Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Our scoring places the 2021 Honda Ridgeline at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this truck's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $36,491–$45,428, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Ridgeline sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline ranks #97 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 81% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,491 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.
$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Ridgeline Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda Ridgeline scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Honda Ridgeline (7 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such,…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Master cylinder 29/06/2023 · 23V458000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 01/02/2024 · 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020…
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 09/05/2024 · 24V321000
Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 Honda Ridgeline that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
We rate the 2021 Honda Ridgeline's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #97 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 81% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline cost?
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline starts at $36,491 and ranges up to $45,428 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Ridgeline years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 10 Ridgeline model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.9/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Visibility, Service brakes, hydraulic, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda Ridgeline
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More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year