Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline a Good Pickup Truck? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
The Honda Ridgeline stands out among mid-size pickup trucks with its unibody design shared with the Honda Passport and Pilot SUVs rather than the body-on-frame construction typically found in other pickups. The result is a more carlike driving experience, with a more comfortable ride and better handling on pavement in exchange for less towing and hauling capability than alternatives like the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger.
Related: The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Is ‘Trucky’ Enough for Most Buyers: Review
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Shop the 2026 Honda Ridgeline near you
That said, the Ridgeline has not had a redesign since 2017, and it’s looking and feeling a bit dated inside and out. Its V-6 engine is smooth and refined, however, and its fuel economy is largely on par with rivals powered by newer turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The Ridgeline remains largely unique in the marketplace, and its combination of capability, clever storage options and easy driving manners could make it a better choice for some than a conventional pickup.
Cars.com Senior Research Editor Damon Bell recently tested a new Ridgeline in TrailSport trim, which lends a more rugged look and adds limited off-road capability. Click the link above to read Damon’s expert review. Read on for a peek at four things we like about the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and three things we do not.
What Do We Like About the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
1. Smooth Six
Every Ridgeline is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 (the only engine offered since the second-generation Ridgeline’s 2017 debut) even as most competitors have moved toward more fuel-efficient turbo four-cylinder powertrains with similar output. None of those, however, can match the smooth and linear power of the Ridgeline’s naturally aspirated V-6 and its refined power delivery whether putting around town or merging with highway traffic.
2. Ride and Handling
Recent redesigns have improved the on-road driving dynamics of competitors including the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger, but the Ridgeline is still a cut above when it comes to ride comfort and composure, especially over rough pavement. With its four-wheel independent suspension instead of the solid rear axle used in most pickups, the Ridgeline soaks up bumps with ease, minimizing the rear-axle hop common with competitors. The overall feel is more like a mid-size SUV than a pickup truck, with a quiet, controlled ride on the highway.
3. Interior Packaging
Thanks to its unibody construction, the Ridgeline has a lower floor and step-in height than most pickups, making it easier to get in and out. There’s also more interior room than most mid-size pickups, particularly in the rear seat, which is big enough to accommodate average-size adults; that’s something that can’t be said for others. A bonus feature is rear seat cushions that flip up and out of the way for storing bulky items securely and out of the weather.
4. Clever Features
A cleverly thought-out pickup bed has long been a Ridgeline trademark, and the bed includes some user-friendly features not found on competitors. The rear wheel wells barely intrude on cargo space to make loading easier, and the Ridgeline remains the only gas-engine pickup with a concealed and lockable storage trunk under the load floor. As a bonus, the trunk includes drain holes for wet gear and can double as a cooler. There’s also a dual-hinged tailgate that drops down for longer items or can be opened like a door for easier bed access.
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- What Are 7 Great Cars for Snow Driving?
- 2025 Honda Ridgeline: Which Trim Level Is Right for You?
What Do We Dislike About the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
1. Controls
Standard equipment includes a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is another way the Ridgeline is showing its age when competitors offer screens measuring 12 inches or more. To make matters worse, the aging Honda system looks and behaves like an older design, with dated graphics and less robust menus and capability than newer systems. We’re also not big fans of the Ridgeline’s push-button gear shifter, which is awkward and unintuitive to use.
2. Towing Capacity
Regardless of trim or equipment, every Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While that’s enough to tow a small camper or boat, most mid-size 2026 competitors can do better. A four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma Double Cab maxes out at 6,400 pounds, and most others can pull more than 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Jeep Gladiator lead the pack with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
3. Not Built for Serious Off-Roading
The Ridgeline’s unibody construction also means that it isn’t as capable in challenging off-road terrain as its body-on-frame rivals — even with the TrailSport trim’s upgrades. If you’ll regularly be tackling a variety of tough off-road obstacles, you’ll be better off with a body-on-frame pickup.
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