Honda Ridgeline: Price, Specs, Towing & Review
The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck built for buyers who want truck-bed utility without the rough ride, large size, or daily compromises of a traditional body-on-frame truck.
For 2026, the Ridgeline starts from $40,795 MSRP before destination and dealer charges. Every model has a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard all-wheel drive, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and a four-door crew cab that seats five.
Its standout features are the dual-action tailgate, lockable 7.3-cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk, flat bed that can carry 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood, and a comfortable rear seat with lift-up cushions for interior cargo. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Ridgeline is a smart match for homeowners, active families, road-trippers, campers, and buyers who need to tow occasionally. It is less suitable for people who need the biggest payload, a long bed, serious off-road hardware, or heavy-duty work-truck capability.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.0/10
The Honda Ridgeline earns an 8.0/10 WheelPedia Rating because it is one of the most comfortable and practical midsize trucks for everyday life.
It combines standard AWD, strong V6 power, a useful bed design, real towing ability, and a family-friendly cabin. It loses points for its high starting price, short bed, lower payload than many body-on-frame rivals, average fuel economy, and weak result in IIHS’s updated moderate-overlap front test.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 6.8/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 8.5/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 8.1/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 9.1/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 7.5/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.0/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 7.8/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.0/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the full methodology.
Key Highlights
- Starts from $40,795 MSRP before destination, tax, registration, options, and dealer pricing.
- Six trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, TrailSport + HPD Wheels, Black Edition, and Black Edition Two-Tone.
- Every Ridgeline has a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 and i-VTM4 AWD.
- A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard.
- Tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- EPA ratings reach 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
- Has a lockable 7.3-cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk with a drain plug.
- Dual-action tailgate swings open sideways or folds down.
- Flat bed fits 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood between the wheel wells.
- Seats up to five people and has lift-up rear seats for interior cargo.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, tri-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are standard.
- TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road-tuned suspension.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Honda Ridgeline |
| Vehicle type | Midsize pickup truck |
| Cab and bed | Four-door crew cab, short bed |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard i-VTM4 AWD |
| Maximum towing capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Maximum payload | Up to about 1,583 lbs, depending on trim |
| Best fuel economy | 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| Bed length | 64.0 in. |
| Bed width between wheel wells | 50.0 in. |
| In-Bed Trunk volume | 7.3 cu. ft. |
| Length | 210.2 in. |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in. |
| Ground clearance | About 7.6 in. |
Expert Tip
The Ridgeline RTL is the best choice for most buyers. It adds leather seating, heated front seats, a moonroof, power front seats, and a power sliding rear window without moving into TrailSport or Black Edition pricing.
About the Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is different from most midsize trucks. It uses a unibody platform rather than a separate body-on-frame chassis, which gives it a more settled ride, less cabin vibration, and car-like handling.
That design is its biggest strength and its biggest limitation.
Compared with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier, the Ridgeline is easier to live with on paved roads. It is quieter, more comfortable for passengers, and less tiring on long trips.
However, buyers who regularly carry very heavy loads, need a longer bed, want a manual-transfer-case four-wheel-drive system, or plan to tackle difficult trails should look at a more traditional truck.
Price and Trims
Prices below exclude the $1,495 destination charge, taxes, registration, accessories, premium paint, and dealer pricing.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Best For |
| Sport | $40,795 | Buyers who want standard AWD and core truck utility |
| RTL | $43,595 | Best value for most buyers |
| TrailSport | $45,995 | Snow, dirt roads, campsites, and rugged styling |
| TrailSport + HPD Wheels | $47,195 | TrailSport buyers who want Honda Performance Development styling |
| Black Edition | $47,395 | Premium comfort and darker styling |
| Black Edition Two-Tone | $47,895 | Fully equipped buyers who want the black roof design |
Which Honda Ridgeline Trim Is Best?
- Best value: Ridgeline RTL
- Best for snow and rough roads: Ridgeline TrailSport
- Best premium choice: Ridgeline Black Edition
- Best entry trim: Ridgeline Sport
The Sport is the least expensive Ridgeline, but it is well equipped. It includes AWD, the 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless phone charging, remote engine start, tri-zone climate control, a Class III trailer hitch, and the In-Bed Trunk.
The RTL is the best trim for most people. It adds leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, a moonroof, power front seats with driver memory, a power sliding rear window, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The TrailSport is more than an appearance package. It adds all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, off-road-tuned suspension, all-season floor mats, orange interior stitching, a heated steering wheel, navigation, and front/rear parking sensors.
The TrailSport + HPD Wheels adds black 18-inch Honda Performance Development wheels and related styling details. Its capability is largely the same as the standard TrailSport.
The Black Edition is the most comfort-focused version. It adds ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a 540-watt eight-speaker audio system, black leather upholstery, red ambient lighting, navigation, and parking sensors.
Engine, Performance, and Driving
| Specification | Honda Ridgeline |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | i-VTM4 AWD |
| Drive modes | Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud |
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 lbs |
Every 2026 Ridgeline uses Honda’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. It has enough power for daily driving, passing, full passenger loads, and moderate towing.
The 9-speed automatic transmission is smoother than the setups found in some older midsize trucks, and the standard AWD system makes the Ridgeline more useful in rain, snow, loose gravel, muddy driveways, and boat ramps.
The i-VTM4 AWD system can distribute power across the rear axle to improve traction. It is not a replacement for a traditional low-range four-wheel-drive system, but it works well for the conditions most owners actually face.
The Ridgeline’s fully independent suspension helps it stand apart. It rides more like a crossover than a work truck, making it especially good for commuting, family travel, and highway driving.
Fuel Economy
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
| Ridgeline Sport, RTL, Black Edition | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Ridgeline TrailSport | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
The standard Ridgeline is rated at up to 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. TrailSport models return 20 mpg combined because of their all-terrain tires and off-road-focused equipment.
View current EPA fuel-economy ratings.
Fuel economy is reasonable for a V6 AWD truck but not a reason to choose the Ridgeline over a hybrid SUV. Buyers who do not need an open bed or towing capability may find the Honda Passport or Honda Pilot more practical.
The Ridgeline uses regular unleaded gasoline.
Truck Bed, Cargo, and Practicality
The Ridgeline’s cargo system is where it makes its strongest case.
| Truck-Bed Feature | Details |
| Bed length | 64.0 in. |
| Width between wheel wells | 50.0 in. |
| Bed design | Flat floor with minimal wheel-well intrusion |
| In-Bed Trunk | 7.3 cu. ft., lockable and weather-resistant |
| Tailgate | Opens down or swings sideways |
| Bed material | Scratch-resistant composite |
| Bed outlet | Available 150-watt/400-watt outlet |
| Bed extender | Available; increases maximum cargo length to 76 in. |
The flat bed can carry 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood flat on the floor, which is not possible in every midsize truck. The composite surface is designed to resist scratches and dents, and the tailgate can be locked with the vehicle.
The In-Bed Trunk is one of the Ridgeline’s best features. It offers secure storage for tools, groceries, recovery gear, muddy boots, or valuables. Its drain plug means it can also work as an ice chest.
The dual-action tailgate is equally useful. It can fold down like a normal truck tailgate or swing sideways for easy access to the trunk and bed floor.
Inside, the rear seats fold upward rather than flat. This creates a tall, protected cargo area for a bicycle, pet crate, grocery boxes, camping gear, or equipment you do not want exposed in the bed.
Payload Capacity
The Ridgeline can carry up to about 1,583 pounds, depending on trim. That is enough for common homeowner supplies, mulch, furniture, camping equipment, dirt bikes, and many weekend-project loads.
It is not the best midsize truck for maximum payload. Buyers who routinely carry heavy construction materials, commercial equipment, or large bed loads should compare the Ridgeline with the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier.
Always account for passenger weight, cargo, aftermarket accessories, trailer tongue weight, and payload limits shown on the truck’s door-jamb label.
Towing Capacity
| Configuration | Maximum Towing Capacity |
| Honda Ridgeline AWD | Up to 5,000 lbs |
Every 2026 Ridgeline includes a Class III trailer hitch and seven-pin connector. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
That is enough for many small campers, midsize boats, personal watercraft trailers, utility trailers, and compact enclosed trailers.
The Ridgeline is a capable occasional tow vehicle, but it is not designed for frequent maximum-capacity towing. Buyers who tow large campers, heavy boats, equipment trailers, or commercial loads may want a larger truck with more payload and towing headroom.
Before towing, check the owner’s manual for trailer-brake requirements, tongue-weight limits, payload limits, tire pressure, cargo distribution, and local towing laws.
TrailSport Off-Road Capability
The Ridgeline TrailSport gives buyers more confidence away from pavement, but it remains a light-duty adventure truck rather than a serious off-road pickup.
TrailSport equipment includes:
- All-terrain tires
- Off-road-tuned suspension
- Front skid plate
- Standard AWD
- Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes
- Heated steering wheel
- All-season floor mats
- Orange interior stitching and ambient lighting
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Navigation
The TrailSport is well suited to snow, gravel roads, campsites, forest roads, shallow mud, and uneven access roads. It is not intended for rock crawling, deep ruts, difficult water crossings, or trails that require high ground clearance and low-range gearing.
Interior, Technology, and Comfort
The Ridgeline’s cabin is more comfortable and refined than most midsize truck interiors. It has room for up to five people, useful storage areas, and a rear seat that works well for adults on shorter and medium-length trips.
Standard and available features include:
- 9-inch Display Audio touchscreen
- 7-inch digital meter display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- Remote engine start
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
- Bluetooth audio streaming
- Front USB ports
- Available rear USB ports
- Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation
- Available moonroof
- Available leather-trimmed seats
- Available heated front seats
- Available heated outboard rear seats
- Available ventilated front seats
- Available 540-watt eight-speaker audio system
- Available front and rear parking sensors
The Sport trim already has the core technology most drivers expect. The RTL makes the cabin feel more premium, while the Black Edition is the right choice for buyers who prioritize heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, upgraded audio, and darker styling.
Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 210.2 in. |
| Width | 78.6 in. |
| Height | 70.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in. |
| Ground clearance | About 7.6 in. |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Bed length | 64.0 in. |
| Bed width between wheel wells | 50.0 in. |
The Ridgeline is easier to park and live with than a full-size truck, but it is still more than 210 inches long. Buyers in dense urban areas should consider garage size, parking-space length, and turning-room needs before purchasing.
Safety Features and Ratings
Every Ridgeline includes Honda Sensing and several standard driver-assistance features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Information System
- Cross Traffic Monitor
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Vehicle Stability Assist
- Traction control
- Front, side, knee, and side-curtain airbags
- LATCH child-seat anchors in the rear seating positions
The current IIHS results apply to 2025–2026 Ridgeline models. The truck received:
- Acceptable in the small-overlap front test
- Poor in the updated moderate-overlap front test
- Good in the updated side test
- Marginal headlights rating
- Acceptable LATCH ease-of-use rating
The Ridgeline is not currently an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Its updated moderate-overlap front-test and headlight results keep it below the award threshold.
See the full IIHS Ridgeline ratings.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Ridgeline uses a proven naturally aspirated V6 and a conventional automatic transmission. Its large Honda dealer network and parts availability are ownership advantages, especially for buyers who plan to keep their truck for many years.
However, the current Ridgeline design dates back to 2017. It remains useful and competitive for daily driving, but several rivals offer newer platforms, more advanced infotainment, more powertrain choices, and higher work-truck limits.
| Coverage | Length |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Rust perforation warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Honda Service Pass maintenance | 1 year / 12,000 miles |
For a used Ridgeline, inspect service records, tire wear, brake condition, transmission behavior, infotainment functions, bed and tailgate operation, In-Bed Trunk seals, hitch hardware, AWD performance, and open recalls by VIN number.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Standard AWD on every trim
- Smooth, comfortable ride for a pickup
- Strong 280-hp V6 engine
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
- Useful dual-action tailgate
- Lockable In-Bed Trunk adds secure storage
- Flat bed fits 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood
- Spacious crew-cab interior
- Lift-up rear seats create protected interior cargo space
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
- Standard wireless phone charger
- TrailSport adds useful rough-road equipment
- Easier to drive daily than many midsize trucks
What We Don’t Like
- Starting price is high
- Short bed limits some work use
- Lower payload than many traditional midsize trucks
- No hybrid option
- Average fuel economy
- No low-range four-wheel-drive system
- TrailSport is not designed for difficult off-road trails
- Older infotainment setup than some newer competitors
- Poor IIHS updated moderate-overlap front-test rating
- Marginal IIHS headlight rating
Competitors
The Ridgeline is a strong choice for comfort and practical everyday use, but other trucks may fit your needs better.
- The Toyota Tacoma is better for buyers who want strong resale value, available hybrid power, more off-road trims, and traditional truck capability.
- The Ford Ranger offers more towing capacity and a turbocharged engine lineup.
- The Chevrolet Colorado provides more powertrain choices and more serious off-road versions.
- The GMC Canyon is a better fit for buyers who want a more premium-style midsize truck.
- The Nissan Frontier is worth considering for buyers who prefer a traditional V6 body-on-frame truck.
- The Hyundai Santa Cruz is smaller and easier to park but has less towing and bed utility.
Related Content
Before shopping, read how car financing works and consider getting car loan preapproval before visiting a dealership.
You can also browse all current Honda models on WheelPedia.
Should You Buy the Honda Ridgeline?
Buy the Honda Ridgeline if you want a comfortable midsize truck for daily driving, home projects, family trips, outdoor gear, light off-road use, and occasional towing.
Choose the Sport if you want the lowest entry price but still want standard AWD, smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and the Ridgeline’s best truck-bed features.
Choose the RTL if you want the best overall value. Its leather seating, heated front seats, moonroof, power seats, and more premium cabin make it the strongest choice for most buyers.
Choose the TrailSport if you regularly drive in snow, travel on gravel roads, visit campsites, or want all-terrain tires and added underbody protection.
Choose the Black Edition if you care most about comfort features such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, upgraded audio, navigation, and exclusive styling.
Skip the Ridgeline if you need a long bed, maximum payload, heavy-duty towing ability, low-range four-wheel drive, or serious off-road capability.
FAQs
How much does the Honda Ridgeline cost?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline starts from $40,795 MSRP for the Sport. The Black Edition Two-Tone starts from $47,895 before destination, taxes, options, and dealer pricing.
Does every Honda Ridgeline have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2026 Honda Ridgeline includes Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system.
How much can the Honda Ridgeline tow?
The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
How much payload can the Honda Ridgeline carry?
The Ridgeline can carry up to about 1,583 pounds, depending on trim. Check the specific truck’s door-jamb label for its exact payload rating.
How long is the Honda Ridgeline bed?
The Ridgeline has a 64-inch truck bed. An available bed extender increases maximum cargo length to 76 inches.
Can the Honda Ridgeline carry 4-by-8 plywood?
Yes. Its flat truck-bed floor is wide enough between the wheel wells to carry 4-by-8-foot sheets flat.
What is the Honda Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk?
The lockable In-Bed Trunk is a 7.3-cubic-foot storage compartment under the bed floor. It is weather-resistant and has a drain plug, so it can also hold ice and drinks.
What fuel economy does the Honda Ridgeline get?
Most 2026 Ridgeline trims are rated at 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. TrailSport models are rated at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
Does the Honda Ridgeline require premium fuel?
No. The Honda Ridgeline uses regular unleaded gasoline.
Is the Honda Ridgeline good off-road?
The TrailSport is capable on snow, dirt roads, gravel, campgrounds, and light trails. It is not built for difficult off-road terrain, deep ruts, rock crawling, or trails that require low-range four-wheel drive.
Is the Honda Ridgeline safe?
The Ridgeline has a broad standard driver-assistance package, but it does not currently earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. IIHS gave it a Poor rating in the updated moderate-overlap front test and a Marginal rating for headlights.
Final Verdict
The Honda Ridgeline is the best midsize truck for buyers who prioritize comfort, daily usability, secure storage, and practical bed features over maximum work-truck numbers.
Its standard AWD, V6 engine, 5,000-pound tow rating, roomy crew cab, dual-action tailgate, In-Bed Trunk, and flat bed make it genuinely useful for family life, outdoor gear, home projects, and weekend travel.
The RTL is the trim most buyers should choose. The TrailSport is worth the extra money for drivers who deal with snow or rough roads, while the Black Edition is for buyers who want a more premium cabin.
Prices, specifications, fuel-economy ratings, safety ratings, warranties, feature availability, and dealer inventory can change by trim, model year, and market.