The 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL is widely considered the “sweet spot” trim of Honda’s midsize pickup truck line, offering a balanced combination of premium comfort, standard all-wheel drive, and car-like ride quality at a starting MSRP of $43,595. It bridges the gap between the utilitarian base trim and the more expensive, rugged variants by upgrading the interior with leather seating and enhanced convenience tech.
Key Performance Specifications
Unlike traditional midsize trucks that use turbo-four engines and rigid body-on-frame platforms, the Ridgeline stands out with its smooth, unibody construction and independent rear suspension.
Engine: 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: Smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Drivetrain: Standard i-VTM4 All-Wheel-Drive system with terrain modes (Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand).
Towing & Payload: Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a payload of 1,539 lbs.
Fuel Economy: EPA-rated at 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG.
Standard RTL Trim Upgrades
The RTL trim explicitly builds on the base Sport model by adding several luxury and tech enhancements:
Leather-Trimmed Interior: Leather upholstery on the seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Power & Heated Front Seats: Heated, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory and power lumbar support.
Exterior Comforts: Power moonroof, power sliding rear window, and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.
Side-Mirror Reverse Tilt: Side mirrors can automatically tilt downward when shifting into reverse to show ground-level blind spots.
Acoustic Windshield: Quieter cabin insulation that keeps out highway wind and road noise.
Truck Bed and Utility Features
The Ridgeline RTL maintains all the unique, versatile utility features that define the vehicle platform:
Dual-Action Tailgate: Functions as a traditional drop-down tailgate or swings open like a door for easier cargo access.
In-Bed Trunk: A class-exclusive, lockable, and weather-tight 7.3-cubic-foot storage compartment under the bed floor that includes a drain plug (allowing it to double as an ice cooler).
60/40 Split Lift-Up Rear Seats: Rear seat cushions fold upward (“Magic Seats”) to provide a tall, flat floor capable of holding full-sized bicycles or bulky boxes inside the cab.
Infotainment and Safety
Technology: Features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, physical volume and climate knobs, and a standard wireless phone charger.
Honda Sensing Safety Suite: Fully standard driver-assistance tech including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and a dedicated Blind Spot Information System (BSI).