Introduction
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline, the highly anticipated pickup truck, is set to make its debut with a slew of significant updates and improvements. This latest iteration promises to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, combining rugged capability with advanced technology.
Honda has meticulously refined the Ridgeline’s design, enhancing its muscular stance while maintaining its signature sleekness. The interior has been meticulously crafted to provide a comfortable and sophisticated cabin, equipped with cutting-edge features and amenities.
Engine and Performance
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline packs a powerful punch under the hood. It boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine provides ample power for towing and hauling heavy loads, making it a capable workhorse for various tasks.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its impressive performance, the Ridgeline maintains decent fuel efficiency. It achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. Opting for the all-wheel-drive system slightly reduces fuel economy to 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Transmission Options
The Ridgeline offers two transmission options: a standard 9-speed automatic transmission and an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The 9-speed transmission provides smooth and responsive shifting, while the 10-speed transmission further enhances fuel efficiency by optimizing gear ratios for different driving conditions.
Comparison to Competitors
In the midsize truck segment, the Ridgeline’s engine and performance stand out. Compared to the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, the Ridgeline offers more horsepower and torque, making it a formidable choice for those seeking a powerful and capable truck.
Exterior Design
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline receives a significant exterior makeover, with a more aggressive and rugged appearance. The front grille is redesigned with a bolder, more angular shape and a honeycomb mesh insert. The headlights are now narrower and more angular, giving the Ridgeline a more modern and aggressive look. The body lines are more pronounced, with sharp creases and angles that give the Ridgeline a more muscular and athletic stance.
The Ridgeline is available in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. The Sport trim features a black grille, black wheels, and black exterior accents. The RTL trim adds chrome accents to the grille, wheels, and side mirrors. The RTL-E trim adds leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Black Edition trim features a blacked-out grille, wheels, and exterior accents.
| Trim Level | Grille | Wheels | Exterior Accents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | Black | Black | Black |
| RTL | Chrome | Chrome | Chrome |
| RTL-E | Chrome | Chrome | Chrome |
| Black Edition | Black | Black | Black |
Interior Features
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline boasts a modern and refined interior, featuring high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology. The cabin is designed with a focus on comfort, functionality, and connectivity.
The dashboard is uncluttered and intuitive, with a user-friendly infotainment system taking center stage. The system features a large touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. Other features include navigation, voice commands, and a premium audio system.
Seating Capacity and Comfort
The Ridgeline offers seating for up to five adults. The front seats are spacious and supportive, providing excellent lumbar support and adjustable headrests. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The seats are upholstered in premium materials, such as leather or cloth, depending on the trim level.
Storage Options
The Ridgeline provides ample storage space for all your gear. The center console features a large storage bin, while the front seats have spacious door pockets. The rear seats fold up to reveal a large and versatile cargo area. Additionally, there are numerous cubbies and compartments throughout the cabin for storing smaller items.
Comparison with Competitors
The following table compares the key interior features of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline with its competitors:
| Feature | Ridgeline | Toyota Tacoma | Ford Ranger |
|—|—|—|—|
| Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Navigation | Available | Available | Available |
| Voice Commands | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Audio System | Available | Available | Available |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Seat Comfort | Excellent lumbar support, adjustable headrests | Good lumbar support, adjustable headrests | Good lumbar support, adjustable headrests |
| Rear Seat Legroom | Ample | Ample | Ample |
| Cargo Space | Large and versatile | Large and versatile | Large and versatile |
Safety and Driver-Assist
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline prioritizes safety with an array of standard and available features. Its suite of airbags, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control ensures a secure driving experience.
Advanced Driver-Assist Systems
The Ridgeline offers advanced driver-assist systems that enhance safety and convenience. The Honda Sensing suite includes features like lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. These systems work together to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, alert drivers to potential hazards, and intervene when necessary.
Towing and Payload
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline boasts impressive towing and payload capabilities. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds.
The Ridgeline offers multiple towing modes to optimize performance in different conditions. The “Normal” mode is suitable for everyday towing needs, while the “Tow” mode adjusts engine and transmission settings for heavier loads. The “Sport” mode provides enhanced acceleration and handling when towing on highways.
Various towing accessories are available to enhance the Ridgeline’s towing capabilities. These include a trailer hitch receiver, trailer brake controller, and towing mirrors.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is anticipated to have a competitive pricing range compared to other midsize trucks in the market. The exact pricing details will be announced closer to its release date, but industry experts speculate that the base model could start around $35,000, with higher trim levels ranging up to $50,000 or more.
The Ridgeline is expected to be available in several trim levels, including Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. Each trim level will offer a unique combination of features, technology, and performance options to cater to different buyer preferences and budgets.
The 2026 Ridgeline is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2025, with availability varying across different markets. It is anticipated to be widely available in North America, including the United States and Canada, as well as in select international markets.
Compared to similar midsize trucks, the Honda Ridgeline is expected to offer a competitive price point and value proposition. Its combination of rugged capability, advanced technology, and spacious interior is likely to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile and well-equipped truck without breaking the bank.
FAQ Corner
What is the expected fuel efficiency of the New 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Honda has not yet released official fuel efficiency figures for the 2026 Ridgeline. However, given the brand’s focus on fuel efficiency, we can expect it to offer competitive mileage within the midsize truck segment.
What advanced safety features are available on the New 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2026 Ridgeline is expected to offer a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It is also likely to receive top safety ratings from independent organizations.
What is the maximum towing capacity of the New 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Honda has not yet disclosed the towing capacity of the 2026 Ridgeline. However, based on the capabilities of its competitors, we can expect it to offer a towing capacity in the range of 5,000 to 7,000 pounds.