Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL
Our scoring places the 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $47,438–$59,056, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Ridgeline SL sits in the premium tier of the truck category. The 7.1/10 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 SL is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. 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 SL 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 $47,438 starting price is about 35% above the segment's median of $35,138.
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 SL Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda Ridgeline SL scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.7 — and starts roughly $4,500 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
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
Common Questions — 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL
Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL reliable?
We rate the 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL 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 SL cost?
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline SL starts at $47,438 and ranges up to $59,056 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Ridgeline SL years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Ridgeline SL years we've rated are 2018 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Honda Ridgeline SL
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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