When you first approach the 2026 Ridgeline, you sense immediately that this is more than a carry-truck. It’s a reimagined midsize pickup that blends rugged utility with smart refinement. It still hauls, still tows, still serves your weekend plans—but now with upgrades and features that make every drive feel more premium, more clever, and more confidence-inspiring.

The changes for 2026 aren’t just cosmetic tweaks. Honda has leaned into its strengths—its all-wheel drive systems, its smart cargo ideas, and its balance of power and comfort—and introduced refinements that sharpen Ridgeline’s competitive edge. For buyers who want a truck that can go where needed and accommodate daily demands, Ridgeline now offers more flexibility, more capability, and more polish.

Under the hood, the 3.5-litre V6 remains, delivering about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission—newer and more tuned for smooth shifts, better efficiency, and a more refined feel than prior versions. What stands out is how the i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system continues to evolve. It works with Intelligent Traction Management modes—Normal, Snow, Sand, Mud—that the driver can choose via button, giving more control when the terrain demands it.

Suspension and chassis tuning have been refined, especially in the TrailSport trim. That version receives off-road–tuned springs, dampers, stabilizer bars, and all-terrain tires, so uneven surfaces feel more composed. The independent suspension front and rear help reduce harshness, and the unibody construction contributes to ride quality and noise isolation.

Visually, the 2026 Ridgeline makes bolder statements. The TrailSport trim gains an exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint option for 2026. A Black Edition variant now becomes more striking by pairing a contrasting black roof with dark exterior trim. You’ll also notice stronger lines in the grille, sharper LED lighting elements, and a more aggressive front fascia. On the hardware side, the dual-action tailgate remains, so you can open it downwards like a conventional tailgate or swing it out to the side for easier bed access.

One of Ridgeline’s signature advantages—the lockable In-Bed Trunk®—is retained and enhanced in practicality. It has about 7.3 cubic feet of volume, includes a drain plug, and is ideal for storing wet or messy items without interfering with the rest of your bed. The bed itself is designed to lay flat when rear seats fold, and the bed walls are relatively unobtrusive, giving better usable width for gear.

You’ll also find a bed-mounted power outlet (150 W / 400 W) in some trims, useful for powering tools, camping gear, or devices while on site. Honda continues to offer a composite, scratch-resistant truck bed surface to guard against damage, and the tailgate is lockable for enhanced security.

Inside, 2026 Ridgeline aims to feel more premium. Available leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats (in higher trims), and a power 10-way driver seat with memory settings enhance comfort. A one-touch power moonroof is offered in many trims, giving that “open sky” feeling when the weather cooperates.

Tech upgrades include a 9-inch Display Audio touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and optional satellite-linked navigation with 3D terrain and lane guidance. The instrument cluster gives useful info about drivetrain status, drive modes, and system feedback. In the higher trims, ambient lighting and refined materials help elevate the overall feel.

Honda continues to bundle its Honda Sensing suite across the Ridgeline family. That includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision braking, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and more. Backup is supported by a multi-angle rearview camera with wide, normal, and top-down views, which is particularly useful when manoeuvring with a trailer. Optional Blind Spot Information (BSI) with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor can assist in lane changes and reversing. The hardware and electronics have been further tuned to reduce intrusion by sensors and make the driver assistance systems feel more natural—not overly aggressive, but helpful when the moment demands it.

Much of what owners appreciate comes down to how it feels day to day. That new transmission smooths out transitions between gears, making the ride more relaxed whether you are commuting or towing. The improved AWD system gives you confidence off pavement without the cost of driving complexity on-road. The TrailSport setup tempers suspension harshness so that even on gravel or forest trails, the Ridgeline still feels composed.

In terms of capacity, this truck continues to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, placing it squarely among the leaders in its class. Its balance of power, rigidity from its high-strength steel construction, and upgraded drivetrain controls mean that it feels more capable under load than before.

The 2026 Ridgeline is more than just a refreshed pickup. It is a thoughtful evolution: more capable off-road, smarter on-road, more refined inside, and bolder in style. Whether your priority is rugged weekend adventure, daily practicality, or shedding some of the compromises normally associated with trucks, this version delivers in spades. If you want to explore trims, features, or schedule a test drive, click the button below to learn more about the vehicle.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.