Key Features of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline

i-VTM4® AWD with Intelligent Traction Management

The Ridgeline’s i-VTM4® AWD system continuously distributes engine torque to help maximize available grip on wet pavement, gravel paths, and snow-packed streets. Working with Intelligent Traction Management, you can tailor responses to the surface beneath your tires by selecting Normal, Snow, Sand, or Mud. Snow mode helps manage throttle and traction on slick roads, while Sand and Mud modes adjust for looser, uneven surfaces so you can keep momentum where it matters. This system was tested in severe conditions at the Automotive Enviro Testing facility in Minnesota, showcasing its ability to manage extreme cold and challenging terrain. Whether you are backing a trailer down a damp boat ramp or navigating a rutted county road after a storm, the AWD logic is built to help you stay in command.

Dual-Action Tailgate and Lockable In-Bed Trunk®

Honda’s bed system is as practical as it is innovative. The Dual-Action Tailgate opens conventionally downward for easy loading of lumber or equipment, or swings to the side for clear access to the Lockable In-Bed Trunk®. With 7.3 cubic feet of space and a built-in drain plug, the trunk is ideal for securing valuable tools, stowing muddy boots, or doubling as an ice-filled cooler for a weekend tailgate. The lay-flat composite bed resists scratches and UV wear, and its minimal wheelwell intrusions help accommodate larger items—including 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood—more easily. An available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed outlet lets you power a TV or tools right from the bed wall, and an available lockable tailgate can be paired with a hard bed cover for added security.

Unibody Construction with Independent Suspension

Unlike body-on-frame designs, the Ridgeline’s unibody structure and fully independent front and rear suspensions prioritize stable handling and significantly reduced noise and vibration. Approximately 45% of the body and frame utilize special high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel to improve rigidity without adding undue weight. The payoff is a truck that tracks more precisely over rough patches and stays composed during quick maneuvers, while still delivering the capability and strength you expect. The TrailSport trim further elevates off-pavement composure with retuned springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars, plus all-terrain tires. This chassis approach is a major reason the Ridgeline feels so comfortable on a daily commute yet remains remarkably capable when the pavement ends.

280-hp V-6 Performance and Towing

Under the hood, a direct-injection 280-horsepower V-6 delivers confident acceleration and passing power while providing the torque and responsiveness truck owners value. An integrated tow hitch with 7-pin connector is standard, and the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. A smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission supports both brisk takeoffs and low-stress highway cruising. Together, this powertrain combination is built to handle the demands of hauling a small trailer, moving gear for a home project, or simply merging with confidence on busy interstates across Kansas.

Honda Sensing® and Driver-Assistance Technology

Every 2026 Ridgeline benefits from Honda Sensing®, a suite of driver-assistance features designed to help alert you to hazards and provide steering or braking assistance when needed. Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) can apply brake pressure if a frontal collision seems unavoidable. Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) helps keep you from unintentionally leaving the roadway. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can automatically adjust speed to maintain a set following interval on the highway, while the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps keep the vehicle centered in a detected lane. Helpful additions like an available blind spot information system (BSI) with cross traffic monitor, a standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® further ease day-to-day driving and parking.