2026 Honda Ridgeline - Hybrid Power, Rugged Redesign, and Real Truck Utility
Exterior Design
Let’s start with the look. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline gets a complete
redesign, bringing it closer in style to traditional trucks while still
keeping its Honda DNA.
- A
bolder, squared-off grille and LED lighting
- Stronger
body lines and rugged new bumpers
- Optional
18-inch or 20-inch wheels, depending on the trim
- Available
TrailSport trim with unique off-road flair, tow hooks, and
all-terrain tires
- New
colors like Deep Forest Green, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Crimson
Black
This isn’t just a soft crossover with a bed anymore — the new Ridgeline looks ready for work and play.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the Ridgeline balances comfort and tech, with
a new, more upscale cabin layout for 2026.
- A
standard 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
- A new 12.3-inch
touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available
Bose premium audio and ambient lighting
- New
materials with soft-touch dash, available leather, and heated/ventilated
front seats
The Ridgeline continues to offer one of the roomiest back
seats in the midsize truck class, and with under-seat storage and smart
cubbies, it’s incredibly practical for families or contractors alike.
Engine, Powertrain & Performance
Under the hood, big news: Honda is expected to offer two
powertrain options for 2026.
- Standard
Gas Model:
- Updated
3.5-liter V6 engine
- Around
290 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque
- Paired
with a 10-speed automatic transmission
- Standard
i-VTM4 all-wheel drive
- All-New
Hybrid Option (likely on TrailSport and higher trims):
- 2.0-liter
turbo hybrid system
- An estimated 300+ combined horsepower
- Improved
fuel economy, expected 28–30 MPG combined
- Instant
torque and smooth performance for city and trail
The Ridgeline finally brings powertrain variety to the segment — something fans and critics have been asking for.
Utility, Bed Features & Towing
The Ridgeline continues to offer the most versatile bed
in its class, and Honda only improves it for 2026.
- Composite
scratch-resistant bed with built-in trunk
- A new available 120V power outlet in the bed
- Dual-action
tailgate returns — swing or drop
- Up to 5,500
pounds of towing capacity with the V6
- Up to 1,600
pounds of payload capacity
While it may not match Tacoma or Ranger in raw numbers, the
Ridgeline is designed for daily use, DIYers, and outdoor adventurers who
need function and flexibility.
Safety & Driver Assist
As with every modern Honda, the 2026 Ridgeline is packed
with safety tech.
- Honda
Sensing Suite standard:
- Collision
Mitigation Braking
- Road
Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive
Cruise Control
- Lane
Keep Assist
- New
for 2026: Blind Spot with Cross Traffic Braking
- Optional
360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors
Whether you’re backing a trailer or navigating traffic,
Honda gives you confidence in every direction.
Trims, Pricing & Verdict
The 2026 Ridgeline is expected in four main trims:
- Sport
– Around $42,000
- RTL
– Around $46,000
- TrailSport
– Around $49,000
- Black
Edition – Around $52,000
With the hybrid model expected to debut around $48K, the Ridgeline is positioned for buyers who want comfort, tech, and real capability — all in a midsize frame.
I hope Honda improves the Honda Sensing Suite system on the next-gen Ridgeline. It's the only thing I don't like about my new 2025 Black Edition. The system is in the Stone Age compared to my 2018 Audi S5, a car that's 7 years older. The Honda system is slow to respond; it lags and surges in the adaptive cruise control mode, it won't hold a speed going downhill, and it easily crosses well-marked white lines in lane keep assist mode. Pretty shocking for a new vehicle, it requires the driver's full attention and can be hazardous to use if you're not paying attention. The Germans know how to do it right, get with the program, Honda!
ReplyDeleteYes, brother, I also like the Honda brand, especially the 1st gen Honda Pilot that I have
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