ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Help autos aren’t speculated to get your consideration, however that is precisely what a 2021 Honda Ridgeline did once I joined Honda for a native drive of the 2022 Civic Sedan. Painted in a shiny white, accented by putting bronze wheels and tattooed with cool graphics, the Ridgeline made an enduring impression for extra causes than simply serving up icy drinks from its under-bed cooler.
I’ve been a fan of the nameplate since one spent a 12 months within the Autoblog long-term storage, and specifically since a memorable street journey with an Airstream trailer in tow. Our long-termer may need been good-looking as properly, however between the beauty updates made for each 2021 Ridgeline and this specific truck’s new HPD bundle, there was now much more to understand. That help car caught with me, which is why I used to be so delighted to see a Ridgeline AWD Sport with the HPD bundle arrive within the driveway for an extended look.
What precisely is the HPD Package deal? Regardless of the “P” standing for “Efficiency,” there truly aren’t any powertrain or chassis upgrades. That is strictly an look bundle. With it you get a variety of attention-grabbing aesthetic touches.
The wheels are essentially the most noticeable function. Ours got here in an attention-grabbing bronze, however you’ll be able to as a substitute go for black in the event you like. These 18-inch alloy rims function a thick-and-chunky, nearly snowflake-ish sample. On the outer finish of every of the ten spokes are machined divots that reveal the silver coloration of the metallic beneath. I couldn’t assist however stick my fingers in these little depressions any time I walked across the truck. Observe these spokes inward to the place they meet, and also you’ll discover a shiny middle cap with the letters “HPD” on it.
Surrounding every wheel is a black plastic fender flare, offering a extra rugged look. Up within the entrance of the pickup is a novel grille, black with a large mesh sample versus the same old horizontal slats. Transferring again to the mattress of the truck, on either side you get thick black and skinny bronze horizontal stripes, interrupted by the large “HPD” lettering. Look just a little nearer, and under these letters you’ll discover the phrases “Honda Efficiency Growth” in bronze throughout the black stripe. Lastly, on the highest proper nook of the tailgate is an HPD badge that terminates in a checkered flag sample.
And that’s it. That’s the whole HPD Package deal. There aren’t any inside adjustments nor, like I discussed earlier, are there any efficiency upgrades.
In fact, you’re questioning what this cool look will run you. No matter trim, the HPD bundle is a $2,800 possibility, which appears to be on the steep facet.
In the event you just like the wheels you will get the black 18-inch alloys — however not the bronze — as a standalone possibility at a worth of $1,836, or as a part of the $4,296 Journey Package deal. Sure, by deduction, that implies the HPD Package deal’s grille, decals and rear badge are valued at $964, however these are solely obtainable as a part of the bundle deal.
So, is it price it? I like these bronze wheels, and am a sucker for decals, however I’ve a tough time envisioning myself screaming “Take my cash!” for these seems to be. That stated, I may image myself on the time of order saying, “Screw it, I don’t need my truck to appear like the remaining,” and biting the bullet. I’m fairly positive I wouldn’t remorse it, both. I’d simply have to alter the topic at any time when somebody requested me about precise efficiency upgrades.
