ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Aid automobiles usually are not intended to get your notice, but that’s specifically what a 2021 Honda Ridgeline did when I joined Honda for a nearby generate of the 2022 Civic Sedan. Painted in a shiny white, accented by putting bronze wheels and tattooed with awesome graphics, the Ridgeline made a lasting impact for far more causes than just serving up icy drinks from its under-bed cooler.
I have been a lover of the nameplate since a single used a calendar year in the Autoblog extensive-time period garage, and in unique considering that a memorable street trip with an Airstream trailer in tow. Our extensive-termer could possibly have been handsome as effectively, but involving the cosmetic updates made for each individual 2021 Ridgeline and this distinct truck’s new HPD offer, there was now even a lot more to enjoy. That assist automobile trapped with me, which is why I was so delighted to see a Ridgeline AWD Sport with the HPD bundle arrive in the driveway for a extended appear.
What just is the HPD Bundle? Irrespective of the “P” standing for “Performance,” there truly are no powertrain or chassis updates. This is strictly an visual appearance package. With it you get a selection of attention-grabbing aesthetic touches.
The wheels are the most apparent attribute. Ours came in an eye-catching bronze, but you can as an alternative opt for black if you like. These 18-inch alloy rims feature a thick-and-chunky, nearly snowflake-ish pattern. At the outer conclusion of every single of the 10 spokes are machined divots that reveal the silver coloration of the steel beneath. I could not assistance but stick my fingers in people very little depressions any time I walked about the truck. Follow all those spokes inward to exactly where they satisfy, and you will locate a glossy heart cap with the letters “HPD” on it.
Bordering every single wheel is a black plastic fender flare, providing a much more rugged search. Up in the entrance of the pickup is a exclusive grille, black with a broad mesh sample as opposed to the standard horizontal slats. Transferring again to the bed of the truck, on each side you get thick black and skinny bronze horizontal stripes, interrupted by the huge “HPD” lettering. Appear a small closer, and down below these letters you are going to come across the words and phrases “Honda Functionality Development” in bronze across the black stripe. Ultimately, on the best suitable corner of the tailgate is an HPD badge that terminates in a checkered flag sample.
And that’s it. Which is the full HPD Offer. There are no interior variations nor, like I pointed out previously, are there any functionality updates.
Of system, you’re pondering what this amazing seem will operate you. No matter of trim, the HPD package deal is a $2,800 possibility, which would seem to be on the steep side.
If you like the wheels you can get the black 18-inch alloys — but not the bronze — as a standalone option at a price of $1,836, or as portion of the $4,296 Experience Package. Yes, by deduction, that suggests the HPD Package’s grille, decals and rear badge are valued at $964, but all those are only accessible as portion of the package offer.
So, is it worthy of it? I appreciate all those bronze wheels, and am a sucker for decals, but I have a really hard time envisioning myself screaming “Take my money!” for these seems to be. That reported, I could image myself at the time of buy declaring, “Screw it, I do not want my truck to look like the rest,” and biting the bullet. I’m very positive I wouldn’t regret it, possibly. I’d just have to change the matter any time another person requested me about genuine general performance upgrades.