefier tires. At the rear, there are new tailpipes, again to make the truck appear more aggressive.

Those who want to take the styling to the next level can add the HPD (Honda Performance Development) package, which includes a distinctive grille, fender flares in black, stunning bronze-finished rims and HPD graphics on the wheels. walls of the crate. No technical improvements, however, so it’s not quite the equivalent of TRD at Toyota.

In the cabin, the multimedia screen has been improved with better resolution, easier-to-use icons and a physical button for volume. There are also new contrast stitching on the seats and some versions feature new trim on the dashboard, steering wheel and console.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline’s engine doesn’t change. We’re talking about the direct-injection 3.5-liter VTEC V6 that develops 280 horsepower through a nine-speed automatic transmission, the latter of which appeared last year. It comes standard with an active torque distribution four-wheel drive system.

The payload and towing capacities also remain the same at 1,580 and 5,000 pounds respectively.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline will hit the Canadian market early next year and pricing will be announced shortly beforehand.

In video: our souvenir test drive of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline