2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Review: Still the Best Everyday Pickup Truck?
Table of Contents
The Honda Ridgeline has always been different from traditional pickup trucks. When Honda first introduced it in the United States nearly 20 years ago, it targeted buyers who wanted the practicality of a pickup bed without the compromises that usually come with truck ownership.
Most traditional trucks offer excellent towing and off-road capability, but they often sacrifice ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and easy daily driving. The Ridgeline took a different approach by combining pickup truck utility with crossover-like comfort.
Now, nearly 10 years into its second generation, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport continues that formula. The big question is simple: does it still make sense in a market filled with newer competitors?
2026 Honda Ridgeline Engine and Performance
Under the hood, Honda continues to use its proven 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine.
The engine produces:
- 280 horsepower
- 262 lb-ft of torque
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Standard all-wheel drive
Unlike the newer Honda Passport and Pilot, the Ridgeline still uses Honda’s older J35Y6 V6 engine. While it may not be the newest powertrain in Honda’s lineup, it remains one of the few naturally aspirated V6 engines left in the midsize truck segment.
The engine delivers smooth power and produces a satisfying VTEC sound when pushed beyond 5,000 rpm.
Honda does not officially publish acceleration figures, but testing shows the Ridgeline can reach 60 mph in around 6.5 to 7.0 seconds depending on conditions.
For a midsize truck, that’s still respectable performance.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy ratings are:
| Driving Condition | Fuel Economy |
|---|---|
| City | 18 mpg |
| Highway | 23 mpg |
| Combined Range | Around 390 miles |
Real-world testing returned around 16.5 mpg during mixed driving and roughly 22 mpg on the highway.
The Ridgeline uses regular gasoline, which helps keep operating costs lower.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ridgeline isn’t designed to compete with heavy-duty trucks, but it offers enough capability for most buyers.
Capability Figures
- Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Maximum payload capacity: 1,521 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 gallons
For towing boats, motorcycles, camping trailers, or home improvement equipment, the Ridgeline remains more than capable.
Exterior Design: Familiar but Showing Its Age
Honda has updated the Ridgeline several times during its lifecycle, including major styling revisions in 2021 and 2024.
The 2026 model introduces a new paint option called Ash Green Metallic, previously seen on the Passport TrailSport.
The TrailSport trim receives:
- Unique grille design
- Shark Gray exterior accents
- TrailSport badging
- LED fog lights
- All-terrain tires
- Exclusive 18-inch wheels
- Oil pan skid plate
Despite these updates, the design is beginning to show its age. Compared to newer competitors such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Jeep Gladiator, the Ridgeline looks softer and less rugged.
However, that softer appearance reflects its mission as a comfortable everyday truck rather than a hardcore off-road machine.
Dimensions
The Ridgeline remains one of the larger unibody pickups available today.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 inches |
| Width | 78.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 125 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 7.6 inches |
Its size gives it a spacious interior while maintaining reasonable maneuverability.
TrailSport Off-Road Features
The TrailSport trim adds several upgrades for light off-road adventures.
Features include:
- General Grabber all-terrain tires
- Off-road tuned suspension
- Trail driving modes
- Skid plate protection
- Standard all-wheel drive
One limitation is ground clearance. The TrailSport does not sit higher than other Ridgeline trims, which may disappoint serious off-road enthusiasts.
Still, it handles dirt roads, gravel trails, and camping trips with ease.
One of the Best Truck Beds in the Segment
This is where the Ridgeline continues to stand out.
The composite truck bed measures approximately 64 inches long and offers excellent durability without requiring an additional bed liner.
Key highlights include:
- Corrosion-resistant composite construction
- LED bed lighting
- Multiple tie-down points
- 4×8 plywood compatibility
- 1,521-pound payload capacity
The bed is practical, durable, and easy to use.
In-Bed Trunk Remains a Game Changer
The Ridgeline’s signature feature is still the lockable in-bed trunk.
Honda provides:
- 7.3 cubic feet of storage
- Weather-resistant design
- Drain plug for cooler functionality
- Lockable compartment
This storage area is large enough for groceries, tools, camping gear, and valuable equipment.
Very few trucks offer anything similar.
Dual-Action Tailgate
Another standout feature is Honda’s dual-opening tailgate.
Owners can:
- Open it traditionally
- Swing it sideways for easier bed access
It remains one of the most practical features available in any pickup truck.
Interior: Spacious but Dated
Inside, the Ridgeline offers impressive comfort and practicality.
The TrailSport trim includes:
- Leather seats
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Tri-zone climate control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- 9-inch touchscreen
The cabin feels roomy and airy thanks to its crossover roots.
Material quality remains solid, and build quality is excellent.
However, several areas reveal the truck’s age.
What Needs Improvement?
Missing features include:
- 360-degree camera
- Ventilated front seats
- Premium audio system on TrailSport
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Google Built-In technology
The infotainment system works well, but competitors now offer more advanced technology.
Rear Seat Space
One major advantage of the Ridgeline is passenger comfort.
Rear seat passengers receive:
- 36.7 inches of legroom
- Flat floor design
- Rear air vents
- Fold-up rear seats
- Additional under-seat storage
Compared with many traditional midsize trucks, the Ridgeline feels significantly more spacious.
Families will appreciate the comfort.
How Does the Ridgeline Drive?
The driving experience remains one of the truck’s strongest qualities.
Unlike body-on-frame competitors, the Ridgeline uses a unibody platform.
Benefits include:
- Smooth ride quality
- Responsive steering
- Reduced body shake
- Better handling
- Easier daily driving
Even after nearly a decade on sale, the Ridgeline remains one of the best-driving midsize trucks available.
The only trucks that feel more car-like are smaller alternatives such as the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
The naturally aspirated V6 also adds character that many turbocharged competitors lack.
Pricing
Honda has kept pricing relatively competitive.
2026 Honda Ridgeline Pricing
| Trim | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Sport | Just over $40,000 |
| RTL | Around $44,000 to $45,000 |
| TrailSport | $45,995 |
| Black Edition | Around $47,000+ |
A well-equipped TrailSport reaches approximately $47,980 with destination charges and options.
Compared with similarly equipped Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, and Chevrolet Colorado models, the Ridgeline remains competitively priced.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport may be one of the oldest vehicles in Honda’s lineup, but it still delivers a compelling package.
It combines:
- Comfortable ride quality
- Spacious cabin
- Practical truck bed
- Innovative in-bed trunk
- Smooth V6 power
- Everyday usability
Yes, the technology feels dated. The infotainment system could use an update. A 360-degree camera and ventilated seats should already be standard on a truck at this price point.
However, the Ridgeline continues to excel at what it was designed to do.
For buyers who need pickup truck utility without the compromises of a traditional body-on-frame truck, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport remains one of the smartest choices in the segment.
With rumors of a next-generation model potentially arriving soon, this could also be the final and most refined version of the current generation.
Sources and References
Official Honda Sources
- 2026 Honda Ridgeline Official Page
Official Honda page covering features, performance, towing, trims, and specifications. - 2026 Honda Ridgeline Specs & Features
Detailed specifications, MPG ratings, dimensions, towing capacity, and trim comparison. - 2026 Honda Ridgeline Build & Price
Official pricing, options, and package configurator. - Honda Info Center – 2026 Ridgeline
Honda’s media and technical information portal with feature guides and specifications.
Trusted Automotive Review Sources
- Car and Driver – 2026 Honda Ridgeline Review
Independent review with performance testing, fuel economy analysis, and competitor comparisons. - Edmunds – 2026 Honda Ridgeline MPG Data
EPA fuel economy data, ownership costs, and driving estimates. - Kelley Blue Book (KBB) – 2026 Ridgeline Pricing
Pricing, resale value information, and trim details.
Real-World Owner Experience Sources
- Honda Ridgeline Reddit Community
Owner discussions, long-term reliability feedback, fuel economy reports, and modification advice.
Useful Comparison Source
- Honda Ridgeline vs Competition
Official comparison against midsize truck rivals such as Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Jeep Gladiator.
