If you’re in the market for a midsize pickup that balances real truck capability with everyday usability, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline deserves serious consideration. It offers solid V6 power, useful towing and hauling capacity, a versatile truck bed plus cabin comfort—and that all-weather confidence makes it a smart fit for Minnesota winters and summer adventures alike.
Whether you live in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Burnsville, Bloomington, Lakeville, Prior Lake, or Shakopee, the Ridgeline delivers a unique blend of ruggedness and refinement that many midsize trucks don’t.
Under the hood, the 2026 Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system (i-VTM4®) across the lineup, giving drivers reliable traction whether you’re navigating urban streets or snowy rural roads.
The ride is more “refined SUV” than “hardcore truck”—thanks to independent suspension and a unibody-style build, the Ridgeline drives smoother and handles more car-like than traditional body-on-frame pickups.
It tows up to 5,000 lbs and includes a Class III integrated trailer hitch with 7-pin connector, giving enough muscle for boats, trailers, or small campers.
The Ridgeline’s truck bed is engineered for practicality: it offers a dual-action tailgate (opens downward like a traditional tailgate or swings to the side for easy access) and a lockable In-Bed Trunk®, a secure, drainable 7.3-cu-ft storage bin built into the bed floor—handy for tools, gear, or wet items.
The cabin also offers smart flexibility: a 60/40 split lift-up rear seat allows you to carry passengers or fold up the seat cushion to store longer items or gear inside the cabin.
Whether you’re hauling lumber, bikes, camping gear, or towing a trailer, the Ridgeline’s mix of practical bed design and AWD/towing setup makes it a very versatile midsize pickup.
One of the Ridgeline’s biggest strengths is that it bridges the gap between a truck and a comfortable SUV — giving you much of the capability of a truck with a livable, convenient cabin environment.
The cabin has room for five, with a flexible rear seat layout and ample storage/under-seat options for daily gear, work tools, groceries, or outdoor equipment.
Higher trims include leather-trimmed seating, power front seats, heated front seats, and available premium touches that make daily drives (or long trips) more comfortable.
Modern convenience features like wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, remote engine start, and thoughtful storage (center console, in-cabin compartments) make it easy to live with every day — whether that means commuting to the city, running errands, or loading up for weekend plans.
The ride quality is often praised for being smoother and quieter than many traditional midsize trucks — especially noticeable on city roads or long highway drives where a softer suspension and unibody design pay dividends.
The 2026 Ridgeline lineup gives buyers flexibility: whether you want a capable base pickup or a fully equipped everyday truck with off-road readiness, there’s a trim to match your needs. Each trim shares the same foundational V6 + AWD capability, while differences focus on comfort, styling, and utility.
| Trim | What It’s Good For / Who It’s Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Sport (starting ~$40,595)
|
Entry-level for a midsize AWD pickup: includes V6, AWD, dual-action tailgate, In-Bed Trunk, 60/40 rear seats, and wireless smartphone integration — solid for everyday driving, DIY hauling, and light towing. |
| RTL (mid-level trim)
|
Adds comfort upgrades like leather trim, power front seats (with memory for driver), heated front seats, moonroof, and more refined cabin touches — ideal for daily drivers and families who want a little luxury with utility. |
| TrailSport (outdoor/ rugged trim)
|
For buyers needing off-road or outdoors-ready capability: TrailSport features a more rugged suspension setup, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and style cues that suit gravel roads, cabin trips, and adventures beyond pavement. |
| TrailSport + HPD / Black Edition / Upper-end options
|
For those who want full utility plus premium touches or distinct styling (depending on package): these trims maintain the same mechanical strength but add aesthetic upgrades, more luxury touches, and sometimes enhanced storage/ comfort features. |
No matter which trim you choose, the Ridgeline maintains its core strengths — AWD, V6 performance, versatile cargo/bed design — so you don’t have to “trade off” utility for comfort.
For people living in Minnesota — where weather shifts from heavy snow to summer adventures, and driving needs vary from city commutes to cabin trips — the 2026 Ridgeline hits a sweet spot:
All-wheel drive and V6 power make it capable in snow, ice, or muddy rural roads.
Flexible cargo bed design (dual-action tailgate + in-bed trunk) allows hauling for home projects, outdoor gear, or seasonal needs without needing a full-size truck.
Comfortable, car-like ride makes it a manageable daily driver even in traffic-heavy areas like Minneapolis or St. Paul.
Cabin practicality and modern tech help it fit family life — carpooling, grocery runs, sports gear, road trips — just as well as work or hobby hauling.
Towing capacity (5,000 lbs) offers the freedom to tow small trailers, boats, or recreational gear without stepping up to a heavy-duty truck.
In short: Ridgeline offers the versatility of a truck with the usability and comfort of an SUV — a combination that plays especially well in a market like Minnesota.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 280 hp / 262 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (i-VTM4®) standard
Towing capacity: up to 5,000 lbs with proper equipment
Bed: Crew-cab short-box, with dual-action tailgate + lockable In-Bed Trunk®; 5-foot-4-inch bed length.
Seating: 5 adults; flexible 60/40 split rear seating with under-seat storage
MPG (City / Hwy / Combined): ~18 / 24 / 21 (varies slightly by trim)
The 2026 Ridgeline is an especially good match for:
Minnesota families needing a versatile vehicle for commuting, hauling, and road trips.
People who like to DIY, haul gear, or take outdoor adventures — but don’t want the bulk or drivetrain complexity of a full-size truck.
Drivers who want AWD confidence for snow and variable weather but still want a comfortable ride and modern cabin amenities.
Buyers who want a “do-it-all” vehicle: enough capability for hauling or towing, but also user-friendly enough for daily driving, errands, and family use.
If you don’t need heavy-duty truck payload or full-size towing — but still want sensible power, utility, and usability — the Ridgeline delivers a balanced middle ground.
14800 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville, MN, USA