In a segment dominated by rugged, body-on-frame pickups, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline dares to be different—and that’s precisely its strength. Built on a unibody platform, the Ridgeline delivers the kind of car-like ride quality and refined handling that body-on-frame rivals struggle to match. While traditionalists may scoff at its construction, those looking for comfort, composure, and all-around capability will find a lot to like here. Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or hauling supplies to a job site, the Ridgeline offers a smooth, quiet ride with the utility you expect from a midsize truck.

Powered by a proven 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Ridgeline offers standard all-wheel drive, a nearly 1,600-pound max payload capacity, and a 5,000-pound towing rating across all trims. Its composite bed resists dents and rust, fits full 4×8 sheets of plywood, and includes a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug—ideal for everything from muddy gear to ice-filled tailgates. With a dual-action tailgate that swings open sideways or drops down traditionally, the Ridgeline remains one of the most versatile trucks in its class. Still, competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Jeep Gladiator offer greater off-road capability and higher towing capacity. For most drivers, though, the Ridgeline strikes the perfect balance between everyday usability and weekend versatility.

Trim Levels and Features: Practical Luxury Across the Board

Honda keeps things simple with four main trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. Each model includes all-wheel drive, a spacious five-passenger cabin, a dual-action tailgate, and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport model is generously equipped but lacks leather and power seat adjustments. Step up to the RTL for heated leather seats, a moonroof, and power-adjustable front seating—it’s the best value in the lineup. TrailSport adds trail-ready suspension, steel underbody protection, and all-terrain tires, while the Black Edition leans into premium territory with red-accented leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and gloss-black styling touches.

Starting prices range from just over $41,500 for the base Sport to over $48,000 for the fully loaded Black Edition. Honda also offers Sport+, RTL+, and TrailSport+ trims, which substitute all-terrain tires for standard all-season rubber. Across the board, you’re getting a feature-rich midsize truck that’s both capable and well-appointed.

Performance: Power, Precision, and Everyday Confidence

Under the hood, every Ridgeline runs the same 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers strong acceleration and confident highway performance, hitting 60 mph in just over six seconds. Honda’s torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is standard and can send up to 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels as needed. The Ridgeline also includes a traction management system with modes for snow, sand, mud, and pavement—helping drivers maintain control in a variety of conditions.

The Ridgeline’s fully independent suspension is a standout feature in this class. It delivers a ride that’s far more composed than what you’ll find in traditional pickups, especially when driving over rough pavement or on long highway stretches. Steering is precise and responsive, making the Ridgeline feel nimble despite its size.

Utility and Bed Features: Designed for Real Life

With a bed length of 64 inches (and 83 inches with the tailgate down), the Ridgeline can handle a wide range of cargo needs. The 50-inch bed width allows it to haul 4×8-foot plywood sheets flat between the wheel wells—a rare trait in the segment. Total bed volume comes in at 33.9 cubic feet, plus an extra 7.3 cubic feet in the weather-sealed in-bed trunk. Built-in tie-downs and bed lighting add functionality, while the unique dual-action tailgate improves access and flexibility. Towing is capped at 5,000 pounds, and while that’s less than some rivals, it’s plenty for small trailers, boats, or work equipment.

Interior: Spacious, Smart, and Surprisingly Upscale

Inside, the Ridgeline delivers one of the most refined and spacious cabins in the midsize truck segment. Materials are high quality, controls are intuitive, and the overall layout feels more like an SUV than a traditional pickup. Front seats are wide and supportive, and rear-seat legroom beats most rivals. Storage is smartly designed too, with deep bins, large cupholders, and enough space in the center console to stash a tablet. The push-button gear selector takes some getting used to, but the rest of the controls are easy to master.

Automatic tri-zone climate control is standard, and even base trims offer comfort-focused amenities. Higher trims bring luxury features like ventilated seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and power-sliding rear windows. Overall, the cabin feels more premium than utilitarian, especially in the RTL and Black Edition models.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Functional and Feature-Packed

Every Ridgeline gets a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. The interface is user-friendly, with quick response times and large icons that are easy to use while driving. Navigation, voice recognition, and satellite-linked traffic updates are included on higher trims. Base audio systems feature 215 watts and seven speakers, while the Black Edition upgrades to an eight-speaker, 540-watt premium sound system with a subwoofer.

Safety: Top Marks and Advanced Tech

Safety is a strong suit for the Ridgeline. The 2025 model holds a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the previous year’s model earned high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Honda’s standard “Sensing” suite includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts are also standard across the lineup.

Final Verdict: A Smarter Take on the Midsize Pickup

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline may not be the most rugged truck in the midsize segment, but it’s arguably the most refined. It offers SUV-like comfort with the utility of a pickup, making it ideal for buyers who want a vehicle that can handle everyday driving just as well as weekend chores. Competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator offer more serious off-road chops and higher towing ratings, but few can match the Ridgeline’s balance of comfort, practicality, and tech.

For those who need a capable truck but don’t want to sacrifice ride quality or interior comfort, the Ridgeline is one of the smartest choices on the market.