2021 Honda Ridgeline Updated Pickup Truck Gets Cosmetic Changes, Better Tech, And New Transmission


Honda started working on its only pickup truck available. The popular model will reportedly receive a mid-cycle update pretty soon. Moreover, as far as we’ve managed to find out, the refreshed 2021 Honda Ridgeline will appear sometime next year, most probably in the second half. By receiving the update, the interesting unibody pickup will not only get cosmetic changes here and there but will also add tech upgrades. On the other hand, the existing V6 option will most probably stay as it is now, though, there’s a hybrid in cards, and the update could be the perfect moment to introduce the “green” Ridgeline.

Changes And Improvements

Styling-wise, the 2021 Ridgeline will most likely host a new few new details at its end. The truck will reportedly get a new Passport-inspired grille and a pair of updated headlights, as well as a new front bumper with reshaped air intakes. The automaker has no intention to make changes on the tailgate since it operates perfectly at the moment so the rear end of the truck might get just new taillights and nothing else. At sides, the refreshed pickup will get new alloy wheels and that’s pretty much everything regarding the exterior of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Of course, the carmaker will make the model more interesting for the eye with a couple of additional exterior colors.

At this point, the cabin of the compact pickup truck is among the best in class, so we highly doubt that there will be any big temblors inside. Still, the company will definitely update today’s, well it’s fair to say a little bit confusing, infotainment. According to our source, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline will enlarge the current touchscreen that will still be compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Pandora. The biggest issue of today’s multimedia is oversensitive button response, so we expect changes on that matter as well. In any case, the entry-point model will feature a seven-speaker stereo, a USB port, Bluetooth, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and proximity keyless entry. However, there will be several interesting tech upgrades available so you will be able to boost your Ridgeline with a navigation system, wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, HD Radio, satellite radio, a premium 10-speaker stereo, and a moonroof.

The truck will receive a safety upgrade in form of Honda’s Sensing suite that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, and automatic high beams. Some options like a blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and front parking sensors will cost you some extra money though.

In addition to thus far standard cloth upholstery and optional leather “suit”, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline will get one more option in the form of perforated leather upholstery. Also, the current model heats up just front seats, while the successor is going to keep warm the rear seats as well.

New Gearbox And Hybrid Technology

Like we said earlier, the 2021 Ridgeline will most probably keep its 3.5-liter V6 engine untouched. It means that you can expect 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque shifted to either front-all wheel drive via a new gearbox. Yes, the Japanese car manufacturer will allegedly offer its imposing pickup truck with a new 9-speed automatic transmission that will improve efficiency and provide even smoother drive.

Some earlier reports were suggesting that the company started working on the 2021 Ridgeline Hybrid as well. To be honest, we have no idea if there really is going to arrive the option that soon, though, if it comes, it will most definitely exploit the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system currently available under the hood of the Acura MDX. This three-motor system pumps out 321 horsepower in total, and the power travels to an all-wheel-drive via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The system is quite expensive, so if the 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid actually arrives, it won’t be cheap at all.

On the other hand, the updated gasoline-powered compact pickup truck will most likely keep the current price almost untouched.

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