How To Make Ridgeline Drive More Comfort?

We’ve long been fans of the utility-meet-coziness that the Honda Ridgeline offers, but no vehicle is perfect as-is. We also address those in this article and explore how to make your Ridgeline drive more comfortable, from basic changes to things you can do to make it feel like the best seat in the house, along with accessories that go above and beyond comfort. Whether from suspension upgrades to the best accessories, we cover it all.

Key Takeaways:

Small adjustments can significantly improve driving comfort.
Investing in the right accessories enhances overall comfort.
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure a smooth drive.

Table of Contents

Adjusting Seat Position for Optimal Comfort

Your seat is your home away from home, and adjusting the seat position can make a huge difference in your comfort level driving the Ridgeline. As the optimal setup does not exist in the default sample, personalized adjustments are a major player in comfort.

Lumbar Support: If you feel back pain after long drives, then you can add lumbar support cushions to promote a better posture. Quality lumbar support, on the other hand, is a small investment for the comfort it provides to nearly all drivers out there, who typically note how much less fatigued they feel at the end of a longer drive.
Seat Height & Angle: The height of the seat as well as the angle should also be adjustable for better visibility and easier driving. Your eyes should be halfway up the side of the windshield at most. Set the angle of the seat so that thighs are well supported, and not pressed too badly on the back of the legs.
Steering Wheel Position: The distance from your steering wheel can affect your comfort, too. Place the wheel in an accessible position to prevent a strain on the shoulder but not to a point where safety starts to be compromised.

Upgrade the Suspension for a Smoother Ride

Ridgeline suspension is good for both, but a comfort-focused suspension upgrade can help. The stock suspension tends to be durable and is built to withstand rough terrains, which makes the ride stiffer than needed for daily use.

Shock Absorbers: High-quality shock absorbers such as Bilstein or KYB will improve the comfort experienced from riding over uneven surfaces. Such upgrades offer superior damping, soaking the bumps and jolts that otherwise make their way into the cabin.
Springs and Coilovers: The final good changers are progressive springs which can adapt to alters in the terrain. Coilovers also offer suspension tuning, as well as ride height flexibility for various road conditions.

Benefits of Suspension Upgrade

Upgrade	Comfort Benefits
Premium Shock Absorbers	Better bump absorption
Progressive Springs	Smoother transition over bumps
Coilovers	Height adjustment for custom comfort

Tire Choices and Pressure Adjustment

Your tires and their pressure directly affect the comfort level of your drive. Comfort, handling, and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) can sometimes be overlooked with stock tires, which don’t always balance these factors well.

All-Terrain vs. Touring Tires

All-terrain tires are excellent for off-roading, but they can be noisier and less comfortable on paved roads. Choosing touring tires, however, can lessen cabin noise and allow for a softer ride.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is key. Too much or too little air in a tire can create a stiff ride, poor mileage, and potentially premature tire wear. Stick to Honda’s recommendations but consider lowering the pressure slightly for added comfort, especially if you’re mainly driving on city roads.

Tip: Consider foam-filled tires to help your Ridgeline cabin stay extra quiet.

Soundproofing to Minimize Noise

Road noise can significantly impact your comfort, especially on longer trips. Luckily, there are several effective ways to reduce noise and make your Ridgeline’s cabin quieter.

Sound Deadening Mats: Installing soundproofing mats under the carpet or on the door panels can help reduce the amount of noise entering the cabin. Brands like Dynamat offer easy-to-install options that significantly lower external noise.
Underbody Coating: Adding an underbody coating not only protects from rust but also helps with noise absorption. This is especially useful if you frequently travel on gravel or uneven roads.
Window Seals: Ensure your door and window seals are in good condition. Any gaps or worn-out seals can let in air, resulting in more noise within the cabin.

Recommended Upgrades

Dynamat Soundproofing: Widely used by car enthusiasts to reduce noise.
Thick Floor Mats: These mats can also help with noise reduction while adding another layer of comfort.

Climate Control Improvements for Cabin Comfort

It is essential in temperature regulation while driving. This is how to make the Ridgeline’s cabin climate a smidge more palatable for everyone.

Window Tinting: Tinting helps control the internal temperature to keep it cool when summer days get hot. Look for window tints that are UV-blocking ceramic but still high in visibility.
Portable Fans or Heaters: If your climate calls for it, add portable fans or compact heaters for rear passengers. The Ridgeline doesn’t always circulate air perfectly to the back seats, so this little addition can be a big help.
Cabin Filters: Remember to change your cabin air filter regularly. A clean filter can noticeably improve air quality and comfort, which is especially helpful for easing allergy symptoms.

Adding seat heaters or ventilated seat covers can also turn up the luxury and provide more comfort during winter journeys.

Accessorize for Maximum Comfort

If you really want to add something special to your driving experience, comfortable car accessories can do it. These are all small additions that may not seem significant on their own but collectively provide a great deal of comfort.

Neck Pillows and Armrest Cushions: Installing memory foam neck pillows helps prevent neck stiffness during long drives. Armrest cushions also give your elbows extra padding, especially during extended trips.

Cup Holders and Storage: Ample storage can transform a cluttered vehicle into a more organized space. Look for retractable cup holders or additional storage pouches for backseat passengers.

Massaging Seat Covers: Massaging seat covers is another option to consider. These covers help relieve back strain during long road trips. Though not a factory option, they’re an easy aftermarket add-on.

Top Accessories to Consider

Gel-infused Seat Cushions
Portable Back Massager
Multi-pocket Car Organizer

Regular Maintenance for a Comfortable Ride

We often forget that maintenance is part of what keeps a vehicle comfortable. A well-kept vehicle simply delivers a smoother drive, even on rough roads.

Alignments and Tire Balancing: Wheel misalignment can lead to vibrations and discomfort. Ensuring your wheels are aligned and balanced can provide a better ride at all speeds.
Brake Maintenance: The brake system also needs regular attention. Worn brake pads can create vibrations that lead to discomfort. This issue is often preventable with regular brake checks.
Suspension Inspections: Ensure your suspension is examined regularly. Older components, such as bushings or shocks, can significantly impact ride quality.

For Your Comfort

Every 6 months have a complete checkup on the suspension system, wheel alignment, and tire pressure from your mechanic.

Entertainment and Infotainment Upgrades

A lesser-known but important feature of a comfortable ride is entertainment. The right infotainment system can enhance your experience during drives, especially on long-distance trips.

Touchscreen Upgrade: Consider upgrading to a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen for easier use. Being able to manage your entertainment with minimal effort allows for a more relaxed drive.

Improved Sound System: Switching to high-end speakers or adding a subwoofer will elevate the audio quality. Aftermarket options from brands like Bose or JBL are a good fit for the Ridgeline.

Noise-Canceling Headphones for Passengers: For rear-seat passengers, especially kids, noise-canceling headphones can make for a more comfortable journey.

Tip: Pair your mobile device with the infotainment system and set up voice controls to reduce distractions while driving.

Conclusion

Everything from swapping seats to suspension can make for a more comfortable ride in your Ridgeline. Every change you make, be it minor or significant, adds up to a much more comfortable and calmer experience while driving. Make the changes that matter to you to experience a difference in every drive.

What comfort mods have you done on your Ridgeline? Tell us about your experience in the comments section! Remember to explore our other blogs for additional useful information on maintaining and modifying your vehicle.