Buyers in the market for a small pickup with car-like dynamics have a solid option in the form of the Honda Ridgeline.

The current generation of the U.S.-built Ridgeline has been on sale since the 2017 model year and for 2021 is set to receive a round of updates. Chief among these is a tough new look created by a bigger grille, a new front fascia with extra intakes, and revised LED headlights.

New 18-inch wheels also help improve the stance of the pickup, and buyers can further enhance the design with a Honda Performance Development styling package that adds bronze-colored wheels, black fender flares, and body graphics.

2021 Honda Ridgeline

There aren’t many changes inside, though Honda lists a new infotainment system with improved graphics and simpler icons. A physical knob has also been added for the volume control.

2021 Honda Ridgeline

The mechanical package hasn’t changed as a 9-speed automatic was just added for 2020 to replace the old 6-speed. The sole powertrain is a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

Front-wheel drive continues to be standard and all-wheel drive available to those buyers who need it. The Ridgeline’s all-wheel-drive system sends 70% of the drive torque to the rear axle and is able to direct this to the individual rear wheels, including up to 100% to either wheel when necessary.

The pickup can fit four-foot wide items in its bed and has a 1,580-pound payload capacity. Towing capacity is a maximum 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Ridgeline starts sales early next year. Pricing information will be announced closer to the market launch.

Note, the Ridgeline won’t be the only unibody pickup on the market for long. Hyundai has one called the Santa Cruz coming next year.

For more on the Honda Ridgeline, read the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection.

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The Jaguar XF has been updated for 2021, receiving a refined look on the outside plus some much-needed updates inside.

The updates constitute a mid-cycle refresh for Jaguar’s svelte mid-size sedan, which we’ll see in showrooms later this year.

2021 Jaguar XF

You’d have to be a Jaguar die-hard to recognize the changes on the outside. The sheet metal is mostly the same while the headlights are slimmer and the taillights are fitted with new internals. The grille also features a new mesh pattern and buyers have the option of a styling pack that adds black accents on items like the grille, side vents, and window surround, among others.

The big news is what’s happening inside. The cabin has been brought up to date with a curved 11.4-inch display replacing the small in-dash display of the current XF. The large screen serves as the main hub for an overhauled infotainment system Jaguar calls Pivi Pro.

2021 Jaguar XF

According to the automaker, the infotainment system is simpler to use, with many frequently used functions now accessible in just two taps or less. The system also integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Over-the-air updates are also supported, and a surround-view camera is standard.

You’ll also spot more digital controls below the infotainment screen for the comfort settings, and the instrument cluster is also a large digital unit now. The old rotary dial gear selector has also been replaced by a more conventional shift lever. Similar changes feature in an updated 2021 F-Pace.

2021 Jaguar XF

In the powertrain department, buyers in the United States have just two options to choose from, both of them 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4s. The base powertrain delivers 246 horsepower and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The more powerful unit delivers up 296 hp and comes with all-wheel drive only. An 8-speed automatic is standard across the range.

Buyers can look forward to 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds with the 246-hp output and 5.8 seconds with the 296-hp output. A more potent option in the form of a turbocharged inline-6 could be added at a later date.

2021 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

Pricing information for the 2021 XF will be announced closer to the market launch. The XF Sportbrake station wagon has also been updated for 2021 but it’s availability in the United States is yet to be announced.

For more on the Jaguar XF, read the in-depth reviews at The Car Connection.

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