2026 Honda Ridgeline | The best Honda Off-Road SUV

The Honda Ridgeline offers a refreshing alternative to the trend of oversized, off-road-centric pickup trucks. It combines capability and versatility in a more manageable size. Unlike many competitors, the Ridgeline is built on the unibody architecture of the Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan. 

It is only available as a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed, making it a practical choice for those who don’t need an enormous truck. Under the hood, it boasts a V-6 engine paired with all-wheel drive, providing swift acceleration and a smooth driving experience.  The Ridgeline’s ride and handling are more car-like than traditional pickups, which enhances its overall comfort. 

These unique features makes it a great option for everyday driving, unlike many trucks that can feel rigid or cumbersome. While it might not give off the rugged, heavy-duty vibe of body-on-frame rivals, it shines in livability. Its thoughtful design and practical features make it a highly versatile truck for urban and suburban living, with plenty of space and convenience for various tasks.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Price

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is priced starting at $41,545, with the highest trim and options reaching up to $48,145.

What Makes It Different From Its Competitors?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline sets itself apart from other mid-size trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger with its smooth ride, unibody construction, and smart utility features. Designed for both work and play, the Ridgeline offers a comfortable, car-like driving experience while maintaining impressive hauling and towing capabilities.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Release Date

Honda has not officially announced the release date for the 2026 Ridgeline. However, based on industry expectations, it’s anticipated to arrive in late 2025.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Redesign

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is expected to receive a subtle redesign, refining its exterior styling and interior features. While Honda hasn’t confirmed major changes, updates may include a refreshed front grille, new LED lighting, and revised wheel designs. Inside, expect upgraded materials, a more modern infotainment system, and enhanced driver-assistance features. 

The powertrain is likely to remain the same, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive. This update will keep the Ridgeline competitive, balancing comfort, utility, and innovation in the mid-size truck segment.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ridgeline features a single powertrain: a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine provides smooth, responsive acceleration, especially during rapid starts. Unlike many traditional pickups, the Ridgeline offers a pleasant surprise behind the wheel. 

On the road, it drives like a well-behaved family crossover, with impressive handling. Its independent rear suspension, using coil springs, provides a smooth, car-like ride that’s absent in competitors’ leaf-sprung systems from brands like Chevy, GMC, Jeep, and Ford. Body roll in corners is minimal, and small bumps are hardly felt. The steering is direct, thanks to its electrically assisted system. 

Even the TrailSport model, with its rugged General Grabber tires, remains quiet on the road. These all-terrain tires didn’t compromise its performance, improving braking and showing only a slight impact on skidpad results compared to previous models.

0–60-MPH Times

During testing, the 2026  Ridgeline TrailSport reached 60 mph in an impressive 6.0 seconds. This is a full second faster than the nonhybrid, four-cylinder Toyota Tacoma we previously tested.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers a towing capacity of up to 5000 pounds. While it performs well for lighter towing needs, it may not be ideal for those requiring more heavy-duty capabilities. This maximum capacity is 2000 to 2500 pounds less than rivals like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, which are better suited for towing heavier loads.

Despite this, the Ridgeline is still a reliable option for many drivers. It can carry almost 1600 pounds of payload, making it useful for hauling items like tools, equipment, or outdoor gear. While its payload capacity is similar to the Chevy Colorado, it does fall short of the Ford Ranger’s maximum. 

The Ridgeline focuses more on comfort, smooth handling, and practicality, appealing to those who prioritize everyday usability over extreme towing power.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Honda Ridgeline offers solid fuel economy for a mid-size pickup. It has EPA ratings of 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. These figures make it a competitive option in its class, which includes pickups with both V-6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The TrailSport model, designed with rugged all-terrain tires, delivers slightly lower highway efficiency at 23 mpg.

In real-world conditions, the Ridgeline can perform even better. During a 75-mph fuel-economy test that mimics highway driving, an all-wheel-drive model achieved an impressive 28 mpg. This result highlights its efficiency during long trips. While its EPA ratings are average for its class, the Ridgeline’s real-world numbers show it’s capable of outperforming expectations. 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

• The Honda Ridgeline offers a practical and comfortable interior, with simple design and hard plastics, typical of mid-size pickups.
• The rear seats provide the most spacious seating among mid-size rivals.
• Both front seats come with fold-down armrests, useful due to the low center console.
• The Ridgeline features a single 5.3-foot bed, similar to other short beds in its class.
• Cargo volume is 34 cubic feet, which is the second-lowest in its class.
• Includes a locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk with 7.3 cubic feet of additional storage.
• The bed stands out with 50 inches between the wheel wells, allowing it to hold a standard four-by-eight-foot sheet of building material flat on the bed floor.
• Features a unique two-way tailgate that opens downward like a traditional tailgate or swings open like a door for easier access.
• The rear seat splits 60/40 and flips up to provide space for a full-size bicycle.
• The limited opening width of the rear doors may make loading larger items more challenging.
• Despite some challenges, the Ridgeline’s thoughtful features make it a highly functional choice for a variety of needs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a standard 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It features a physical volume knob for added convenience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all trims, along with wireless charging. Higher trims like the TrailSport and Black Edition also include built-in navigation for added functionality.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Honda Ridgeline comes with a range of standard driver-assistance features. It has received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. For detailed crash-test results, you can visit the NHTSA and IIHS websites.

Key safety features include:

• Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control

These features ensure added safety and confidence on the road.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Honda Ridgeline offers competitive warranty coverage. It includes both limited and powertrain warranties, along with a complimentary maintenance plan.

• The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles.
• The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is provided for two years or 24,000 miles.

FAQs 

What is the starting price of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline starts at $41,545, with higher trims reaching up to $48,145.

How much can the Ridgeline tow?
The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, suitable for lighter towing needs.

What is the fuel economy of the Honda Ridgeline?
It offers EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Real-world highway tests have shown it can achieve up to 28 mpg.

How does the Ridgeline compare in interior space?
It offers the most spacious rear seating in its class and versatile cargo space with foldable rear seats.

What warranty does Honda provide for the Ridgeline?
The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, the powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance is included for 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Conclusion

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline stands out as a well-rounded, practical choice in the mid-size pickup segment. It offers a smooth car-like driving experience, advanced safety features, and a thoughtfully designed interior. While it may not have the towing power of some rivals, its innovative cargo solutions and fuel efficiency make it a highly versatile truck for everyday use. 

Whether you prioritize comfort, utility, or reliability, the Ridgeline delivers a balanced blend of performance and practicality. It’s a top contender for drivers who value functionality over ruggedness.