The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2021: Honda Ridgeline
Every year, The Car Guide unveils a list of Best Buys covering all the different vehicle categories in the industry.
Midsize pickups are hot again after being neglected for much of the past decade. The next-generation Ford Ranger and all-new Jeep Gladiator are largely responsible for that.
- Also: 2021 Honda Ridgeline Gets Beefier, American-style Looks
- Also: 2020 Honda Ridgeline Gets a New Nine-speed Transmission
Our Best Buy for 2021
This year, we picked the refreshed Honda Ridgeline as the No.1 choice for buyers. Using a unibody construction instead of a classic body-on-frame architecture, this smooth-riding Japanese pickup drives more like a Honda Pilot than a work truck. It’s the best-handling model in its class by far.
![](https://i.gaw.to/content/photos/45/96/459629-meilleurs-achats-2021-du-guide-de-l-auto-honda-ridgeline.jpeg?1024x640)
The Ridgeline further stands out with a lockable in-bed trunk that can double as a cooler for parties, a dual-opening tailgate and a modular rear bench that increases cabin versatility. Some American competitors have actually taken a few pages from Honda.
Performance is pretty decent, too, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
![](https://i.gaw.to/content/photos/45/96/459628-meilleurs-achats-2021-du-guide-de-l-auto-honda-ridgeline.jpeg?1024x640)
The Finalists
In second place, we put the aforementioned Jeep Gladiator, which is the complete opposite of the Ridgeline. Derived from the iconic Jeep Wrangler, this rugged pickup offers a choppy ride on paved roads but unbeatable capability anywhere else. You can select a gasoline or diesel engine.
As for third place, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon get the nod. Available with a wide selection of engines and trim levels, they can be anything you want, from a basic work truck to a luxurious family vehicle. Don’t forget the tough, adventurous Canyon AT4 and Colorado ZR2.
Don’t miss our full list of Best Buys for 2021!