The Honda Ridgeline pickup truck is one of the most unusual midsize pickups on the American market.
Unlike the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier, the Ridgeline does not use the traditional body-on-frame pickup formula. It uses a unibody construction that gives it a smoother ride, a more comfortable cabin and driving characteristics that are closer to an SUV than a conventional truck.
That does not mean the Ridgeline lacks utility.
The current 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a 280-horsepower V6, standard all-wheel drive, a 5,000-pound towing capacity, a useful cargo bed and Honda’s clever 7.3-cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk.
It also has one of the most practical tailgates in the segment. The dual-action tailgate can fold down like a traditional truck or swing open sideways.
For 2026, Honda offers the Ridgeline in Sport, RTL, TrailSport, TrailSport with HPD Wheels, Black Edition and Black Edition Two-Tone trims.
But the bigger story is what happens next.
Honda officially confirmed in July 2026 that a third-generation Ridgeline is under development and will arrive within two years. Honda also said production of the current 2026 Ridgeline will pause later in 2026 as the company prepares for the next model.
That makes the 2026 Ridgeline particularly important as the final version of the current generation.
Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck Quick Facts
| Specification | 2026 Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Midsize pickup |
| Construction | Unibody |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lbs |
| Maximum payload | Up to 1,583 lbs |
| Bed length | 64 inches |
| Bed length with tailgate down | 83 inches |
| Bed cargo volume | 33.9 cu ft |
| In-Bed Trunk | 7.3 cu ft |
| Fuel economy | Up to 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg |
| Ground clearance | 7.64 inches |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Starting MSRP | $40,795 |
| Off-road model | TrailSport |
| Future generation | Third generation confirmed |
Specifications and pricing are based on Honda’s current 2026 Ridgeline information.
What Is the Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup designed primarily for people who want truck utility without giving up the comfort and road manners of an SUV.
Honda introduced the first-generation Ridgeline for the 2006 model year. The second generation arrived for 2017 and has remained in production through the 2026 model year.
The Ridgeline has always followed a different philosophy from traditional pickups.
Instead of a separate body and frame, Honda uses unibody construction. The company says approximately 45% of the body and frame uses high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. Honda also points to the resulting rigidity, ride quality and isolation from noise and vibration.
That makes the Ridgeline particularly attractive to buyers who use a pickup as a daily vehicle rather than as a heavy-duty work truck.
You get five comfortable seats, a relatively refined ride, standard AWD and a genuine cargo bed.
You also get some features that are difficult to find elsewhere.
The In-Bed Trunk is the best example.
Honda Ridgeline Price
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,795 MSRP for the Sport trim.
Honda’s current lineup reaches $47,895 for the Black Edition Two-Tone before destination charges, taxes, registration and accessories.
| 2026 Ridgeline trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Sport | $40,795 |
| RTL | $43,595 |
| TrailSport | $45,995 |
| TrailSport + HPD Wheels | $47,195 |
| Black Edition | $47,395 |
| Black Edition Two-Tone | $47,895 |
Honda notes that MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, destination charges and accessories. Premium paint can also add an extra charge.
The Ridgeline is therefore not the cheapest truck in its class.
A Ford Maverick or some entry-level midsize pickups can cost considerably less.
Honda is instead positioning the Ridgeline as a more comfortable and feature-rich lifestyle pickup.
Honda Ridgeline Engine and Performance
Every current Ridgeline uses the same basic powertrain.
It is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing:
- 280 horsepower
- 262 lb-ft of torque
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive
Honda’s official specifications list 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is not turbocharged.
That is an important difference compared with several newer midsize pickups that increasingly rely on turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The Ridgeline’s V6 provides smooth and predictable power delivery.
It is not designed to be the fastest truck in its segment, but it provides enough power for normal highway driving, carrying passengers and towing recreational equipment.
The 9-speed automatic transmission also helps keep the engine relaxed during highway cruising.
Honda Ridgeline AWD
All-wheel drive is standard on the Ridgeline.
Honda uses its i-VTM4 AWD system, which can intelligently distribute torque between the front and rear axles and between the rear wheels.
The system works with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system.
Drivers can select:
- Normal
- Snow
- Sand
- Mud
These modes adjust the vehicle’s response for different surfaces.
This makes the Ridgeline particularly useful in rain, snow, dirt roads and light off-road conditions.
It also gives the truck an advantage for buyers who want AWD without having to select a higher trim or optional drivetrain.
Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity
The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
That rating applies across the current lineup. Honda’s official specifications list 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for every 2026 Ridgeline trim.
| Capability | 2026 Ridgeline |
|---|---|
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lbs |
| Maximum payload | 1,583 lbs |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| AWD | Standard |
Five thousand pounds is enough for many recreational uses.
The Ridgeline can handle a small camper, boat, utility trailer, motorcycles or other recreational equipment.
However, it is not designed to compete with full-size trucks for serious towing.
A properly equipped Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or Toyota Tundra can tow substantially more.
Even several body-on-frame midsize trucks can exceed the Ridgeline’s towing rating.
The Ridgeline’s strength is balance rather than maximum towing numbers.
Honda Ridgeline Payload Capacity
Maximum payload reaches 1,583 pounds on the lightest 2026 configuration.
Payload varies by trim.
Honda’s official specifications list:
| Trim configuration | Approx. payload |
|---|---|
| Sport | 1,583 lbs |
| RTL | 1,544 lbs |
| TrailSport | 1,521 lbs |
| TrailSport + HPD Wheels | 1,521 lbs |
| Black Edition | 1,509 lbs |
| Black Edition Two-Tone | 1,509 lbs |
As always, actual payload depends on the specific vehicle, equipment and passengers.
The door-jamb payload label on the individual truck is the number to use when calculating how much weight can safely be carried.
Honda Ridgeline Bed Size
The Ridgeline’s cargo bed is approximately 64 inches long with the tailgate closed.
With the tailgate down, the available cargo length extends to approximately 83 inches.
The bed offers:
- 64-inch standard length
- 83-inch length with tailgate down
- 33.9 cubic feet of cargo volume
- 50 inches of width between wheel wells
- 60 inches of width at the bed walls
| Bed specification | Ridgeline |
|---|---|
| Bed length | 64.0 in |
| Bed length with tailgate down | 83.0 in |
| Width between wheel wells | 50.0 in |
| Width at bed walls | 60.0 in |
| Cargo volume | 33.9 cu ft |
| In-Bed Trunk | 7.3 cu ft |
One major advantage is the relatively flat bed floor.
Honda designed the bed with minimal wheelwell intrusion, which helps maximize usable cargo space.
Honda Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk
The In-Bed Trunk is arguably the Ridgeline’s most distinctive feature.
It provides 7.3 cubic feet of lockable storage underneath the rear portion of the bed.
The compartment also has a drain plug.
That means it can be used for wet or dirty equipment and can even function as an ice chest.
You can put tools, camping equipment, recovery gear, groceries or other items inside without taking up the main cargo-bed space.
This is one of those features that becomes more useful the longer you own the truck.
Honda Ridgeline Dual-Action Tailgate
The Ridgeline’s tailgate can work in two different ways.
You can fold it down like a traditional pickup tailgate.
Or you can swing it open sideways.
The sideways-opening configuration makes it easier to access the In-Bed Trunk and reach items near the rear of the bed.
Honda has used this dual-action design as one of the Ridgeline’s signature features for years.
It may not look as dramatic as an off-road suspension system or large towing rating, but it is one of the Ridgeline’s genuinely useful everyday features.
Honda Ridgeline Interior
The Ridgeline’s interior is one of its strongest arguments.
The cabin provides seating for five and has a relatively spacious second row.
Honda lists approximately:
- 40.1 inches of front headroom
- 38.8 inches of rear headroom
- 40.9 inches of front legroom
- 36.7 inches of rear legroom
- 62.0 inches of front shoulder room
- 61.5 inches of rear shoulder room
Passenger volume is approximately 109.7 cubic feet in the Sport and 108.9 cubic feet on several higher trims.
The rear seats can also lift upward to create additional interior storage.
This is important because a pickup bed is not always the best place to carry expensive or weather-sensitive equipment.
Honda Ridgeline Technology
The current Ridgeline offers a 9-inch Display Audio touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are available, along with wireless phone charging.
Higher trims add features such as:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Heated front seats
- Power front seats
- One-touch power moonroof
- Power sliding rear window
- Navigation
- Premium audio
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Front and rear parking sensors
The Black Edition is the most premium version of the current Ridgeline.
Honda Ridgeline Safety
Honda equips the Ridgeline with Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology.
Depending on configuration, the system includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Forward Collision Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Information
- Cross Traffic Monitor
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
Honda’s current specifications show these driver-assistance technologies across the 2026 Ridgeline lineup.
Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
The Ridgeline TrailSport is the most important version for buyers interested in off-road driving.
It starts at $45,995 for 2026.
Honda gives it:
- Off-road-tuned suspension
- All-terrain tires
- TrailSport styling
- Skid plate
- Intelligent Traction Management
- Standard AWD
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
Honda describes TrailSport as the most off-road capable Ridgeline configuration.
However, there is an important distinction.
The Ridgeline TrailSport is designed for recreational off-road use rather than extreme rock crawling.
Its unibody construction, independent suspension and relatively modest ground clearance give it a different character from a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or Ford Ranger Raptor.
For dirt roads, camping trails, snow, sand and moderate rough terrain, it can be very capable.
For extreme trails, a body-on-frame truck remains the better choice.
Honda Ridgeline Ground Clearance
The 2026 Ridgeline has approximately 7.64 inches of unladen ground clearance according to Honda’s specifications.
That is not particularly high by modern off-road pickup standards.
The TrailSport improves the truck’s capability through its suspension tuning, tires and protective equipment, but Honda has not turned the Ridgeline into an extreme-clearance off-roader.
This is an important consideration for buyers comparing it with trucks such as the Tacoma, Ranger and Colorado.
Honda Ridgeline Fuel Economy
The 2026 Ridgeline achieves up to:
- 18 mpg city
- 24 mpg highway
- 21 mpg combined
Honda’s official specifications show 18/24/21 mpg for several configurations, while some TrailSport configurations are rated at 18/23/20 mpg.
This is respectable for a naturally aspirated V6 AWD pickup, but it is not class-leading.
The Ford Maverick Hybrid is dramatically more efficient.
The Ridgeline instead prioritizes V6 power, AWD, cabin comfort and practical truck features.
Honda Ridgeline Dimensions
The 2026 Ridgeline is a substantial midsize pickup.
| Dimension | 2026 Ridgeline |
|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 inches |
| Ground clearance | 7.64 inches |
| Turning diameter | 43.4 ft |
At more than 210 inches long, the Ridgeline is not a small pickup.
However, its driving characteristics are more car-like than those of traditional body-on-frame trucks.
Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is one of the Ridgeline’s most obvious competitors.
But the two trucks target somewhat different buyers.
| Feature | Honda Ridgeline | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | Up to 6,500 lbs |
| AWD/4WD | Standard AWD | 4WD available |
| Ride comfort | Excellent | More truck-like |
| Off-road focus | TrailSport | TRD Off-Road/Pro |
| Bed utility | Excellent | Excellent |
| In-bed storage | 7.3-cu-ft trunk | No equivalent |
| Daily driving | Excellent | Good |
| Heavy-duty use | Limited | Better |
Choose the Ridgeline if comfort, practicality and daily usability matter most.
Choose the Tacoma if off-road capability, traditional truck construction and greater towing capacity matter more.
Honda Ridgeline vs Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is also more traditional.
It uses body-on-frame construction and is designed around towing, payload and off-road capability.
The Ridgeline is more comfortable and crossover-like.
| Feature | Honda Ridgeline | Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Turbocharged engines |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | Higher |
| AWD/4WD | Standard AWD | Available 4WD |
| Ride | SUV-like | Truck-like |
| Off-road | TrailSport | Tremor/Raptor options |
| Cargo innovation | In-Bed Trunk | Conventional bed |
| Best for | Lifestyle use | Work and off-road |
The Ranger is the better choice if you expect to use the truck as a traditional work vehicle.
The Ridgeline is better suited to someone who wants one vehicle for commuting, family use, road trips, light hauling and recreation.
Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado offers a more traditional pickup experience.
The Colorado’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces more torque than the Ridgeline’s V6, and its off-road versions are more aggressively designed.
The Ridgeline counters with its comfortable cabin, standard AWD, independent suspension and unique bed storage.
Honda’s own comparison highlights the Ridgeline’s larger usable bed width, In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate against the Colorado.
Honda Ridgeline Pros and Cons
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Standard AWD
- 280-hp V6
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
- Excellent everyday drivability
- Spacious five-passenger cabin
- 7.3-cu-ft lockable In-Bed Trunk
- Dual-action tailgate
- Useful flat cargo bed
- Good rear-seat storage
- TrailSport adds genuine light off-road capability
- Excellent choice for lifestyle and recreational use
Cons
- Expensive compared with compact pickups
- Lower towing capacity than several midsize rivals
- Lower ground clearance than serious off-road trucks
- Fuel economy is only average
- Unibody construction is not ideal for heavy-duty work
- Current interior and technology are showing their age
- Current generation is approaching the end of production
Is the Honda Ridgeline a Real Pickup Truck?
Yes.
The Ridgeline has a genuine open cargo bed, integrated towing hardware, substantial payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing rating.
However, it is not a traditional body-on-frame pickup.
Honda intentionally chose unibody construction to provide a smoother ride and better integration between the cabin and chassis.
So the more useful question is not whether the Ridgeline is a “real” truck.
It is whether it fits the way you intend to use a truck.
For daily driving, family use, camping, light hauling and recreational towing, the Ridgeline makes a lot of sense.
For construction work, extreme off-roading and heavy towing, a traditional body-on-frame truck is usually the better choice.
Is the Honda Ridgeline Good for Daily Driving?
This is arguably where the Ridgeline is strongest.
The truck drives more like a large crossover than a conventional pickup.
The suspension is comfortable, the cabin is spacious and the V6 provides enough power for highway driving.
You also get standard AWD without needing to select a special off-road trim.
For someone who wants a pickup that will spend most of its life on pavement, the Ridgeline is one of the strongest options available.
Is the Honda Ridgeline Good for Off-Roading?
The TrailSport is good for moderate off-road driving.
Its all-terrain tires, suspension tuning, AWD system and skid protection make it considerably more capable away from pavement than the standard Ridgeline.
But it is not designed to compete directly with the most aggressive versions of the Tacoma, Ranger or Colorado.
The Ridgeline is better described as a recreational off-road pickup.
That distinction matters.
2027 Honda Ridgeline: What Happens Next?
There is an unusual situation with the 2027 Ridgeline.
Honda has not announced a conventional 2027 Ridgeline specification sheet.
Instead, Honda officially confirmed in July 2026 that the current 2026 Ridgeline’s production will pause later in the year while the company prepares its third-generation truck. Honda says the next Ridgeline is expected to arrive within two years.
Honda also confirmed that the next-generation truck will continue to be designed in Southern California, engineered in Ohio and built at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant.
The company has confirmed one particularly important change:
The next Ridgeline will have a more rugged design and greater capabilities.
Honda has not yet released official horsepower, torque, towing, payload, pricing or fuel-economy figures for the new truck.
Therefore, those numbers should not be presented as confirmed specifications.
Will the Next Honda Ridgeline Be a Hybrid?
A hybrid Ridgeline is widely discussed in the automotive industry, particularly because Honda is developing new hybrid technology for larger North American vehicles.
However, Honda has not officially confirmed the complete powertrain specifications for the third-generation Ridgeline.
Some reports suggest Honda’s future large-vehicle hybrid strategy could eventually reach the Ridgeline, but that should currently be treated as future-product reporting rather than confirmed Ridgeline specifications.
The only safe conclusion at this point is that the next Ridgeline is confirmed, while its exact engine and electrification details remain undisclosed.
Will the Next Ridgeline Be More Off-Road Capable?
This is one area where Honda has clearly given buyers something to watch.
Honda specifically said the next Ridgeline will have a more rugged design and advance the capabilities of the current truck.
Honda has also been expanding the TrailSport concept across its SUV lineup.
That makes a more capable next-generation Ridgeline TrailSport a logical possibility.
But exact suspension travel, ground clearance, tires, locking differentials and other off-road hardware have not been confirmed.
Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Worth Buying?
The answer depends heavily on timing.
If you want a comfortable midsize pickup right now, the 2026 Ridgeline remains a compelling option.
It has a proven formula:
- V6 power
- Standard AWD
- 5,000-pound towing
- Comfortable five-seat cabin
- Excellent ride
- In-Bed Trunk
- Dual-action tailgate
- Useful cargo bed
- TrailSport option
The bigger issue is that the current generation is approaching the end of its production run.
Honda has officially confirmed that production will pause later in 2026.
That could make the 2026 model attractive for buyers who want the current design and features, particularly if dealers offer discounts as inventory clears.
On the other hand, buyers who are not in a hurry may want to wait for the third-generation truck.
Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck: Final Verdict
The Honda Ridgeline pickup truck is not trying to beat the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger at their own game.
It is designed around a different idea.
The Ridgeline is a pickup for people who actually use their truck as an everyday vehicle.
Its unibody construction gives it a smoother ride.
Its standard AWD makes it easy to live with throughout the year.
Its 280-hp V6 provides enough performance for normal towing and highway driving.
And its bed is packed with clever features.
The 7.3-cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk, dual-action tailgate and flat cargo floor make the Ridgeline unusually practical.
The biggest weakness is capability relative to traditional midsize pickups.
A 5,000-pound towing rating is useful, but it falls behind several competitors.
The 7.64-inch ground clearance is also modest for serious off-road use.
And the current truck’s interior and technology are beginning to show their age.
But Honda has recognized that the Ridgeline still has an important place in the market.
The company has officially confirmed the third-generation Ridgeline, promising a more rugged design and greater capabilities. Production of the current 2026 model will pause later in 2026 while Honda prepares the next truck.
For buyers who need a pickup immediately, the 2026 Ridgeline remains a strong lifestyle-oriented choice.
For buyers who can wait, the next Ridgeline could be much more interesting.
Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck FAQs
How much does the Honda Ridgeline cost?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,795 MSRP for the Sport trim. The range reaches $47,895 for the Black Edition Two-Tone before destination, taxes and other charges.
How much horsepower does the Honda Ridgeline have?
The 2026 Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 engine.
How much torque does the Honda Ridgeline have?
The 3.5-liter V6 produces 262 lb-ft of torque.
How much can the Honda Ridgeline tow?
The Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the Honda Ridgeline have AWD?
Yes. All 2026 Ridgeline models come with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system.
What engine does the Honda Ridgeline have?
The current Ridgeline uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Honda Ridgeline turbocharged?
No. The current 2026 Ridgeline uses a naturally aspirated V6 rather than a turbocharged engine.
What is the Honda Ridgeline payload capacity?
Maximum payload reaches approximately 1,583 pounds, depending on configuration.
How big is the Honda Ridgeline bed?
The bed is 64 inches long with the tailgate closed and approximately 83 inches long with the tailgate down. Cargo volume is 33.9 cubic feet.
What is the Honda Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk?
It is a lockable storage compartment underneath the rear section of the cargo bed. It provides approximately 7.3 cubic feet of storage and includes a drain plug.
Does the Honda Ridgeline have a dual-action tailgate?
Yes. The tailgate can fold down conventionally or swing open sideways.
Is the Honda Ridgeline a unibody truck?
Yes. Unlike most traditional pickups, the Ridgeline uses unibody construction.
Is the Honda Ridgeline good for off-roading?
The TrailSport is the best Ridgeline for off-road use. It includes an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, skid protection and standard AWD. It is better suited to recreational off-roading than extreme trails.
Is the Honda Ridgeline better than the Toyota Tacoma?
It depends on the buyer. The Ridgeline is generally better for comfort, daily driving and clever cargo features, while the Tacoma is better suited to traditional truck use and serious off-roading.
Is the Honda Ridgeline better than the Ford Ranger?
The Ridgeline is more car-like and comfortable, while the Ranger offers stronger traditional truck capability. Choose the Ridgeline for everyday usability and the Ranger for heavier towing, work and off-road use.
Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?
Honda has a long history of producing durable vehicles, but reliability can vary by model year and individual vehicle. The current Ridgeline’s long-term ownership record should be considered alongside maintenance history, recalls and vehicle condition.
What is new about the next Honda Ridgeline?
Honda has officially confirmed a third-generation Ridgeline with a more rugged design and greater capabilities. The company has not yet released complete engine, towing, payload, fuel-economy or pricing specifications.
Is Honda discontinuing the Ridgeline?
No. Honda is pausing production of the current Ridgeline as it prepares the next generation. Honda has officially confirmed that a third-generation Ridgeline is coming within two years.
