2025 Honda Ridgeline Review: The Refined Unibody Pickup Truck
Featured Snippet: The 2025 Honda Ridgeline continues to stand out in the mid-size truck segment with its unibody construction, delivering a car-like ride quality. It offers a single 3.5L V6 engine (280 hp), 5,000 lbs towing capacity, and up to 21 MPG combined. Key trims include the Sport ($41,545), RTL ($44,375), TrailSport ($46,775), and Black Edition ($48,145).
What’s New for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
Following a refresh for the 2024 model year, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline carries over unchanged, maintaining its unique position in the mid-size truck market. Unlike traditional body-on-frame competitors like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, the Ridgeline uses a unibody platform, sharing its architecture with Honda’s SUVs for superior on-road comfort.
Performance & Capability
The Ridgeline’s sole powertrain remains a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While rivals offer turbocharged or hybrid options, Honda’s naturally aspirated V6 prioritizes reliability and smooth power delivery.
- Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway (21 combined)
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (lower than body-on-frame competitors)
- Payload Capacity: 1,600 lbs (competitive for the segment)
Why Choose the Ridgeline Over Competitors?
The Honda Ridgeline excels in areas where traditional trucks compromise:
Superior Ride Quality
Independent rear suspension and unibody construction eliminate the harsh ride of body-on-frame trucks.
Innovative Bed Features
Includes a dual-action tailgate (drops down or swings open) and an in-bed waterproof trunk (7.3 cu-ft).
Advanced Safety Tech
Standard Honda Sensing suite with adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and collision mitigation.
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2025 Honda Ridgeline Trim Levels Compared
1. Ridgeline Sport ($41,545)
The base model includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED lighting
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tri-zone climate control
2. Ridgeline RTL ($44,375)
Adds premium features:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power moonroof
- Acoustic windshield for reduced noise
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3. Ridgeline TrailSport ($46,775)
Honda’s off-road-focused trim offers:
- Unique suspension tuning
- Underbody skid plate
- Black exterior accents
- Orange interior stitching
4. Ridgeline Black Edition ($48,145)
The luxury-oriented top trim includes:
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Premium audio system
- Red interior accents
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Who Should Buy the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline is ideal for buyers who:
- Prioritize comfort and daily drivability over extreme towing
- Need truck utility without traditional truck compromises
- Want Honda’s reliability in a pickup package
Final Verdict
While the 2025 Honda Ridgeline can’t match the towing numbers of body-on-frame competitors, it remains the most refined and livable mid-size truck available. For urban and suburban buyers who occasionally need truck capability but value car-like manners, the Ridgeline is in a class of its own.