A Closer Look at the 2021 Honda Ridgeline HPD
Yes, this is a real truck!
Truck
Honda continues its excellent Ridgeline truck for 2021. There are those who claim this is not a "REAL" truck because it has unibody construction instead of a body-on-frame, but this is nonsense. Any vehicle with four wheels, an enclosed cab, and open bed meets the dictionary definition. Also, other manufacturers are now introducing unibody trucks soon, such as the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. This design allows lighter weight for better fuel economy, and superior ride comfort. We will be seeing more of these in the future. The Ridgeline started the trend, ahead of its time.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Engine
Under the hood is a proven 3.5 liter V-6 rated at 280 horsepower, hooked to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive. Fuel economy is listed at 18/24 mpg, which is close to what we observed.
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Transmission
Instead of a stick shifter, we get a push-button unit. It takes up no room and can be operated without taking the eyes off the road because each button has a separate touch-feel. Also, the gears automatically go into PARK when the ignition is turned off. It is far superior to other types.
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Tailgate #1
The tailgate can be opened like a conventional truck for those sporting event parties....
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Tailgate #2
But the tailgate can also be opened from the side, making it easier to load gear, the best of both worlds. The cargo capacity is 1,583 pounds. That bed liner is standard.
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Spare Tire
Under the bed is a large trunk for securing gear. This is also where the spare tire is easily reached. A lot of thought went into the Ridgeline design.
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Interior
While classified as a mid-size truck, the cabin has far more room than the competition. In fact the Ridgeline is only one inch narrower than a full size Ford F150. There is actual room for five passengers and gear. Also, the rear seats fold up if needed for hauling large packages.
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HPD
The only option on this truck was the Honda Racing Development pack. For $2,800 it includes wide blacked out fender flares, rugged tires, and painted wheels.
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POV
The unibody construction is borrowed from the Honda minivan, and this results in a smooth ride in daily commuting. This is a great truck for long highway trips.
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Off Road
With a short wheelbase and all-wheel-drive traction, this Honda is ready for light-duty off-road trips. A drive mode button allows for operating in mud, snow, or sand conditions as well.
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Value
The base price starts at $36K, and this one with the HPD package was $41K. A fully loaded version tricked out with leather, sunroof, and all the fixings will reach $45K. With a double cab body, four-wheel traction, bed liner, a large cab that holds five passengers, and outstanding reliability, this is a reasonable fee. And this is an excellent truck.
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For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.