TrailSport package is already available on the Pilot. The next two vehicles to get this off-road upgrade are the Passport SUV and Ridgeline truck. The second one is quite an interesting model. The main question is – will the 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport be competitive against the Toyota Tacoma TRD and Chevy Colorado Z71? Do not expect the pickup to be ready for extreme conditions, such as high-end models of rival trucks, TRD Pro and ZR2 Bison.
The company confirmed the expansion. If the 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport takes the same path as the Pilot SUV, the truck will get a new suspension, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and probably a bedliner. To make off-roading better, the pickup will get a factory lift. The hybrid engine is not official yet, but don’t expect this setup in combination with the TrailSport package.
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Upgrades
The truck will borrow many solutions from the Pilot. That means a higher ground clearance and skid plates for better protection during off-road driving. Special all-terrain tires are wrapping (probably) 18-inch wheels. Of course, all-wheel drive will be standard for the TrailSport package. Inside, the trim brings premium options, such as leather upholstery, 360-degree camera, and panoramic sunroof. Off-road tow hooks are added. The power outlet is another cool bed accessory. The steering wheel will be heated. Bedliner is something an off-road truck needs to protect the cargo as much as possible.
Engine and Specs
Under the hood of the TrailSport model will be the same powertrain as in the rest of the lineup. That is an old and reliable 3.5-liter V6. The company is developing a hybrid setup, but this one is not going to be the best option for towing, so you won’t be able to purchase it for the pickup truck. So, it sticks to 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity stays at 5,000 pounds. The off-road configuration won’t boost it. Instead, the focus is on the ride comfort in tough conditions.
Ridgeline Hybrid
The company is developing a new system – a hybrid unit for its big rigs. CR-V crossover became one of the most efficient vehicles in its class with 42 mpg combined. In the 40+ club are also Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape. The truck is not going to do so many miles per gallon. Like with the TrailSport, the Pilot will be the first vehicle to introduce a new powertrain. So, the Ridgeline Hybrid won’t be out before the 2025 season.
When this happens, the pickup is going to offer close to 30 mpg. That is more than enough to be competitive. With an unibody architecture Ridgeline can’t rival other pickups in towing capacity, but the handling and maneuvering is much better. Honda will keep the focus on this area.
Other Versions
Sport, RTL and Black Edition are the models available for pickup. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport will be a new trim level, probably topping the range. The Sport model comes with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, an 8-inch screen, and a Honda Sensing safety package. The RTL adds noise noise-cancelling windshield, sunroof, leather steering wheel and upholstery, satellite radio and memory settings for the driver’s bucket. The RTL-E is a cool additional package with even more features. The Black Edition is currently the most expensive Ridgeline. Everything is darker, and red ambient lighting brings a nice contrast. Some of the optional bundles will also be available for the TrailSport, such as Bronze Edition, Utility Package, or Honda Performance Development.
2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Release Date and Price
Honda confirmed the arrival of the new off-road package, so it is just a matter of time when it will get into salons. We assume the price is going to be around $50,000. There are some additional options, but the most important upgrades for a smoother off-road drive are already there.
