2026 Honda Ridgeline

What's New for 2026

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline receives a notable expansion of its lineup with the addition of new TrailSport+HPD Wheels and Black Edition Two-Tone variants. The truck now spans six configurations—Sport, RTL, TrailSport, TrailSport+HPD Wheels, Black Edition, and Black Edition Two-Tone—up from the four trims offered previously. The proven 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower returns paired with a 9-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive across the range. Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan is now standard, and the 9-inch touchscreen carries over with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting price is $40,795 for the Sport.

Overview

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline occupies a unique position in the midsize truck segment as the only unibody pickup, prioritizing on-road comfort and daily drivability over the body-on-frame construction used by every competitor. Starting at $40,795 for the Sport and topping out at $47,895 for the Black Edition Two-Tone, the Ridgeline targets buyers who need genuine truck utility—a 5,000-pound towing capacity and 1,544-pound payload—without sacrificing the car-like ride quality that comes with its independent rear suspension and unitized construction.

All six trims share the same 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, channeled through a 9-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system with center and rear limited-slip differentials. EPA fuel economy is rated at 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined on regular unleaded, fed by a 19.5-gallon fuel tank that provides approximately 350–470 miles of range depending on driving conditions.

At 210.2 inches long on a 125.2-inch wheelbase, the Ridgeline is sized to compete with the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger. The 64-inch composite bed features Honda's exclusive In-Bed Trunk—a lockable, waterproof storage compartment beneath the bed floor—and a dual-action tailgate that swings down traditionally or opens sideways for easier access. Ground clearance measures 7.6 inches, and curb weight is 4,480 pounds. Competitors include the Toyota Tacoma (from approximately $32,000), Chevrolet Colorado (from roughly $32,400), and Ford Ranger (from around $35,245).

Driving Experience

The Ridgeline's defining characteristic on the road is how little it drives like a conventional truck. The unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension—a layout shared with no other pickup in the segment—deliver a ride quality that genuinely rivals crossover SUVs. Highway cruising is composed and quiet, with minimal body roll through corners and a suspension calibration that absorbs expansion joints and rough pavement without the harshness typical of leaf-spring rear suspensions found in body-on-frame competitors.

The 280-horsepower V6 provides smooth, linear power delivery that suits both daily commuting and towing duties. The 9-speed automatic shifts cleanly without hunting, and the naturally aspirated engine's predictable throttle response makes the Ridgeline easy to modulate in tight spaces and parking lots. The i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles and can send power to individual rear wheels for improved traction on loose or slippery surfaces.

The TrailSport trim adds off-road-oriented features including all-terrain tires, revised suspension tuning, and dedicated trail drive modes, though the Ridgeline's 7.6 inches of ground clearance and unibody design set practical limits on how far off the beaten path it can venture. The dedicated Tow drive mode optimizes transmission behavior and stability control calibration when pulling trailers up to the 5,000-pound maximum. Braking from the four-wheel disc brakes is progressive and confidence-inspiring, with strong initial bite and good fade resistance.

Interior, Comfort & Technology

The Ridgeline's cabin is one of its strongest selling points, offering a level of refinement and material quality that exceeds what most midsize truck buyers expect. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with physical climate controls positioned below the 9-inch touchscreen running Google built-in with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot for connected convenience.

Five passengers are comfortably accommodated in the crew cab configuration—the only body style offered. Front occupants enjoy generous legroom and supportive seating, while the rear seat provides ample space for three adults with fold-flat capability for additional in-cab cargo capacity. The RTL and above trims add leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.

The 64-inch composite bed is shorter than some competitors but compensates with Honda's exclusive features. The lockable In-Bed Trunk provides 7.3 cubic feet of secure, waterproof storage beneath the bed floor—ideal for valuable tools, wet gear, or items that need protection from weather and theft. The dual-action tailgate swings down or opens to the side, and an available truck bed audio system with exciters built into the bed walls turns the cargo area into an outdoor entertainment space. The Black Edition trims add unique interior accents and premium audio upgrades.

Trim Levels & Pricing

All prices listed are MSRP before destination charges. All-wheel drive is standard across the entire Ridgeline lineup. The In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate are standard on every trim. The TrailSport+HPD Wheels and Black Edition Two-Tone are primarily cosmetic packages built on their respective base trims.

Safety

Every 2026 Ridgeline comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and traffic sign recognition. The blind-spot information system with cross-traffic monitor is standard across the lineup, providing critical awareness when changing lanes or reversing in parking areas.

The Ridgeline's unibody construction incorporates Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to distribute crash forces more efficiently than traditional body-on-frame designs. The comprehensive airbag system includes advanced front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and driver's knee airbag. The elevated seating position provides good outward visibility, and the available multi-angle rearview camera simplifies maneuvering with the truck bed.

For comprehensive crash test ratings, visit nhtsa.gov and iihs.org.

Warranty & Ownership Costs

Ownership costs are competitive for a midsize truck that doubles as a comfortable daily driver. Annual fuel costs run approximately $2,400–$2,700 based on 12,000 miles of driving at current fuel prices, with all trims accepting regular unleaded—a meaningful savings over competitors that recommend or require premium fuel. Insurance costs typically range from $1,500–$2,400 annually. Honda's maintenance schedule is straightforward, and the naturally aspirated V6 avoids the turbo-related service complexities of some competitors. The composite bed resists dents and corrosion better than steel, reducing long-term maintenance concerns. Budget $900–$1,300 for tire replacements depending on whether standard all-season or all-terrain rubber is fitted.

Frequently Asked Questions