Honda Ridgeline Trailsport Offroad Review

If there’s one thing Honda gets right with the Ridgeline Trailsport, it’s the truck’s car-like comfort level. Before checking out used models at the local Hyundai dealer, read through this Honda Ridgeline Trailsport Offroad review to see what else to expect.

A Comfortable Ride With Plenty of Power

Honda is better known for its comfortable, safe, and economical sedans and SUVs than its pickup trucks. Perhaps because of that focus, the average used Honda Ridgeline Trailsport at a Hyundai dealer leans more toward car-like comfort than adventure-readiness.

Drivers looking for a seriously capable off-road rig may not find what they want in the Ridgeline Trailsport. However, those looking for a better way to haul toys and do some light off-roading will love sitting behind the wheel or in the passenger seat of this capable and comfortable truck.

An Introduction to the Trailsport Line

For those unfamiliar with the trim line, Honda’s Trailsport trim line adds off-road capability packages to the automaker’s most popular vehicles. The Ridgeline is the latest to join this lineup, which began with the Passport and Pilot.

Over time, Honda also plans to add Trailsport trim levels to its SUV lineup. Given Honda’s extensive reputation in the world of dirt bikes and ATVs, many drivers are excited to see what direction the automaker will take with its campaign to improve off-road readiness.

There’s no way to know what the future might hold, so let’s focus on how the Trailsport trim level improves the off-road readiness of the brand’s popular Ridgeline trucks.

Building on a Solid Base

Honda’s Ridgeline pickup trucks already sport many features required for light off-roading. They feature capable AWD systems that allow drivers to route up to 70% of their 3.5L V-6 engine’s 262 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels on either side and three drive modes.

The Ridgeline’s drive modes for sand, snow, and mud change more than torque distribution. They also alter transmission performance, traction control, and throttle mapping to maximize performance in many conditions.

What differentiates the Ridgeline from its competitors isn’t its rugged off-road readiness but interior comfort. With 9.0” high-resolution touchscreen infotainment centers, plenty of storage, and a spacious four-door crew-cab design, it leaves more aggressive off-roaders in the dust for daily-use driving.

The Trailsport Difference

There’s more to this trim line than an orange and black Trailsport badge. Buyers who upgrade to the Ridgeline Trailsport trim level will get all-terrain tires, a unique suspension tune-up with softer springs, thinner anti-roll bars, and more.

The Trailsport is also better equipped than other Ridgeline trim levels to handle off-road conditions without sustaining damage thanks to an added front skid garnish and some functional underbody protection.

Despite these changes, the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport is no off-road adventure machine. Drivers looking for a comfortable ride combined with light-duty off-road readiness will be happy with what they find.

Is the Ridgeline the Best Option?

So, what’s the verdict? Is the Honda Ridgeline Trailsport truly the best option? For serious adventure enthusiasts, the answer is likely no. The midsize truck has some serious competition.

For those who want a daily driver that can tackle tasks like toy hauling and light off-roading, the Ridgeline Trailsport is a good option, though not the only one.

Before deciding what truck to buy, drivers may want to head to a Hyundai dealer to check out the Santa Cruz. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers similar features and advantages at a lower price.