Discover Why the Latest Honda Ridgeline Is a Game-Changer in the Mid-Size Truck Segment
Explore the innovative features of the latest Honda Ridgeline, including its advanced powertrain, innovative interior, versatile cargo capacity, and impressive safety ratings. Discover why this vehicle is making waves in the mid-size truck market with its perfect blend of comfort, technology, and practicality.
Under the hood, the new Honda Ridgeline is equipped exclusively with a robust 3.5-liter V-6 engine, delivering an impressive 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a sophisticated nine-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless shifts and efficiency. All models come with standard all-wheel drive, making the vehicle well-suited for a variety of terrains and driving conditions. When rapid acceleration is needed, the throttle responsiveness is both quick and smooth, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. The engine's refinement and power output make it one of the most compelling options in its class.
Unlike competing pickups that rely on leaf-sprung, solid-axle suspensions, the Ridgeline uses a coil-sprung, independent rear suspension system. This setup significantly elevates ride comfort by absorbing small bumps and reducing body lean during cornering. The electric power steering offers a responsive and intuitive feel, enhancing driver control and confidence behind the wheel.
Despite its efficiency and refined ride, the Honda Ridgeline's towing capacity has some limitations. With a maximum trailer weight rating of 5,000 pounds, it falls short when compared to rivals like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, which can tow up to 7,700 pounds and 7,500 pounds respectively. This makes the Ridgeline less suitable for serious hauling or large trailer towing.
The payload capacity stands at approximately 1,600 pounds. While this is less than some of its competitors, such as the Ford Ranger, it is roughly comparable to the Chevy Colorado. This payload figure is sufficient for typical light-duty tasks and weekend adventures but may not satisfy heavy-duty payload demands.
The interior of the new Honda Ridgeline strikes a fine balance between functionality and comfort, setting a high standard in the mid-size truck segment. The cabin features durable, hard plastics below the dashboard, consistent with typical truck designs, but the upper materials are of high quality, delivering a plush feel. The rear seat space is notably generous for passengers, with ample legroom and headroom, making it the most comfortable in its class. The front seats are versatile, with fold-down capabilities that facilitate various cargo and workspace configurations. The low center console enhances accessibility and comfort, especially during long drives.
The truck bed measures 5.3 feet in length—a common size among its competitors—but it boasts a standout feature: a width of 50 inches between the wheel wells. This wide clearance allows a standard 4x8-foot sheet of plywood or drywall to lie flat, making loading and unloading bulky building materials more straightforward. The cargo volume, at a minimum of 34 cubic feet, offers adequate space for tools, equipment, and recreational gear.
Every Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has been redesigned for improved usability. Honda has integrated physical controls, such as a dedicated volume knob, to simplify operation while maintaining touch controls for other functions. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, enabling seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. Higher trims may offer an in-bed audio system, perfect for tailgate parties or outdoor gatherings, adding a layer of entertainment that extends beyond the cabin. Fundamental connectivity features ensure drivers stay connected and entertained on every journey.
The Honda Ridgeline caters to drivers seeking comfort, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The vehicle is available in four trim levels, each escalating in features and price. The base Sport model starts at approximately $39,435 and includes essential features suitable for everyday use. The higher trims—RTL, RTL-E, and the Black Edition—offer increasingly luxurious amenities, such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power-adjustable seating, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
The RTL trim strikes an excellent balance between affordability and equipped features, making it the most popular choice among buyers. In contrast, the Black Edition, positioned as the top-tier model, boasts advanced safety, comfort, and aesthetic upgrades, including exclusive styling elements and premium materials.
The Honda Ridgeline has earned high safety ratings from leading authorities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with perfect scores in front and side crash tests and four stars in rollover assessments. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated most crash tests as good, with the exception of the small overlap front test on the passenger side, where it received an Acceptable rating. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and Honda's suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation braking.
While the Ridgeline excels in everyday safety, it is not designed for serious off-road adventures or heavy-duty towing requirements. Buyers seeking extreme off-road capability should explore dedicated off-road trucks or larger models tailored for such pursuits.