Honda Ridgeline 2026 : The 2026 Honda Ridgeline arrives in the U.S. market as a quietly confident evolution of Honda’s mid‑size pickup formula.

It keeps the same friendly, road‑car‑like ride and versatile bed layout that have made it a favorite among suburban haulers and weekend adventurers, while adding fresh colors, a couple of trim‑exclusive styling tweaks, and a few subtle interior refinements that sharpen its appeal against rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma.

Exterior and Styling Tweaks

Exterior changes for 2026 are more about nuance than revolution. Honda has introduced Ash Green Metallic as a new color option, but it is reserved for the TrailSport trim, giving off‑road‑leaning buyers a more rugged, earth‑toned alternative to the usual blacks and grays.

The Black Edition also gains a contrasting black‑roof option that can be paired with a white body, giving the top‑tier Ridgeline a more aggressive, two‑tone look that stands out in parking lots and job sites alike.

Despite these cosmetic updates, the Ridgeline’s core shape remains unchanged: a tall‑roof crew cab, a relatively short but wide bed, and the signature dual‑action tailgate that swings down like a conventional tailgate or opens sideways like a door.

LED headlights with auto on/off, 18‑inch alloy wheels, and available power moonroof continue to give the truck a premium, SUV‑like presence rather than a bare‑bones work‑truck vibe.

Powertrain and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2026 Ridgeline sticks with the familiar 3.5‑liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower, mated to a nine‑speed automatic transmission and standard all‑wheel drive.

Honda expects fuel‑economy figures to mirror the 2025 model, hovering around 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for most trims, with the TrailSport dipping slightly to about 18/23/20 mpg due to its all‑terrain tires.

On the road, the Ridgeline continues to feel more like a tall‑riding SUV than a traditional pickup. The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps and expansion joints, which makes it a comfortable daily commuter even when the bed is empty.

At the same time, it still manages up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and around 1,500 pounds of payload, putting it in line with other mid‑size trucks in its class.

Interior Comfort and Tech

Inside, the 2026 Ridgeline keeps its reputation for cabin comfort and thoughtful packaging. Higher trims offer leather‑trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and a heated leather‑wrapped steering wheel, which is a rare level of luxury in the mid‑size truck segment.

Tri‑zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and red ambient LED lighting in some configurations give the interior a more upscale feel than many of its work‑truck‑oriented competitors.

Infotainment is anchored by a 9‑inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus available wireless phone charging and a premium audio system.

Honda Sensing driver‑assistance tech remains standard across the range, including adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, forward‑collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind‑spot monitoring with cross‑traffic alert.

These features make the Ridgeline an appealing choice for families who want a truck that feels safe and modern on school‑run duty as much as on worksite duty.

Bed Utility and Unique Features

One of the Ridgeline’s standout traits is its bed layout, which remains largely unchanged for 2026. The dual‑action tailgate can be lowered conventionally or swung open sideways, making it easier to load long items or reach into the bed from the side.

Inside, the In‑Bed Trunk offers lockable, weather‑protected storage under the floor, a feature few other pickups can match.

The bed itself is about 64 inches long, which is shorter than some rivals but wide enough to fit a full‑size sheet of plywood sideways.

Combined with the 5,000‑pound towing capacity, this setup suits buyers who need occasional hauling and towing without sacrificing on‑road comfort.

The 60/40 split lift‑up rear seats also add extra flexibility, allowing long items to be carried inside the cabin when the tailgate is closed.

Trim Lineup and Pricing in the U.S.

For 2026, Honda continues with a straightforward trim ladder in the U.S.: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition.

The Sport serves as the entry point, offering the core Ridgeline formula with a modest feature set, while the RTL adds more comfort and convenience items such as leather‑like upholstery and upgraded audio.

The TrailSport focuses on light off‑road capability with all‑terrain tires, a lifted stance, and unique exterior styling cues, including the new Ash Green Metallic paint.

The Black Edition sits at the top, emphasizing style with dark‑finish wheels, black‑roof options, and a more upscale interior package that leans closer to a luxury SUV than a utilitarian truck.

Pricing starts around the low‑$40,000s for the Sport and climbs into the high‑$40,000s for the TrailSport and Black Edition, positioning the Ridgeline slightly above some competitors but justified by its comfort, standard AWD, and strong safety and tech content.

Honda Ridgeline 2026 : A Comfort‑First Mid‑Size Truck

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline doesn’t reinvent the mid‑size truck segment, but it refines what it already does best.

It remains a truck that prioritizes ride comfort, cabin refinement, and clever storage over brute‑force off‑road hardware or maximum towing figures.

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For American buyers who want a pickup that feels at home on the highway, in the school‑pickup line, and on the occasional dirt road, the Ridgeline continues to be one of the most balanced choices in the market.