2026 Honda Ridgeline Review: The Best Value-Packed Midsize Truck?

The midsize truck segment is more competitive than ever with constant redesigns from every major player. For 2026, Honda is making key updates to the Ridgeline to ensure it remains a top contender for those who need a versatile, daily-driver pickup. While it is often forgotten in favor of more traditional body-on-frame rivals, is this 2026 Honda Ridgeline all the truck you really need? Read on to see if these new changes make it the right choice for you, and be sure to watch our full review on YouTube for the deep dive.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Pricing & Trim Levels

 The 2026 Honda Ridgeline sees a modest price increase of less than $1,000 across the lineup, with all-wheel drive (AWD) remaining standard on every model. Here is the breakdown of the MSRP for the current model year:

Want to know what dealers paid for this model? Check out our New Car Quotes Tool: www.carconfections.com/new-car-quotes

Performance, Powertrain & Capability

• Engine: 3.5L V-6
• Output: 280 hp / 262 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: i-VTM4 AWD standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The system can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels.
• Towing/Utility: 5,000 lbs Max Towing Capacity.
• Fuel Economy: 18 city / 24 hwy / 21 combined MPG (TrailSport: 18 city / 23 hwy / 20 combined)

Exterior Design

The 2026 Ridgeline retains the boxy grille and pronounced power bulges introduced in the recent refresh, maintaining its 210.2-inch length which places it as a direct rival to mid-size trucks like the Ford Ranger.

• General Theme: A rugged yet refined unibody design with a 5-foot 3-inch bed—the widest in its segment.
• 2026 Changes: The TrailSport trim receives a new Ash Green Metallic paint option, replacing the previous blue. Additionally, the Black Edition now offers a black two-tone roof when paired with Sonic Gray or White paint.
• Trim Differences: The TrailSport features a unique rugged mesh grille, orange badging, and a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The Black Edition features gloss black accents.
• Wheel Sizes: 18-inch alloys are standard across all models. TrailSport models feature a 5-spoke Pewter gray finish and all-terrain tires.

Interior Tech & Luxury Highlights

The cabin has been updated to be more functional, ditching the older minivan-style armrests for a traditional center console with a real armrest.

• Infotainment: A standard 9-inch display featuring Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Audio System: A standard 215-watt 7-speaker system, while the Black Edition steps up to a 540-watt 8-speaker Premium Audio system.
• Seating: Cloth is standard on Sport, while RTL and higher receive leather. The TrailSport adds unique orange embroidery, and the Black Edition offers ventilated front seats and red accents.
• Cargo Space: The rear features a flat cabin floor with 60/40 under-seat storage. The bed includes a lockable, water-tight “In-Bed Trunk” with 7.3 cu.ft of space.

Safety & Driver Assistance

• Standard Suite: All active safety systems come standard across the entire Ridgeline lineup.
• Premium Tech: Parking sensors are included on the top two trim levels (TrailSport and Black Edition) to assist with maneuvering.

Final Verdict: The Practical Professional

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline remains one of the most practical and comfortable choice in the midsize segment. While it may not have the extreme towing of some rivals, it offers more rear legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and a more versatile bed with its dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk. With the new 2026 color options and the added style of the Black Edition two-tone roof, it continues to be the “underrated” truck that is likely all the pickup most buyers truly need.

Watch the Full “Car Confections” Review!

Check out our detailed review on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jt2pcgQf73g

With the new Ash Green paint and the Black Edition’s two-tone roof, do you think the Ridgeline is finally getting the styling it needs to compete with the Tacoma and Ranger? Let us know in the comments!