The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck with unibody construction and a crew cab body style. It includes an in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate, with a focus on ride comfort and towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds. It competes in the segment against models such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier. The 2026 model continues the second-generation platform introduced in 2017 and updated in 2021, with changes limited to a new Ash Green paint option for the TrailSport trim and modest price increases across trims. All models use a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 280 horsepower, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and i-VTM4 all-wheel drive with selectable drive modes.
The Display Audio infotainment system uses a 9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio, and USB ports. Upper trims include navigation with traffic display and a 540-watt audio system. For 2026, the infotainment setup and Honda Sensing safety features—including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and collision mitigation braking—remain unchanged, with no new displays, electrification, or advanced driver aids added. The HondaLink app connects to vehicle data for maintenance alerts, fuel economy tracking, service scheduling, roadside assistance, and remote functions such as door locking, operating without required subscriptions or over-the-air software updates.
What You're Really Signing Up For
- Subscription locks popular features like remote start and CarPlay behind ongoing fees.
- Intrusive auto start-stop and unreliable high beams nag during normal drives.
- Hard-to-find opt-outs and auto-consent expose driving data and location to Honda.
- Remote app features disabled without subscription, limiting control options.
- Event data and service recorders track crash details and powertrain performance.
Top Reported Issues
The most frequently mentioned problems by owners
Auto high beam unreliable
The auto high beam system automatically switches between low and high beams based on oncoming traffi...
Dated infotainment system
The Ridgeline's infotainment system uses an embedded 9-inch touchscreen with convoluted menus, rudim...
Auto start-stop intrusive
The auto start-stop system shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel but restarts on acceleration; ...
No app-based remote start
HondaLink app lacks remote start, lock/unlock for many Ridgeline trims despite hardware support. Own...
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the 2026 Honda Ridgeline
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