2026 Honda Ridgeline Midsize Pickup Truck: The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is a unibody midsize pickup truck positioned in the North American lifestyle and work truck segment. It targets buyers who want truck-like practicality with car-like ride quality and advanced feature content. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline maintains its market position through its dual-action tailgate, in-bed trunk, and Honda’s long-term reputation for mechanical reliability and strong resale value.
Driving Experience
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline rides on a refined unibody platform that delivers a smooth and controlled driving experience unique among traditional body-on-frame truck competitors. The independent rear suspension absorbs road imperfections well, providing comfort without compromising load-handling capacity. Variable-ratio electric power steering provides precise and responsive feedback, while the available AWD system with Intelligent Torque Distribution enhances confidence on wet, loose, and uneven road surfaces.
Engine and Performance
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline features a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and quick gear shifts. The Ridgeline supports a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a payload rating of approximately 1,580 pounds, making it a good performer for both recreational towing and light-duty tasks.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy of approximately 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with AWD. These figures represent good efficiency for a naturally aspirated V6 midsize truck. The direct fuel injection system improves combustion efficiency, resulting in consistent real-world fuel consumption in urban and highway driving conditions.
Interior Design and Quality
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline features a nice cabin with soft-touch materials, a clear switchgear layout, and a spacious four-door crew cab body. The standard rear seats offer ample legroom and fold flat for additional cargo storage. Available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof enhance the cabin. Fit and finish quality demonstrates Honda’s attention to manufacturing precision and consistency of interior materials.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline includes a 9-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Honda’s updated interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, a premium Bose audio system, and Honda’s Connected Services suite are available. The driver information interface integrates navigation, trip data, and driver assistance system status, ensuring complete digital connectivity for both work-focused and leisure-focused truck users.
Price and Ownership Value
Pricing for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline ranges from approximately USD 40,000 for the base Sport trim to USD 52,000 for the fully equipped Black Edition. Honda’s strong reliability record and high resale value contribute to an attractive total cost of ownership. A standard three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty provide American truck buyers with the ultimate confidence in long-term ownership.
Conclusion
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers a good midsize truck package that includes a 280-horsepower V6, smooth unibody ride quality, advanced connectivity features, and a functional dual-action tailgate. Priced around USD 40,000 to USD 52,000, it offers strong value and long-term reliability. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is a unique and capable choice for buyers who want truck utility without compromising on everyday driving refinement.
