Review and specifications

2026 Honda Ridgeline

Honda's smart pickup is built on a reinforced version of the Honda Pilot platform and looks more conventional than the previous generation. Thanks to unibody construction and a fully independent suspension, handing approaches that of a good family sedan and the ride rivals some luxury SUVs. Clever features like a tailgate that opens downward or sideways and a lockable trunk space below the bed floor carry over from the original. Power comes from a slick 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, returning an impressive 20 mpg overall in our tests. Towing capacity is modest at 5,000 pounds, and while the bed is longer this time around, it is shallow. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, as is a nine speed automatic. The quiet cabin is well-designed, with comfortable seats, but rear seat room is modest and the back doors don't open very far. The available Honda Sensing safety system includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Updates for 2020 include a new nine-speed automatic transmission, standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 2021 model gets a refreshed exterior and interior, standard all-wheel drive, and the updated touch-screen infotainment system with a rotary volume knob. For 2024, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard, and a 9-inch infotainment screen is standard as well.

Market value

$40,000

Fuel

Conventional

Transmission

Automatic

Seats

5