Cars

2025 Honda Ridgeline Review: Specs, Price, and Utility Test

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Honda Ridgeline Review: Specs, Price, and Utility Test

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline continues to carve out a unique niche in the midsize pickup truck segment. Known for its car-like ride, advanced safety features, and innovative interior design, the Ridgeline blends practicality with comfort in a way few trucks can match. As we dive deep into the 2025 model, we’ll explore its updated specs, pricing structure, and real-world utility performance to help you decide if this truck is the right fit for your lifestyle.

2025 Honda Ridgeline Overview

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline arrives with subtle yet meaningful updates that enhance its appeal among midsize truck buyers. Whether you're using it for daily commutes or weekend adventures, the Ridgeline stands out for its unibody construction, which delivers a smoother ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks. It competes with models like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier—yet remains distinct in its approach to comfort, versatility, and technology.

For 2025, Honda has refined the Ridgeline’s exterior styling, updated its infotainment system, and improved towing capabilities. The truck remains available in four trim levels: RTL, Sport, Black Edition, and top-tier RTL-T. Each trim offers a mix of features tailored to urban drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and tech-savvy families.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline retains its signature blend of ruggedness and refinement. The front fascia features a bolder chrome grille, updated LED headlights with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and a redesigned lower bumper for improved airflow and aerodynamics. The profile remains clean and boxy, maximizing cargo space while maintaining a sleek silhouette.

Key exterior dimensions for the 2025 Ridgeline include:

The truck’s dual-action tailgate remains one of its most innovative features—open it sideways or down, offering flexible access to the 5-foot cargo bed. New for 2025, Honda offers a wider range of wheel designs, including 18-inch alloy wheels on the Sport trim and 20-inch gloss black alloys on the Black Edition.

Available exterior colors include:

The Ridgeline’s high stance and approach angles make it suitable for mild off-roading, though it's not marketed as a hardcore off-road truck like the Tacoma TRD Pro. Still, its Intelligent Traction Management system includes Snow, Mud, and Normal modes, improving grip in adverse conditions.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2025 Honda Ridgeline, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels more like a premium SUV than a truck. Soft-touch materials, available leather upholstery, and thoughtful storage solutions elevate the driving experience. The dual-zone climate control, heated front seats (ventilated on RTL-T), and heated rear seats (on higher trims) ensure comfort in all seasons.

One standout feature is the in-bed trunk—a lockable, drainable compartment beneath the cargo bed floor. It's perfect for storing tools, coolers, or muddy gear without taking up cab space. The rear seat also folds up to create additional storage, a feature Honda calls the “Magic Seat.”

The center console includes dual USB-C ports, a 12-volt outlet, and wireless charging (available on RTL-T). Rear passengers benefit from fold-down armrests with cup holders and excellent legroom—a rarity in midsize trucks.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Ridgeline features a new 10.2-inch HD touchscreen, part of Honda’s updated infotainment system. The interface is faster, more responsive, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity as standard. The system also includes over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring your software stays current without dealer visits.

Available premium features include:

Honda’s Digital Key system is now available, allowing owners to unlock and start the truck using their smartphone. The system supports multiple user profiles and can be shared remotely, ideal for families or fleet operations.

Performance and Powertrain

Under the hood, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline continues with its proven 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system includes torque vectoring to improve handling on slippery roads or uneven terrain.

Fuel economy remains competitive for a midsize truck. The EPA estimates:

While not class-leading, these numbers are respectable given the Ridgeline’s size and towing capacity. The truck runs on regular unleaded gasoline and has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, providing a total driving range of approximately 468 miles on the highway.

Towing and Hauling Capacity

The 2025 Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped—sufficient for hauling small trailers, campers, or jet skis. Honda offers a factory-installed trailer hitch and wiring harness on all trims, with the RTL-T and Black Edition including a trailer stability assist system.

The cargo bed measures 5 feet in length and includes:

The in-bed trunk adds 7.3 cubic feet of secure storage—ideal for valuable or wet items. Combined with the cab’s extensive cubbies and door pockets, the Ridgeline offers one of the most versatile storage systems in its class.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the 2025 Ridgeline comes standard with the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This includes:

The 2025 model now includes a new Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation system, useful when transporting child seats. Rear seat reminder and cabin camera monitoring are also available, enhancing both safety and convenience.

In crash testing, the Ridgeline continues to earn top marks from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Its unibody construction contributes to better crash energy distribution, and the truck received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS in recent evaluations.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is available in four well-equipped trims, each offering a unique blend of features and value. Here’s a breakdown of each trim and its starting MSRP:

1. RTL (Starting at $41,850)

The RTL is the base model but still generously equipped. Standard features include:

Optional packages include a towing package, roof rack, and all-weather floor mats.

2. Sport (Starting at $44,200)

The Sport trim adds a more aggressive look with blacked-out grille, badges, and wheels. Interior upgrades include:

The Sport also includes fog lights, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard.

3. Black Edition (Starting at $47,850)

As the name suggests, the Black Edition features a fully darkened appearance with:

This trim appeals to buyers who want a rugged, stylish truck with premium amenities.

4. RTL-T (Starting at $49,750)

The top-of-the-line RTL-T (Touring) offers the most luxury and convenience features. Highlights include:

The RTL-T also includes a towing package and trailer stability assist, making it the ideal choice for those who plan to haul frequently.

All prices include the $1,495 destination fee. Available dealer incentives and Honda finance rates may reduce the final out-the-door price.

Utility Test: Real-World Performance

To evaluate the 2025 Ridgeline’s practicality, we conducted a series of real-world utility tests focusing on cargo capacity, towing, off-pavement capability, and everyday usability.

1. Cargo Bed and In-Bed Trunk

We loaded the cargo bed with a 4x8 sheet of plywood, which fit with the tailgate closed—thanks to the Ridgeline’s wide bed and integrated bed extender. The dual-action tailgate proved invaluable when unloading bulky items; the side-swing option allowed access in tight spaces where a traditional tailgate wouldn’t work.

The in-bed trunk was tested with a 50-quart cooler and a set of muddy hiking boots. The drainable design and rubber mat made cleanup easy. We also used it to store groceries during a hot day—its insulation helped keep perishables cool.

2. Towing Test

We hitched a 4,500-pound travel trailer and drove a mix of highway, city, and hilly terrain. The Ridgeline’s V6 engine delivered strong low-end torque, with smooth shifts from the 9-speed transmission. The trailer stability assist worked seamlessly, reducing sway on windy roads.

The available rearview camera with trailer guide lines made hitching easier, even for novice users. We also appreciated the standard trailer brake controller on higher trims.

3. Off-Pavement Capability

While not a dedicated off-roader, the Ridgeline handled gravel roads, muddy trails, and snow-covered paths confidently. The Intelligent Traction Management system’s Mud mode improved grip on loose surfaces, and the long wheelbase provided stability on uneven terrain.

Approach and departure angles are modest (16.7° and 21.8° respectively), limiting extreme trail access. However, for