Key Features of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline

Dual-Action Tailgate

Designed to make loading and accessing cargo easier in the real world, the Dual-Action Tailgate opens conventionally downward for standard bed loading or swings to the side to give you direct, convenient access to the In-Bed Trunk®. This unique flexibility helps when you are managing heavy coolers, toolboxes, or camping gear, and it makes it simpler to reach items without crawling onto the bed. Pair it with the available hard truck-bed cover and lockable tailgate to help protect valuables when you are parked at the trailhead or the job site. The tailgate’s robust design and smooth, well-damped motion reflect Honda’s focus on durability and everyday ease of use.

Lockable In-Bed Trunk®

The In-Bed Trunk® is a signature solution you will not find on competitors. Offering 7.3 cubic feet of lockable storage embedded below the bed floor, it provides a secure place for tools, muddy gear, groceries, or tailgate essentials. An integrated drain plug lets you use it as an ice chest for weekend events, then easily rinse and drain after the fun. Crucially, the trunk does not compromise bed utility — you still get a lay-flat bed with minimal wheelwell intrusion, so you can slide in large items. For further organization, available In-Bed Trunk® cargo dividers help keep smaller items from shifting as you drive.

i-VTM4® AWD with Intelligent Traction Management

Standard i-VTM4® AWD works to distribute torque across the front and rear, as well as side to side in the rear, enhancing traction and stability when conditions change. It is complemented by Intelligent Traction Management, which lets you choose among Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes to optimize throttle response and shift mapping for the surface beneath you. This system was tested in extreme conditions at the Automotive Enviro Testing facility in Baudette, Minnesota, to help ensure readiness for cold, slick, or uneven terrain. TrailSport models further refine capability with retuned springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars, plus all-terrain tires and an oil pan guard for added confidence off the beaten path.

280-hp V-6 and 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Under the hood, a direct-injection V-6 delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, enabling towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The standard integrated tow hitch and 7-pin connector simplify trailer setup, while the 9-speed automatic transmission is tuned for smooth, decisive shifts that support both swift acceleration and relaxed highway cruising. This powertrain delivers the blend of strength and refinement that defines the truck’s character — ready for a boat on Saturday morning, as well as the long commute home on Monday evening.

9-Inch Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

Inside, the core interface is a 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen designed for intuitive operation — pinch, swipe, and tap your way through maps, music, and podcasts. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility help minimize cable clutter and keep your phone’s key apps within easy reach. Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ enhances guidance with 3-D renderings and lane guidance when you are exploring places your phone’s GPS may not cover, while the available premium audio system on select trims can amplify your favorite playlists. Add standard tri-zone automatic climate control, available heated front seats, and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® to round out a cabin that is both connected and comfortable.