How Does the Honda Ridgeline Handle With a Fully Loaded Trailer? Let's Find Out!

We load up the refreshed Honda Ridgeline with a 5000-lb trailer to see how it handles at capacity. The Ridgeline takes a different approach than most other midsize pickups, with Honda going unibody rather than body-on-frame.

#Honda #Ridgeline #Trucks

[rsdokc]

Have had many "regular" trucks the last 40 years. Sold my 2019 F150 (for a profit) earlier this year and got the Ridgeline RTLE. Wife could no longer get in full size trucks easily. 😀 We love it for what we do..I don't care if people call it a truck or not..its a great vehicle. Ride, comfort, quality and flexibility to carry larger payloads and get us where we need to go. Plus it's made here in the US, has the highest US parts count (+70%) of any truck and is 5star safety rated. WTG Honda ....

[toddtharp]

People criticize the Ridgeline for it's styling more than anything else... I used to do the same. But I think the new version is much better in that regard... It is much more efficient than a full size truck, and still has most of the capability of most 1/2 ton full size trucks, and like others have said, as much capability as most truck owners need or use. I bought a '21 Black Edition and am growing more impressed with it everyday. When you stop comparing it to full size trucks (which it is NOT), and compare to the other midsize trucks on the market, the choice is clear. It's the best midsize truck on the market, period.

[stevehenderson]

I bought a Ridgeline Sport 3 months ago. It tows my 18 1/2 ft bass boat with ease. I’ve had 1/2 ton GMC 1500 for the past 29 years and it was recommended that I try a Honda after a friend bought one to tow his boat. It does the job as advertised & for 24k less than a comparable GMC Sierra SLE Crew Cab 5.3 … yeah I’m good with it.

[Jd-ppfx]

I have friends with the big three trucks. I do more truck things with my Ridgeline than they do. It’s comfortable and also tows my boat and two Waverunners with ease. I’ve owned F150 and a Ram. Wouldn’t trade my Ridgeline for either.

[kevinredden]

I have owned blazers, broncos, Yukon, f150, 250 and f350. My Ridgeline is my favorite all around vehicle for me

[markflaugh]

As a Ridgeline owner who tows with it and uses it as a truck and tows a UTV and a pontoon boat several times a year i can say i wasn’t sure when i bought it but after a year and a half i am convinced, it does great. Super comfortable as a daily driver and great gas mileage and still does everything i ask without question.

[krisw]

I still think Honda pulled this off, great truck for what’s it’s used for. Realistically this truck will do what most people out there need it for. I realize most won’t admit that, but I see a lot of 1/2 ton and HD trucks driving around doing absolutely zero towing. I have owned everything from 1/2 ton and above, and just traded my HD in for a midsized truck. Don’t need the HD since I sold the camper. Driving a midsized truck now, it’s a lot easier to go anywhere I need it to without the extra bulk of the full sized. No I don’t own the Honda, went for the ZR2 and absolutely love it. Regardless I still think Honda did a good job on this truck, yep it’s a truck regardless of frame or not. I don’t care for the Hyundai version though…

[lolotusborderless]

Being eyeballing the Ridgeline for quite some time now, I finally know exactly what to expect, the king crew again working his magic! You guys are the best truck review (and beyond) 😁

[jimmerkerlin]

What everyone has to remember, is that on the 9 speed transmission, you also have paddle shifters to select the gear "YOU WOULD LIKE, " rather than have the trans computer try and figure out what gear to go in. Then, you won't lose your RPM's and momentum!
Easy peasy!!!

[tryonco]

I have a Ridgeline and often tow my tandem-trailered 21’ ski boat, which comes in right at 5, 000 #’s. I have towed it on trips over 1, 200 miles, up grades, over mountains, etc., and it does just great. As you said, it works the engine a little more, you know the trailer is there for sure and drive accordingly, etc., but it handles it with no problems whatsoever. And in the Honda, its a very comfortable ride!

[Glokens]

I think when it's time to replace my car in a few years this truck will be a strong consideration. I think it's the perfect truck for the majority of people out there that do some light hauling on the weekend.

[sanmanDC]

Love my 21 RTL-E. It’s the jack of all trades. More then enough truck for 95% of ppl needs from a pickup.. best truck I ever had. And the Honda reliability is a +👍🏻.

[joeallison]

Your review just keeps getting better and better. My best friend owns one of these ridge lines and now I can truly understand why he likes it so much. Would love to see Honda come out with a more off-road worthy ridgeline. Maybe lifted an inch, maybe skid plates, etc. Not asking for miracles just little upgrades to get one a little more confident going offroad

[thedetroiters]

I pull a 4, 000 single axle travel trailer all over the Pacific Northwest hills and mountain passes with my 2020 RL. Never had an issue. Lots of confidence as you guys mentioned. Impressive 0-60 - destroyed all those other V6 trucks.

[klossfam]

Not surprised by the good results. I tow a 4, 500 lb boat (22 ft Glastron bow rider with a 5.0L Volvo Penta) and no problem on 260 mile runs to the cottage. Got 17.0 mpg (hand calculated) last time towing this boat. Towed the same boat/same route with my previous RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi and got 15.6 mpg. Very good tow vehicle and underrated for payload capabilities (hauled 1, 000 lbs of concrete mix on several runs during a deck build). Yes, it does regular truck stuff.

[daemn]

I love the idea of this truck. I think it just lacks the right trim level some folks are looking for these days. Maybe the upcoming Trailsport trim will correct this.
Not looking to rock crawl but a factory lift, larger tires, and some underbody armor would be appreciated.

[Styrkur]

Steve is my #1 favorite automotive journalist. It’s awesome to see another young Elmer stepping up. Brother kills it too

[voltecrules]

Honda dominates the 0-60 times pulling 5, 000 lbs. Honda makes an amazing engine.

[JBM]

This was a very fair test that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Ridgeline. For what I want to do (occasional hauling and towing, going on semi-maintained trails to access our flying range), it's great. If I were towing substantial loads frequently, I would likely take your advice and look at a F-150 or Ram. As a suburbanite who can't afford a separate commuter car and truck, this or the new Hyundai Santa Cruz (perhaps even the Ford Maverick) seem ideal.

[FlyFishingRealtor]

I just towed my 4 seat sxs 4 hrs round trip with my 2021 RTLE, half of which was on a gravel road and I got 16mpg for the trip.
Obviously most people prefer the look of the Taco but there’s so much more comfort, room and refinement for the price with the Ridgeline.