Sharp Honda - How the 2026 Honda Ridgeline’s Bed and AWD Fit Daily Life around Lawrence, KS
The appeal of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is as straightforward as a Saturday project list. Its bed and AWD systems work together to simplify messy, heavy, and cold-weather tasks around Lawrence, KS, while keeping the drive calm and quiet the rest of the week. Start with what makes this truck different in the best ways. The Dual-Action Tailgate drops like a traditional tailgate or swings to the side for easy access to the lockable In-Bed Trunk®. That trunk is sealed, spacious, and includes a drain plug, so you can stash tools out of sight or load it with ice and beverages for game day without giving up bed space. The bed itself uses a UV-stabilized, scratch-resistant composite, which means no bedliner drama and fewer worries about dents and rust when you are hauling landscaping rock or lumber.
When the temperature dips or the road surface turns sloppy, the i-VTM4® AWD System and Intelligent Traction Management keep things composed. Select Snow, Sand, or Mud mode to optimize power delivery and traction, or leave it in Normal and let the truck respond confidently to daily conditions. Because the Ridgeline uses a fully independent suspension and a unibody frame, it rides with a stable, almost SUV-like smoothness, even when the bed is loaded down for a weekend project. TrailSport adds more trail-ready confidence with all-terrain tires, retuned suspension, and a sturdy oil pan guard. And if your project plans switch to play, the integrated hitch and 7-pin connector make towing a pair of bikes or a small camper refreshingly simple.
- Bed versatility: The Dual-Action Tailgate and lay-flat bed simplify loading plywood, appliances, or trail gear.
- Hidden storage: The lockable In-Bed Trunk® secures tools, groceries, or valuables while keeping the main bed open.
- Power where you need it: An available truck-bed power outlet can run tools or elevate tailgating with a small TV or speaker.
Technology supports the workday and the weekday. A 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keeps navigation, messaging, and playlists close at hand. Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® makes quick stops a breeze by locking the truck automatically when you walk away, and a Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines helps you line up to a trailer with clean precision. Inside, the 60/40 split lift-up rear seat creates vertical cargo space for tall boxes or a bike, and tri-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin pleasant no matter the season.
Safety is standard with Honda Sensing®. Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System help you stay aware and supported, especially on busy city routes or long I-70 stretches. Add the available Blind Spot Information system with Cross Traffic Monitor, and you get a clearer picture of vehicles in adjacent lanes and traffic crossing behind you while backing out of a tight spot. These systems are tuned to alert and assist, helping make the daily routine smoother without feeling intrusive.
If you are gauging whether the Ridgeline fits your life, start with your most frequent tasks. Do you load the bed every other weekend, tow a few times each season, and face winter weather for a third of the year? If so, the Ridgeline’s combination of an easy-use bed, practical AWD tuning, and calm ride quality is hard to beat. At the same time, it is pleasant enough to be your primary family vehicle, with generous space for five and the kind of connectivity you will use every day. That dual personality is what earns it a spot on so many driveways.
Ready to see how it all comes together on local roads and trails? Sharp Honda, serving Lawrence, Emporia, and Holton, can walk you through trims, accessories, and technology to match your weekend plans and weekday routines, from the In-Bed Trunk® cargo dividers to bed extenders and roof-carry solutions. Bring your questions, talk through your projects, and get a feel for how the bed and AWD systems transform everyday tasks into straightforward, confident drives.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How big is the In-Bed Trunk® and what can it hold?
It offers generous space sized for tools, groceries, or weekend supplies and includes a drain plug. Many owners use it as a secure storage compartment during the week and an ice chest for tailgates on the weekend.
Do I have to switch AWD modes for changing weather?
No. You can leave the truck in Normal mode and go about your day. If weather worsens or surfaces change, select Snow, Sand, or Mud with a quick button press to tailor traction and response.
Is the ride comfortable when the bed is loaded?
Yes. The fully independent suspension and unibody construction help the Ridgeline remain stable and composed with cargo on board, so commutes and errands still feel calm even after a supply run.
