The Car Guide's Best Buys for 2021: Honda Ridgeline

Published on February 15, 2021 in News by The Car Guide

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.

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.

Photo: Honda

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.

Photo: Honda

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!

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