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.

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.

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!