Is the Dual-Action Tailgate on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline a Real Advantage for Easton, PA Drivers?
Honda of Hackettstown - Is the Dual-Action Tailgate on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline a Real Advantage for Easton, PA Drivers?
The Dual-Action Tailgate is one of those clever ideas that changes how you use a truck day to day. On the 2026 Ridgeline, it opens down like a traditional tailgate for standard loading, or swings to the side so you can reach the bed floor and the lockable In-Bed Trunk® without leaning or climbing. If you park on busy streets around Easton, PA trailheads or tight lots at weekend tournaments, that side-swing motion can be the difference between struggling to access your cargo and loading up in seconds.
What makes this system especially useful is how seamlessly it works with the rest of the Ridgeline’s bed design. The composite bed is UV-stabilized and scratch-resistant, the lay-flat floor accepts 4-by-8-foot plywood, and the lockable In-Bed Trunk® adds 7.3 cubic feet of weather-protected storage with a drain plug—ideal for wet gear or a cooler. Add the available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed power outlet for tools or a small TV on game day, and you have a tailgate-and-trunk duo that’s versatile for work and play.
Beyond the bed, the truck’s standard i-VTM4® AWD and Intelligent Traction Management help you handle variable conditions with Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. The 280-horsepower V-6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth power, while seating for up to five and a tri-zone automatic climate control system elevate every commute. The 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility keeps maps and messages close at hand, and Honda Sensing® driver-assistance features come standard for added confidence.
To see the tailgate in action, try two quick experiments during your test drive: swing the tailgate to the side to access the In-Bed Trunk®, then flip it down to load bulky items. In both scenarios, notice how the design reduces awkward reaches and speeds up loading. It feels intuitive, because it was engineered to solve everyday hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will the Dual-Action Tailgate make loading easier in tight parking spaces?
Yes. The side-swing opening lets you stand close to the bed floor and the In-Bed Trunk®, which is especially helpful when there isn’t enough room to walk around the back of the truck.
Can I still carry large sheets of plywood with this tailgate?
Absolutely. The lay-flat bed is designed to accommodate 4-by-8-foot sheets, and you can use the tailgate conventionally when you need a longer loading surface.
Is the In-Bed Trunk® weather-protected and lockable?
Yes. The In-Bed Trunk® is lockable and weather-protected, and it features a drain plug so you can store wet gear or use it as an ice chest.
Does the Ridgeline offer extra bed power for tools?
An available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed outlet allows you to plug in small power tools or a TV, adding convenience for work sites and tailgates.
If you want a pickup that eliminates common bed-access frustrations while elevating daily comfort and safety, the Dual-Action Tailgate is a real advantage. It works in harmony with the composite bed, In-Bed Trunk®, and available bed power outlet to streamline what you do most—loading gear, securing valuables, and getting on your way. When you are done exploring the tailgate, take a few minutes to try i-VTM4® AWD modes and the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines to round out a confident, well-balanced drive.
Plan your visit to a trusted team that understands how truck owners use their beds every day. Honda of Hackettstown is committed to showing you how the Ridgeline’s details save time and add flexibility—one thoughtful feature at a time, serving Easton, Phillipsburg, and Newton.
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Categories: Honda Ridgeline
Tags: Hackettstown, Easton, PA, 2026 Honda Ridgeline