Honda's 2026 Ridgeline vehicle slightly elevates its pricing with minimal hikes.
2026 Honda Ridgeline Remains a Solid Choice in Midsize Pickup Category
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is set to hit the market with modest price increases compared to its 2025 counterpart. With the Sport starting at $42,090, the RTL at $44,890, the TrailSport at $47,290, and the Black Edition at $48,690, the Ridgeline offers a competitive pricing structure in the midsize pickup segment.
However, the Ridgeline lacks electrification in its powertrain, a feature that is becoming increasingly popular among consumers energy. This could be a potential drawback for some consumers, especially with Hyundai planning to introduce an electrified midsize pickup truck in North America starting around 2026, which is expected to offer higher performance than the Ridgeline.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2026 Ridgeline's non-hybrid 4WD model has similar ratings to the Chevrolet Colorado 4WD, but the Colorado's hybrid version offers better fuel economy. The Ford Ranger's 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 and 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 have better fuel economy ratings than the Ridgeline.
The 2026 Ridgeline's usable cargo box of 33.9 cubic feet is competitive with other midsize pickups. The bed length of the Ridgeline is longer than the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Jeep Gladiator, but shorter than the Toyota Tacoma's long-bed option. The Ridgeline's unique feature is its in-bed trunk, offering 7.3 cubic feet of stowable volume under the rear floor of the bed, a feature that is not available in the rest of the midsize pickup category.
The Ridgeline Black Edition, priced at $48,690, is cheaper than most top-level models in the AWD midsize truck segment. The Ridgeline also offers a contrasting black roof option for the Black Edition model. The TrailSport trim will feature a new Ash Green Metallic color option.
While the 2026 Ridgeline is approaching its 10-year mark without significant updates, it remains a solid choice in the midsize pickup category due to its unique package that sets it apart from other trucks. The Ridgeline's pricing structure, fuel economy ratings, cargo box capacity, and unique in-bed trunk feature make it a compelling option for consumers in the midsize pickup market.
However, the introduction of electrified midsize pickup trucks could potentially challenge the Ridgeline's position in the market. Consumers looking for higher performance and electrification may want to consider the upcoming Hyundai electrified pickup truck or the Toyota Tacoma's top-end models featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 i-Force Max hybrid option, which delivers 46 more horsepower and a 203 lb-ft torque advantage over the Ridgeline's V-6.
Competitively priced against other midsize trucks, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers a unique blend of features that make it a solid choice for consumers in the midsize pickup market.
