The midsize truck segment has been a buzz with redesigns, and now Honda has entered the fray with a refreshed 2025 Honda Ridgeline. Known as the often-overlooked contender in this space, the Ridgeline brings new updates and features that might make it an underrated gem for potential buyers.

Engine and Performance

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It offers a combined fuel economy of 20 MPG for the TrailSport model.

Throughout our week of testing, the Ridgeline showcased a smooth, powerful ride, with a potent V6 delivering effortless acceleration. Unlike its competitors moving towards four-cylinder engines, the Ridgeline stays old-school with the V6, ensuring a refined and robust driving experience.

2025 Honda Ridgeline Exterior Updates

The new TrailSport trim level brings an adventurous look to the 2025 Honda Ridgeline. With its unique grey grille, orange TrailSport branding, and gloss black accents, this trim offers a more rugged aesthetic. The Ridgeline also features LED projector headlights for the low beam, while the high beams remain halogen—something quite unusual for 2025.

The rear sports new tailgate design elements, with “Honda Ridgeline” boldly spelled across the back, adding to its more brutal truck persona.

The bed itself offers practical features, including a dual-action tailgate that can open traditionally or swing to the side. Additionally, it includes a watertight under-bed storage compartment with 7.3 cubic feet of space, perfect for keeping belongings dry or even using it as a cooler.

2025 Honda Ridgeline Interior and Technology

Inside, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport continues to impress with its comfortable, spacious cabin. The TrailSport trim brings black leather seating with orange accents and the unique TrailSport branding on the headrests. The dashboard and door panels have soft-touch materials with stitching details, giving the truck a premium feel.

A 9-inch display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replaces the previous 8-inch screen, providing better connectivity. On the left-hand side, there’s also a partially digital gauge cluster with a 7-inch reconfigurable display.

One notable improvement is the larger center console, which now offers significantly more storage space compared to the previous model. In addition, rear passengers enjoy ample legroom and a three-zone automatic climate control system, making it an ideal truck for families.

Ride Comfort and Practicality

One of the Ridgeline’s standout features is its comfort. Thanks to its unibody design, the truck rides more like an SUV, absorbing bumps smoothly and providing a quiet cabin experience. Despite the off-road-focused all-terrain tires on the TrailSport trim, the Ridgeline offers excellent ride quality, making it one of the most comfortable trucks in the segment.

With 36 inches of rear legroom and generous under-seat storage, the Ridgeline proves its practicality for both passengers and cargo. Whether for work or play, the truck’s bed and interior space offer plenty of utility for various needs.

Pricing and Final Thoughts

Starting at $41,150 for the base Sport trim, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline offers excellent value in the midsize truck segment. Our tested TrailSport model came in at $46,000, offering a well-rounded package with off-road capabilities, advanced tech, and Honda’s signature reliability.

While the 2025 Honda Ridgeline might not have undergone a significant overhaul, its practicality, comfort, and unique features make it a compelling choice. For those looking for a versatile midsize truck with a focus on daily comfort, the Ridgeline remains a strong contender.

OVERVIEW

The all-new 2025 Honda Ridgeline—a truck that has always managed to stand out in the crowded midsize pickup truck segment—has consistently been a favorite for those who want the utility of a car without sacrificing comfort and everyday drivability. So, what does the 2025 model bring to the table? Let’s dive in and find out.

The first thing you’ll notice about the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the refreshed design. Honda has given the Ridgeline a more rugged and aggressive look compared to previous models. The front end now features a bolder grille, along with sharper LED headlights that give it a more modern, dynamic appearance. The new design makes it more visually aligned with traditional trucks, but it still retains the sleek, urban-friendly design that Ridgeline fans love.

Moving under the hood, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 L V-6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and excellent performance both on the highway and in more rugged terrain. While the engine may not seem as massive as some competitors, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks, providing an outstanding balance between power and fuel efficiency.

Speaking of efficiency, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is expected to achieve 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, making it one of the more efficient options in the midsize truck category. That’s a solid performance for a V6-powered truck, and it makes the Ridgeline an excellent choice for those who want to save on fuel without sacrificing capability.

One of the most significant selling points of Honda Ridgeline has always been its unibody construction. Unlike most trucks, which use body-on-frame construction, the Ridgeline’s unibody design gives it a smoother ride and better handling. This is a significant advantage for those who plan on using the car for commuting or daily driving. The ride feels more like an SUV than a traditional truck, making it ideal for those who want comfort and convenience without giving up utility.

For 2025, Honda has also made some improvements to the all-wheel-drive system. The new i-VTM4 AWD system offers better torque distribution and improved off-road capability. Whether you’re driving through snow, mud, or sand, the Ridgeline’s AWD system ensures that you’ll have the grip you need to get through harsh conditions. It’s less off-road-focused than some other trucks in its class, but it’s more than capable for the average driver who occasionally ventures off the beaten path.

Now, let’s talk about the interior, where Honda has really stepped up its game for 2025. The cabin is spacious, comfortable, and packed with tech features that make it a great place to spend time. You’ll find premium materials throughout, with soft-touch surfaces and available leather seating in higher trims like the RTL-E and Black Edition.

At the center of the dashboard is a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s easy to use and responsive. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and integrates with your smartphone for music, navigation, and more. The infotainment system also comes with Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system, which is an excellent feature if you’re heading out on road trips or exploring unfamiliar territory.

One of the Ridgeline’s best features is the in-bed audio system. That’s right—you can actually play music through the truck’s bed! This system is perfect for tailgating or camping trips, allowing you to turn your vehicle into an outdoor entertainment hub. The Ridgeline’s bed also comes with under-bed storage, giving you extra space to stash your gear or tools, and it’s lockable for added security.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline also has a dual-action tailgate that can either swing out to the side or drop down like a traditional tailgate. This might sound like a minor feature, but it makes loading and unloading cargo much easier, especially when you’re dealing with heavier or awkwardly shaped items.

Honda has always been at the forefront, and the 2025 Ridgeline is no exception. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features make driving safer and give you added peace of mind whether you’re on the highway or navigating busy city streets.

Now, let’s talk about towing and payload capacity, two areas where the Ridgeline shines. The 2025 Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 lbs, which is enough for most recreational needs—whether you’re towing a small boat, trailer, or some off-road vehicles. The truck also has a payload capacity of around 1,580 lbs, meaning you can haul plenty of gear, tools, or building materials without breaking a sweat.

If you’re wondering about pricing, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at around $40,000 for the base Sport trim. If you’re looking for more features, the RTL trim comes in at about $43,000, while the RTL-E will set you back around $46,000. The top-of-the-line Black Edition, with all the bells and whistles, is priced at around $49,000. These prices put the Ridgeline in a competitive spot within the midsize truck market, especially considering the features and comfort it offers.

For those looking to customize their Ridgeline, Honda offers a range of accessories that allow you to tailor the truck to your specific needs. You can add roof racks, cargo organizers, and off-road packages to enhance the truck’s versatility.

Conclusion

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and capability. It offers a smooth ride, excellent tech features, and enough towing and payload capacity for most needs. While it might not be the go-to choice for hardcore off-roaders, it’s a fantastic option for anyone who needs a truck that’s as comfortable on the highway as it is capable of tackling weekend adventures.

The combination of anybody’s construction, all-wheel drive, and a host of innovative features makes the Ridgeline a standout in the midsize truck market.