How to Make Your Honda Ridgeline Drive More Comfortable: Suspension Upgrades That Work
Introduction
The Honda Ridgeline is known for its practicality and smooth unibody construction, but even this midsize truck can benefit from enhanced comfort. Whether you drive long highway miles or just want a less bumpy city commute, knowing how to make Ridgeline drive more comfortable can transform your overall driving experience. This guide dives deep into suspension upgrades, tire improvements, and practical tips to make your Ridgeline feel refined without sacrificing its utility.
Why Suspension Comfort Matters for Ridgeline Owners
Despite its SUV-like chassis, the Ridgeline can still feel rigid on rough roads. Improving ride comfort not only boosts daily drivability but also makes your truck more enjoyable for passengers and long trips.
Top benefits of suspension upgrades:
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Reduced road vibration and cabin noise
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Smoother handling over speed bumps and potholes
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Increased stability while towing or hauling
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Better long-distance travel comfort
Best Suspension Upgrades to Improve Ride Quality
1. Progressive-Rate Springs
These springs provide a soft ride during light loads and firm support when hauling, giving you the best of both worlds. They improve comfort without compromising performance.
Recommended brands:
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Eibach
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Old Man Emu (OME)
2. High-Performance Shock Absorbers
Aftermarket shocks help absorb impacts more effectively than factory units, especially on uneven roads.
Top choices include:
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Bilstein 5100 Series
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Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks
These options are known for their responsive damping and improved rebound control.
3. Air Suspension Kits
Air suspension systems let you control ride height and stiffness, adapting to various road conditions. Though more expensive, they provide a luxury-car level of smoothness.
Don’t Overlook Tires: A Key to Ride Comfort
Tires play a critical role in how comfortable your Ridgeline feels on the road. Switching from aggressive all-terrain tires to highway or touring tires can reduce road noise and cushion bumps more effectively.
Recommended comfort tire models:
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Michelin Defender LTX
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Continental CrossContact LX25
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Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza Plus
Stick with recommended tire sizes to avoid rubbing or handling issues.
Additional Upgrades to Enhance Comfort
Add Sound Deadening Material
Apply insulation sheets to the cabin floor, wheel wells, and doors. This reduces road and wind noise, making the cabin feel more refined.
Upgrade the Seats
Factory seats can be swapped with aftermarket options featuring better lumbar support and padding. Alternatively, add memory foam seat cushions or heated seat covers for enhanced comfort.
Replace or Re-Tune Sway Bars
Switching to thinner sway bars can reduce body roll while allowing for a slightly softer ride.
Pros and Cons of Suspension Upgrades
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Smoother, more refined ride | Costs can add up quickly |
Reduced cabin noise and vibration | Professional installation may be needed |
Improved handling and control | Slight decrease in off-road performance |
Better passenger experience | Warranty concerns with major mods |
Honda Ridgeline Suspension Specs (Before vs. After Upgrades)
Component | Stock Configuration | Upgraded Configuration |
---|---|---|
Front Shocks | Hydraulic dampers | Bilstein 5100 / Fox 2.0 Performance |
Springs | OEM linear coil springs | Progressive-rate coils (Eibach, OME) |
Tires | All-season, 245/60R18 | Comfort highway tires, 255/60R18 (Michelin) |
Ride Comfort Rating | 6.5/10 | 8.5–9/10 with full upgrades |
Suspension Travel | ~8 inches | 8–10 inches (with long-travel kits) |
Pricing & Availability
$800 – $1,500 (including parts and labor)
Advanced systems (air suspension or full kits):
$2,000 – $5,000+
Where to Buy:
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Summit Racing
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4WheelParts
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RealTruck
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Local off-road or performance shops
Always verify part compatibility by your Ridgeline’s trim and model year before purchasing.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Ridgeline Ride Like a Dream
With the right suspension upgrades, better tires, and a few interior tweaks, you can make your Ridgeline feel more like a luxury SUV than a rugged pickup. Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or hauling gear, comfort shouldn’t be compromised.
Start with what fits your budget even small changes like better shocks or sound-deadening material can make a huge difference.