@@eddiesspeedgarage You can order and replace the original rear door openers with front door openers, which will give the rear doors more opening width.
The rear door openings were fixed with new door checkers from the Pilot in the 2020 model. So yea the 21 model has the larger openings. And agreed, the HPD package is garbage.. no lift at all and no performance mods..But I'm still getting a RTL-E this summer, just not wasting cash on that HPD nonsense.
All around solid performer for everyday needs. Obviously better options out there for serious off roaders and big trailer towing. It has the most interior cab room for a midsize, very noticeable compared to Tacoma. Like that 4x8 sheet stock sits flat in bed. Dual tail gate and in-bed lockable storage trunk is super handy. A big plus is its unibody ride vs the competition, very smooth and comfortable as a daily driver. It is due a proper overhaul in the next couple of years. The infotainment is long in the tooth, it could do with an inch or two more ground clearance after all it is a truck! Front exterior does look a lot better and rear tail pipes. I'd like to see more fun exterior colors like the Tacoma etc. $2,800 for gold rims, different plastic grill and a couple of stickers is ridiculous. it's still though the best all round option for most daily drivers needing a light to moderate midsize truck who don't venture way off road or need a heavy towing option. It's reliability should remain strong vs the competition!
Me either kinda feels like an afterthought. I really couldn’t justify paying 40k for a sport with the same size wheels, fender Trim and a different grill at 2800 for the hood package. I actually bought a new 2020 black edition new for the same price.
I know a lot of the marketing hype about trucks is the tough manly image, towing loads and off- roading, but I just need to haul yard debris or move some furniture. My last few trucks were overkill, light a HD towing package when I knew I'd never tow a thing. But they were dressed out inside, something that the Ridgeline is lacking, even at the top level. I appreciate their effort in making it look a little more "truckish", but a few more interior colors and options would be nice. At least at the upper Pilot trim levels.
I ended up buying a new 2020 Ridgeline black edition for the same price as the sport. And even though it is the top tier RL it’s only mostly comparable to my Pilot exl there is actually a few things my Pilot had that this does not? But I’m the same as you light towing, moving minor things this RL will suit me perfectly.
Just picked up my 2021 RTL and I’m very happy with it! Coming from a 2017 4Runner, the Ridgeline rides much better. It was between the Ridgeline and Tacoma, and unless you plan on doing off roading the Ridgeline is the clear winner. I agree the HPD package isn’t a great option, $2,800 for wheels and stickers seems like a scam to me!
Agreed and now seeing people are having issues with the fender flares makes me happy I chose to get a new 2020BE Ridgeline instead. And obviously the price difference was consideration
True it is expensive, but when compared apples to apples with other brands option wise it’s comparable. It may not tow as much as the other but the others lack ride quality and interior space compared to the Ridgeline. My son had a 2017 colorado z71 and the Ridgeline felt better in every way.
Too bad the HPD is just looks and no grunt. Even the twin tips are just for looks. They should have tweaked that engine for horsepower and add a REAL dual exhaust system, sports-tuned suspension, etc. Who knows, a special tuned edition would help Honda defeat the "Not-a-Real-Truck" moniker. I'd definitely consider it if the price is right.
Double exhaust and black grill - huge upgrade from previous models
That’s true. I ended up getting a new 2020 black edition instead of the 2021 and I’m looking for ways to get the duals!
@@eddiesspeedgarage
You can order and replace the original rear door openers with front door openers, which will give the rear doors more opening width.
@@oceanhedonist265 Honda already did that on the 2020 and I'm sure they continued it with the 2021.
@@squidusn71
Yeah, they took my advice, 😆
@@oceanhedonist265 please advice them to make a real truck with a v8.
The rear door openings were fixed with new door checkers from the Pilot in the 2020 model. So yea the 21 model has the larger openings. And agreed, the HPD package is garbage.. no lift at all and no performance mods..But I'm still getting a RTL-E this summer, just not wasting cash on that HPD nonsense.
All around solid performer for everyday needs. Obviously better options out there for serious off roaders and big trailer towing. It has the most interior cab room for a midsize, very noticeable compared to Tacoma. Like that 4x8 sheet stock sits flat in bed. Dual tail gate and in-bed lockable storage trunk is super handy. A big plus is its unibody ride vs the competition, very smooth and comfortable as a daily driver. It is due a proper overhaul in the next couple of years. The infotainment is long in the tooth, it could do with an inch or two more ground clearance after all it is a truck! Front exterior does look a lot better and rear tail pipes. I'd like to see more fun exterior colors like the Tacoma etc. $2,800 for gold rims, different plastic grill and a couple of stickers is ridiculous. it's still though the best all round option for most daily drivers needing a light to moderate midsize truck who don't venture way off road or need a heavy towing option. It's reliability should remain strong vs the competition!
AWD is standard. The rims looks better black imo. They should've put the Jsport leveling kit instead of the flares and stickers.
I'm looking at the 2021 Ridgeline as well. I don't understand the HPD option at all.
Me either kinda feels like an afterthought. I really couldn’t justify paying 40k for a sport with the same size wheels, fender Trim and a different grill at 2800 for the hood package. I actually bought a new 2020 black edition new for the same price.
@@eddiesspeedgarage to be fair, the 21 gets AWD as standard vise 2wd from previous trim. Still not enough to command 40k however.
@@squidusn71 absolutely. Between the HPD package and the standard AWD the sport model is out of range for a lot of people now.
I know a lot of the marketing hype about trucks is the tough manly image, towing loads and off- roading, but I just need to haul yard debris or move some furniture. My last few trucks were overkill, light a HD towing package when I knew I'd never tow a thing. But they were dressed out inside, something that the Ridgeline is lacking, even at the top level. I appreciate their effort in making it look a little more "truckish", but a few more interior colors and options would be nice. At least at the upper Pilot trim levels.
I ended up buying a new 2020 Ridgeline black edition for the same price as the sport. And even though it is the top tier RL it’s only mostly comparable to my Pilot exl there is actually a few things my Pilot had that this does not? But I’m the same as you light towing, moving minor things this RL will suit me perfectly.
this is perfect for you.
I moved from Pilot to 2020 Ridgeline.... Liking it very much.
Me too so far!
I saw london honda say the side grill vents give it better aerodynamics to retain fuel economy even with the squared up lights.
Probably because the holes reduce pressure on the front surface?
Thx for the input - cheers
I don't like the HPD , especially at $40k. RTL-E or Black-Edition!!
Just picked up my 2021 RTL and I’m very happy with it! Coming from a 2017 4Runner, the Ridgeline rides much better. It was between the Ridgeline and Tacoma, and unless you plan on doing off roading the Ridgeline is the clear winner. I agree the HPD package isn’t a great option, $2,800 for wheels and stickers seems like a scam to me!
Agreed and now seeing people are having issues with the fender flares makes me happy I chose to get a new 2020BE Ridgeline instead. And obviously the price difference was consideration
Did it have a delay when mashing the pedal at around 20-30?
Not that I noticed
Being Rtl-e owner like yourself, you didn't notice the sound differences in the cabin due to ascoutic windows vs non ascoutic windows?
I sure didn’t
Its a decent truck, problem is its way to expensive. Its hard to justify paying 40k out the door for this midsize truck.
True it is expensive, but when compared apples to apples with other brands option wise it’s comparable. It may not tow as much as the other but the others lack ride quality and interior space compared to the Ridgeline. My son had a 2017 colorado z71 and the Ridgeline felt better in every way.
HPD is a bad name since it rhymes with HPV...something you don't want.....
"Not as plush as the Pilot." Could that be because the Sport model doesn't have heated leather seats like the Pilot?
It was contrast for sure.
Great review ,did Honda fix the spongy brakes on 2021 ridgeline?
I think they felt great. But so did the brakes in my 19 pilot when it was new!
Too bad the HPD is just looks and no grunt. Even the twin tips are just for looks. They should have tweaked that engine for horsepower and add a REAL dual exhaust system, sports-tuned suspension, etc. Who knows, a special tuned edition would help Honda defeat the "Not-a-Real-Truck" moniker. I'd definitely consider it if the price is right.