The 2025 Honda Ridgeline continues to be one of the most unique and versatile pickups in the midsize truck segment. With its unibody construction, SUV-like ride quality, standard all-wheel drive, and clever design elements like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate, the Ridgeline stands apart from its more rugged, body-on-frame competitors. For 2025, it refines its position with minor updates, including the TrailSport trim introduced recently, offering more off-road flair. If you’re looking for a practical, family-friendly pickup that doesn’t compromise comfort or innovation, the 2025 Ridgeline might be your ideal match.
Performance and Powertrain
All 2025 Honda Ridgeline models are powered by a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard i-VTM4® all-wheel drive, the Ridgeline delivers confident acceleration and responsive handling.
It also features an Intelligent Traction Management system with selectable drive modes (Normal, Snow, Sand, Mud) to adapt to various surfaces. While not meant for hardcore off-roading, it handles light trails and rough terrain with ease.
Fuel Economy (estimated):
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 24 MPG
- Combined: 21 MPG
TrailSport: approx. 20 MPG combined due to all-terrain tires
Exterior and Interior Design
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline maintains a bold, rugged design with squared-off fenders, a chunky front grille, and a robust stance. The TrailSport trim adds exclusive touches like all-terrain tires, a unique grille, orange badging, and a skid plate for extra protection.
Inside, the cabin is one of the most spacious and comfortable in its class. It offers:
- Roomy crew cab with seating for five adults
- New 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 7-inch digital gauge display
- Tri-zone climate control (on upper trims)
- Heated front seats and leather upholstery (starting at RTL trim)
- Power sliding rear window and one-touch moonroof (RTL and above)
Overall, the interior is built with functionality and practicality in mind, featuring durable materials, intuitive controls, and clever storage options.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of the four available trims for 2025 Honda Ridgeline and their key features:
| Trim | Starting MSRP (approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | $40,150 | V6 engine, AWD, cloth seats, 9″ touchscreen, Honda Sensing®, in-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate |
| RTL | $42,600 | Leather seats, heated front seats, moonroof, power driver seat, blind spot monitor |
| TrailSport | $45,000 | All-terrain tires, off-road suspension, skid plate, TrailSport styling, all-weather floor mats |
| Black Edition | $46,700 | Blacked-out trim, black leather with red lighting, premium audio, navigation, parking sensors |
All trims include AWD, Honda Sensing safety suite, and Honda’s versatile In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate as standard.
Technology and Safety
Technology in the Ridgeline is up-to-date with:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad (RTL and above)
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Satellite navigation (TrailSport & Black Edition)
- Premium audio with truck-bed speakers (Black Edition)
Safety features include:
- Honda Sensing® Suite: Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RTL and up)
- Multi-angle rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors (Black Edition)
- Advanced body structure and multiple airbags
Off-Road and Utility Capabilities
The TrailSport trim adds a more adventurous edge to the Ridgeline with off-road tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. However, this truck is better suited for light off-roading, gravel trails, or snowy roads, rather than extreme rock crawling.
Utility Highlights:
- Towing capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Payload: Around 1,500–1,600 lbs
- In-Bed Trunk®: Lockable and waterproof with drain plug
- Dual-Action Tailgate: Opens traditionally or swings to the side
The bed is also designed without wheel-well intrusions, maximizing usable space for gear, tools, and other cargo.
Comparison to Competitors
Here’s how the 2025 Honda Ridgeline compares to key rivals:
| Feature | Honda Ridgeline | Toyota Tacoma / Ford Ranger / Chevy Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Ride comfort | Best in class | More rugged, stiffer ride |
| Cabin space | Roomy and refined | Varies, some cramped rear seating |
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs | Up to 7,500 lbs |
| Off-road capability | Light-duty, TrailSport trim | Higher trims (TRD Pro, ZR2, Raptor) more capable |
| Bed features | In-bed trunk, tailgate tech | Conventional beds |
| Base price (4×4 crew) | ~$40,000 | $32,000–$36,000 |
The Ridgeline’s unique design favors everyday comfort and versatility, while rivals tend to emphasize off-road prowess or towing strength. If you need hardcore capabilities, competitors may offer more options. But for a well-rounded, comfortable, and tech-loaded truck, the Ridgeline is hard to beat.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline is perfect for:
- Families or commuters wanting SUV comfort with truck utility
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need moderate off-road ability and clever cargo space
- Buyers who tow light trailers, boats, or gear occasionally
- Drivers who value a smooth ride, spacious cabin, and practical design
It’s not aimed at off-road thrill-seekers or commercial workhorse users. But for the vast majority of midsize truck shoppers looking for balance, the Ridgeline offers the best of both worlds.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline isn’t the most rugged or powerful truck on the market — and it doesn’t try to be. What it excels at is making life easier. From the smooth, SUV-like ride to its brilliant cargo features and modern tech, the Ridgeline proves that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort to get real pickup capability. It’s ideal for real-world truck users who appreciate innovation, reliability, and an everyday-friendly design.
