Truck people will say that the Ridgeline is not a truck and shouldn’t be considered useful like a truck. Ignore those people. The Ridgeline is a perfect match for non-truck people who need the utility of a truck.

The Honda Ridgeline is not your regular truck. It’s a mixture of car and truck that resolves into an epic Daedalian summation of what is great about cars and what is most useful about trucks. It’s not about towing capacity, cargo capacities, or off-road prowess. It’s instead about the comfort and daily ergonomics of a well-made car or crossover-SUV and the utility and usefulness of a pickup truck bed.

The Ridgeline incorporates things like a large, lockable trunk underneath the cargo bed. A very useful function for daily things such as grocery shopping and carrying around items you want secure while making multiple shops during errand runs. The Ridgeline’s tailgate drops down as expected, but can also swing out to the side (left, away from the curb) for better access to the bed and the aforementioned “trunk.”

Honda makes the Ridgeline all-wheel drive by default, another high point. It drives like a midsize crossover, such as the Honda Pilot it’s closely related to, and handles just as well in inclement weather. Plus the comfort and ergonomics of a non-truck-based interior are also big bonuses with Honda’s pickup.

The point is, there’s a lot to love about the Honda Ridgeline. Especially if one can get past the whole “What is a truck, really?” philosophical argument automotive enthusiasts seem to enjoy making.

The Colorado and Canyon share many things in common. The GMC model is generally the more upscale and expensive of the two. The Ridgeline is more closely competitive with the Colorado. Comparatively, the Chevrolet is more truck than the Honda, with a taller stance, higher center of gravity, and more capability in towing, hauling, and off-road. The Ridgeline, however, is lower to the ground with a more car-like handling feel and generally better bad weather stability.

The Frontier is very similar to the Ridgeline now that Nissan has updated the truck to include a more modern feel. The Ridgeline has more ergonomics and daily drive upsides when compared to the Frontier, but the Frontier is better suited to dirt roads and off-pavement going.

The Tacoma is the best seller in the midsize truck segment. This pickup has been popular for a long time, largely due to its reputation for reliability and ruggedness. The Honda Ridgeline, by comparison, is more comfortable and has a similar reputation for reliability. It is also generally cheaper.

The Ridgeline starts at about $41,000, which is roughly where most small trucks and sport utilities land in today’s market. Most buyers will be purchasing in the $45,000-$46,000 range after delivery and options.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

Honda has added a TrailSport off-road(ish) package to the Ridgeline for 2024. As with other Honda models, this trim adds all-terrain tires and a few trim accessories and cosmetic changes for a more rugged appearance. Our testing of this model, however, showed that it also reduces fuel economy by almost 2 mpg on the highway and doesn’t add much capability off the pavement beyond what the truck is already capable of.

Also changed this year are interior elements of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. The center touchscreen and driver’s instrument panel are larger and more crisp. Honda has been adding this new system to other models in the lineup and it’s finally come to the Ridgeline as well.

Between the driver and front passenger, the center console gets some changes that add more storage inside the bin. It was already adequate before, so this upgrade means even more places to put things. Always a good thing.

Like the Honda Pilot, the Ridgeline is powered by a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. This combination is easy to understand and offers just enough power to accelerate with confidence. It’s a smooth, well-done and well-matched setup.

In most driving, the 2024 Ridgeline offers an experience similar to any midsize crossover-type sport utility. It’s easy to maneuver, has very little body roll, and it’s easy to know where the corners are for getting into tight spaces. This is the Ridgeline’s greatest advantage over rivals, as it’s the only car-based option in the midsize category.

When towing within its limits, the Ridgeline doesn’t struggle unless a lot is being asked. Like any vehicle towing, getting up the on-ramp for the freeway or pulling a hill might mean more noise and effort from the powertrain. But the Ridgeline doesn’t lose confidence in any of those situations.

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline has received five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is the only midsize truck with this designation because it is the only midsize truck whose rollover testing received five full stars.

Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also given the Ridgeline good marks for crashworthiness. It received a second-best “Acceptable” rating on the small overlap crash zone, but highest “Good” scores on all other crash testing. All as good or better than its competitors.

Honda as a whole enjoys high reliability expectations across the board. The Ridgeline follows this, having a better than average durability record when compared to most of its rivals. Most judges of this, including Consumer Reports and RepairPal, consider the Ridgeline a vehicle that will be very dependable.

The included two years of scheduled maintenance adds to this, we feel, so we think the Ridgeline will be more reliable than the average midsize truck option.

The Ridgeline comes in four basic trim levels, with the new TrailSport as the third of those four. We’d recommend the RTL instead, though, as it offers most of the amenities one would want without the MPG-sucking A/T tires found on the TrailSport.

The RTL adds quality of life upgrades like a noise-reducing windshield, sunroof, power-sliding rear window, heated front seats, and faux leather upholstery. Those are on top of the Ridgeline’s standard equipment list that’s already pretty impressive.

Most buyers will also want to consider optional packages like the Function+ with its all-season floor mats, cargo bed cover, and cargo net. The Utility+ package is another good option, adding roof rails (with crossbars) and running boards.

Honda’s warranty is standard for the general automotive market with no standout exclusions or inclusions. Honda also warranties accessories added by the factory or dealership at time of purchase, but not once the vehicle left the dealer’s lot.

It’s worth noting that the 2024 Honda Ridgeline includes two years (24,000 miles) of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• PowerTrain: 5 years / 60k miles
• Most Honda dealers offer extended warranties beyond this
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

The Ridgeline has been on the market in its current iteration long enough that used models are now available. Other than the interior upgrades made this year, the 2017 introduction year to today are all commensurate with the 2024 model in terms of capability and size.

Finding a used model could mean generous savings when buying a Ridgeline. Especially a certified used truck with an extended warranty from the dealership or Honda.

Editor's note and disclaimer: Car Talk is supported by our fans, readers and listeners. When you click on some of the links on our website, we may receive referral compensation. However, you should know that the recommendations we make are based on our independent editorial review and analyses.