Jsport Kits Give 2016-2017 Honda Ridgelines a Lift

One of the several nitpicks we had with the new 2017 Honda Ridgeline in our 2016 Midsize Pickup Challenge was its modest personality and slight nose-heavy dip at the front end. Still, as you may recall, there was plenty to like the Ridgeline, which came within 19 points of beating the stout 2016 GMC Canyon.

Of course, that doesn't mean it couldn't be better. And one of the best packages we've seen to date to improve the look and (to a lesser degree) performance of the Ridgeline is from Jsport Performance Accessories, which helped put together the Baja racing Ridgeline two years ago. Jsport offers two Ridgeline-specific products in package form: the Chase and the Pre-Run kits. Both are meant to improve the look and sportiness of the mid-size pickup in slightly different ways.

While adding these kits to a Ridgeline will not make it competitive with the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 or Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro mid-size off-roaders, they do offer bigger wheels and tires, a front-end leveling kit (lift increases 1.5 inches), a graphics package and better overall ground clearance. Pricing differences are due to tires: One uses a KMC bead-lock-looking XD wheel, while the other does not. Both kits include 1-inch taller tires to accommodate the gain in ride height from the small front lift; they provide the Ridgeline with a stronger look, especially when added to Honda's stylish Black Edition. Our only suggestion would be to add some kind of integrated trailer brake controller for those who might want to tow some toys. 

To find a participating Honda dealership that offers a new Ridgeline with the Jsport Chase or Pre-Run kit, visit the Jsport website. Not all Honda dealerships carry the kit in their parts department and Jsport does not sell directly to the public. Prices will vary from dealership to dealership, based on installation experience and sales volume. We've been told either kit plus installation will cost around $3,000, so it's not cheap. Jsport also offers a cold-air induction system from AEM for the transverse-mounted 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6 if you're looking for a small boost in power.

Cars.com photos by Mark Williams; manufacturer images