2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport Specs: A Unique Pickup Experience

The Honda Ridgeline has never quite fit into the traditional pickup truck mold. It’s softer around the edges, more refined, and wildly different from the body-on-frame brutes dominating the American roads. If you are looking at the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport, you are likely interested in a truck that prioritizes comfort and utility over raw towing capacity. This generation wasn’t just a facelift; it was a reimagining of what a midsize pickup could be, especially for those who live in suburban settings or need a versatile weekly driver.

Let’s dive into what makes the 2014 Ridgeline Sport tick, focusing on its specs, features, and why it remains a compelling choice for buyers who want something different from the usual Ford or Toyota offerings.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the 2014 Ridgeline Sport shares the same engine as its higher-trim siblings, and honestly, it’s one of the most reliable powertrains Honda ever built. You are looking at a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.

Now, those numbers might sound modest compared to six-cylinder trucks from the competition, but the Ridgeline’s real strength lies in its transmission and fuel economy. It pairs that engine with a five-speed automatic transmission featuring select-shift capability. It’s smooth, quiet, and surprisingly eager when you need to pass on the highway.

• Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5,700 rpm
• Torque: 247 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (the only FWD pickup in the US market)

Yes, front-wheel drive. This is a point of contention for traditionalists. However, for 90% of buyers who use their truck for hauling furniture, camping gear, or going to the hardware store, FWD is more than sufficient. The weight distribution is excellent, which aids in handling and ride comfort.

Regarding efficiency, the 2014 Ridgeline Sport gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. That’s competitive for its class, especially when you consider that most comparables are body-on-frame trucks with less aerodynamic profiles.

Exterior Design and Bed Utility

The exterior of the 2014 Ridgeline is unmistakable. The unibody construction allows for a coupe-like roofline and a bed that is fully enclosed and sealed, protecting your cargo from rain, snow, and sun. The Sport trim doesn’t get the flashy chrome accents of the RTL or Black Edition trims, but it does come with 17-inch alloy wheels that give it a slightly more rugged look than the base model.

The Innovative Bed Features

What truly sets the Ridgeline apart is the bed. Honda engineers went all out here, creating a space that is safer, quieter, and more secure than any traditional open bed.

• Under-Storage Box: A watertight, lockable compartment under the bed floor. It’s perfect for valuables, tools, or cold drinks.
• In-Bed Utility System: Integrated D-rings, mesh, and anchors that keep your cargo from sliding around during transit
• In-Bed Tail Light: The taillights are mounted in the bed itself, meaning if someone dents your rear bumper, you don’t break the lights.
• Power Liftgate: You can open and close the tailgate with the touch of a button. Think of it like an SUV liftgate, but for a truck.

For the Sport trim, the bed liner is durable plastic, which is easy to clean and maintain. It lacks the premium carpeting options found in higher trims, which some might prefer for a more luxurious feel, but the plastic is far easier to hose down after a muddy weekend trip.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2014 Ridgeline Sport, and you will feel like you are in a Honda Pilot or Accord, not a pickup truck. The interior is quiet, with excellent sound insulation that keeps wind and road noise at bay. This is where the unibody construction really shines.

The seating is supportive, with cloth upholstery that is durable and comfortable for long drives. Front passengers get plenty of legroom, and the rear seats are spacious enough for adults, which is rare for midsize trucks. The Sport model comes with a 5-passenger seating configuration.

Infotainment and Convenience

The technology featured in the 2014 model is a mix of modern and dated by today’s standards, which is expected for a 2014 vehicle. The Sport trim includes a 5-inch color display screen for audio and navigation information. It supports Bluetooth for hands-free phone calling and audio streaming.

Standard features also include:

• Automatic climate control
• Power windows and door locks
• Auxiliary audio inputs
• Remote engine start

One minor gripe is the lack of a backup camera as standard equipment in the Sport trim, although it was an available option. Given that Honda Safety Shield technologies were starting to roll out in the late 2010s, the absence of advanced driver aids in this specific year is notable. However, the visibility out of the windows is generally quite good.

Safety Features

Safety was a priority for Honda in the 2014 cycle. The Ridgeline Sport comes loaded with multiple airbags, including front, side curtain, and seat-mounted side airbags. The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control is standard, helping to keep the truck planted in slippery conditions.

While it lacks some of the cutting-edge autonomous braking systems that became common later in the decade, the structural rigidity of the unibody frame provides excellent crash protection. It earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, which is a testament to its robust build quality.

FAQs About the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport

Is the 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport reliable?

Yes, it is widely considered very reliable. The 3.5L V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission have a long track record of durability. Many owners report high mileage with minimal issues, provided routine maintenance is kept up.

Can the 2014 Ridgeline tow a boat or trailer?

It has a towing capacity of approximately 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is sufficient for small to mid-size boats, Jet Skis, and utility trailers. However, it is not designed for heavy-duty fifth-wheel towing.

Does the Sport trim come with four-wheel drive?

No. For the 2014 model year, the Honda Ridgeline was exclusively front-wheel drive across all trims, including the Sport. This was changed in later generations with the introduction of the all-new 2017 model, which offered AWD.

The 2014 Honda Ridgeline Sport is a unique vehicle that bridges the gap between a pickup truck and a crossover SUV. It sacrifices some ruggedness and towing power for unparalleled comfort, innovation, and daily usability. If you need a truck that feels like a car and can handle suburban life with ease, it remains a standout choice.