Honda adds TrailSport option to Ridgeline in 2024

• The new TrailSport trim is the biggest improvement for 2024.

• There is also these two other trim levels: Sport and the luxurious Black Edition.

• Inside, the Ridgeline gets new screens.

It’s the Honda Ridgeline’s turn to receive an update for the coming year. The Japanese pickup joins the two other models already marketed by the brand with a TrailSport badge, in addition to seeing a few new features inside. The pickup is based on the same platform as the outgoing model, while the powertrain remains unchanged.

In keeping with the “adventurous” trend in the industry, Honda has grafted its TrailSport package onto the other vehicle likely to be appreciated for its off-road capabilities. Let’s just say that the Passport and Pilot are also good candidates, but that the Odyssey minivan should not, in principle, be entitled to this privilege.

The TrailSport livery, better equipped for off-road escapades, features a suspension reworked to support off-road use, General Grabber A/T Sport all-terrain tires and underbody protection. The tailgate also comes out of its shell with the vehicle’s name stamped in the sheet metal. With the letters R-I-D-G-E-L-I-N-E prominently displayed, the uninitiated will know which vehicle they’re dealing with.

The brand’s strategists have also installed new 18-inch five-spoke wheels, while the crossbar, upper grille and mirror shells are all painted in this gloss black finish. Finally, the Diffused Sky Blue color available on the other two TrailSport vehicles is also added to the available palette. And let’s not forget the many orange TrailSport badges that adorn the body here and there.

But that’s not all: inside, “TrailSport” embroidery is integrated into the headrests and seats, while orange ambient lighting and orange stitching adorn the steering wheel, seats, and door panels. The dashboard also features a new seven-inch display (left) to complement the usual analog speedometer on the right.

As for the central screen, at nine inches it is larger than its predecessor and, according to the manufacturer, faster than that of the outgoing model. Wireless functions for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. The designers have also added a finger rest at the base of the screen, making it easier to manipulate when the vehicle is in motion. The navigation system was also simplified, with fewer sub-menus.

Under the hood, the Ridgeline 2024 retains the services of its indestructible 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, good for 280 horsepower and 262 ft-lb of torque. The gearbox, meanwhile, is the nine-speed unit. i-VTM4 all-wheel drive is standard on all versions of the truck, a comment that also applies to the Honda Sensing suite of safety features.

When the first examples of the Ridgeline 2024 arrive early next year, the pickup will be available in three liveries: Sport, TrailSport and Black Edition.