The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck often used for commuting and cargo hauling due to its large utility space and in-bed storage. The 2024 Ridgeline uses independent and strut suspension, which users have actually complained about making the ride uneasy and uncomfortable.
Comfort is an utmost priority, whether you’re driving or a passenger in a vehicle. Traveling for prolonged hours in an uncomfortable vehicle can actually lead to severe pain in muscles and joints. Some Ridgeline owners believe making a few modifications to the vehicle can help improve the comfort level and enhance its overall driving experience.
If you wish to make your Ridgeline more comfortable, you’ve come to the right place. Without wasting any time, let’s get into this article that will teach you all about the Honda Ridgeline and how to make the Ridgeline drive more comfortably.
The Honda Ridgeline
Honda has been producing the Ridgeline ever since 2005 and is continuing to do so. This pickup truck has been produced across two generations and is known for its utility space and fuel efficiency; however, some users have complained about its comfortability.
This complaint has made its way even into the 2024 model that has graced the American automotive market since last year. The 2024 Honda Ridgeline comes in 4 trim levels: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition, with each of them offering a comfort level that is still not enough for the riders.
However, as users have complained about the comfort level of the Ridgeline, Honda has managed to bring a drastic change to the 2024 Ridgeline and great improvement in comfortability.
The company has managed to add more comfort to the Ridgeline’s driving experience by creating more cabin space, adding heated seats, using high-quality material, and using independent suspension to help absorb road bumps.
Compared to its competitors, such as Jeep Gladiator, the Ridgeline has been known to offer more comfort and space according to mid-size pickup trucks.
Although Honda has worked immensely in handling te comfort issues of Honda Ridgeline in the recent years, there are still some lingering issues making the users miserable. However, the great thing is that with some modifications here are there you can make your Ridgeline more comfortable to sit and drive, enhancing your overall driving experience.
Comfort Issues Related To The 2024 Honda Ridgeline
Regardless of the changes the company has made to provide more comfort in the 2024 Ridgeline, users are still raising issues. Compared to its previous models, the Ridgeline has improved over the years, but there are problems occurring such as:
- Seating support: Although this year’s model has come with ample space, there still remains a problem with lumbar support, especially when covering long distances.
- Cabin noise: While everyone prefers a quiet ride, the Ridgeline has been complained about for the absence of quietness in the cabin while driving, which can be a frustrating matter for its passengers.
- Ride quality: Even though the Ridgeline has a smooth drive, users have complained about it being stiff, especially over rough terrains.
- Climate control: Users have reported issues with the climate control as it is not able to cool or heat evenly.
How To Make Your Ridgeline Drive More Comfortable?
Some Ridgeline owners may not be fully satisfied with the comfort or driving experience of the vehicle. Luckily for you, we have put together a list of things you can do to change and offer more comfort while driving.
The main issue that comes with the Ridgeline and its driving experience is its suspension. You may even be wondering how to make the Ridgeline drive more comfortably with suspension settings.
Go through the list below to find out which suspension to use and how to make the Ridgeline reach your expected comfort level.
- Upgrade suspension settings: Opting for shock absorbers and high-quality coilovers can allow the vehicle to absorb bumps smoothly and adjust the height and stiffness of the vehicle according to your preference. Try going for the Bilstein B8 series or FOX shocks to help enhance your overall driving experience.
- Better tires: To have a smoother ride, go for the Michelin Defender LTX M/S or Continental CrossContact LX25 tires, as they have been known to reduce the harshness of bumps.
- Check brakes: Bad brakes can cause the vehicle to vibrate more. Sometimes your brakes may need to be serviced or simply a brake fluid flush to provide a better driving experience.
- Install cushions: Cushioning the seats can help prevent back pains from the stiffness of the seats and offer a more comfortable seating experience.
- Soundproof cabin: External road noise can cause major discomfort and annoyance to the driver and passengers. Soundproofing the cabin will help block outside noise and offer a quiet cabin experience. You can do this by installing soundproof materials such as Dynamat or Noico mats on the doors and floors of the vehicle.
Why Does Comfort Matter In A Truck?
Pickup trucks are usually used for heavy-duty work, or the user may have to drive for extended periods of time to transport goods. In this case, comfort comes with a heavy price. Driver fatigue can be caused by not being able to drive comfortably and lead to serious back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems.
If the driver is able to drive comfortably, it can help with maintaining alertness, reduce fatigue, and prevent body aches. Modern pickup trucks have evolved a lot and are now used by many as everyday commuters and even for driving long distances, rising the need for comfort in them more than ever.
Overall, a comfortable driving experience can prevent serious chronic issues while improving overall health and enhancing productivity.
Tips To Maintain A Comfortable Ride
Whether you own a pickup truck or any other vehicle, maintaining the comfort level is of utmost importance.
Drivers should ensure a comfortable ride in order to reduce fatigue and improve their overall driving experience. The following tips will also prevent any issues with your health and breakdowns of the vehicle on the road:
- Maintain proper suspension settings: To avoid feeling the bumps and having a shaky ride, opt for the best suspension and shock absorbers.
- Check alignment: A misbalanced alignment can cause the vehicle and steering to shake; have your alignment checked and balanced for a better driving experience.
- Regular maintenance: Regular services for the vehicle can help improve overall performance and maintain the vehicle’s components for optimal condition.
- Ensure fluids: Always keep check on your vehicle’s fluid levels and choose high-quality fluids. Choosing the best engine oils for your engine can also provide better driving performance.
- Tires: Regularly check the tire pressure and change your tires if they have worn out. Worn-out tires can reduce the bump absorption, resulting in a vibrating and disturbing ride.
- Seat cushions: If you have installed cushioned seats, they can also wear down with time. Be sure to replace the cushioning in the seats to provide comfort while driving or traveling.
Related FAQs
Are Ridgeline seats comfortable?
The Honda Ridgeline’s seats are known to be comfortable and are designed to support various body types. The higher trims also offer heated seats.
To take full advantage of the Ridgeline’s seats, you can always opt for a higher trim level that offers high-quality leather seats, or you can choose to install cushions in the seats to have a more comfortable sitting experience.
Will there be changes in the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
Unfortunately, the 2025 model of Honda’s Ridgeline does not have much change and is only a carryover model. It comes equipped with the same V6 engine, providing 280 horsepower along with the same 9-speed automatic transmission that is available in the 2024 model.
How quiet is the Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline is thought to be a quiet vehicle. The V6 engine is also quiet and smooth while driving and does not produce much noise. The cabin experience, however, may not be as quiet. This is why users can go for soundproof materials in order to have a quieter in-cabin experience.
Does the ridgeline have enough power?
The simple answer is, yes, the Honda Ridgeline does have enough power according to a pickup truck. The engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-foot of torque. The towing capacity of this vehicle has always been highly appreciated by users. It is able to tow up to 5000 pounds.
How to make Ridgeline’s suspension drive more comfortable?
There are always a few modifications a user can make to the suspension of their vehicle to provide a better and more comfortable driving experience. With the Ridgeline, you can opt for shock absorbers and high-quality coilovers to have better bump absorption. The coilovers can allow the owner to adjust the height and stiffness of the vehicle according to their choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has talked about how to make the Ridgeline drive more comfortably and the modifications you can make to have an improved driving experience.
The comfort of the driver and passengers is always crucial in order to prevent any chronic back injuries or muscle aches. By following these tips, you can ensure a comfortable Ridgeline ride.
