2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Review: Best or Overpriced?

Import or Domestic Truck – What are You Buying?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline celebrates 20 years on the market, which is notable given how often it has been questioned by traditional truck buyers. I spent a full week behind the wheel of the TrailSport model to see where it stands today, and more importantly, whether it still makes a compelling case in the midsize truck segment.

Design

For 2026, Honda keeps changes minimal and focuses on subtle design updates. The TrailSport receives an exclusive Ash Green exterior, while the Black Edition introduces a two-tone roof. Standard design elements carry over, including full LED lighting, dual chrome exhaust outlets, and one of the most unique features in the segment, the dual-action tailgate paired with an in-bed trunk. An integrated Class III trailer hitch with a 7-pin connector is also standard, reinforcing its everyday usability.

Inside, the experience varies by trim, but the TrailSport strikes a strong balance. Black leather seats with orange stitching give it a slightly rugged edge, and both front and rear outboard seats are heated. The 9-inch touchscreen comes standard across the lineup, along with HondaSensing driver assistance technology and walkaway auto-lock, which adds convenience in daily use.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2026 Ridgeline ranges from just over $56,300 to $62,300 CAD, or approximately $40,800 to $47,900 USD before options. My tester came in at $59,769 CAD, or $46,585 USD, which places it directly in the heart of the segment. At that price point, value becomes part of the conversation.

Power & Performance

Powering every Ridgeline is a 3.5-litre V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Output is rated at 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and every model comes standard with all-wheel drive and a heavy-duty transmission cooler.

Our 0-100km/h test featured a 9-second time.

On the road, the Ridgeline feels composed and predictable, with a smooth power delivery that favours comfort over aggression. The TrailSport’s off-road tuned suspension and all-terrain tires add capability, but this remains a truck that is more at home on pavement than on technical trails.

Real-World Fuel Economy Rating

Fuel economy is not a standout, but it is competitive within the segment. Honda estimates 11.6 L/100 km combined, or about 20 mpg. Over the course of my week, I averaged 10.9 L/100 km, or 21.6 mpg, which came in slightly better than expected. That result reflects light usage with no cargo or towing, and with ECON mode engaged during normal driving.

A key part of the Ridgeline’s identity is its i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which actively distributes torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also side-to-side at the rear. Under load or during cornering, it can send additional torque to the outside rear wheel, improving stability and handling in a way that feels more refined than most traditional trucks.

Towing & Cargo Capacities

Capability is where opinions tend to divide. The Ridgeline tows up to 5,000 pounds and offers 7.64 inches of ground clearance, numbers that fall short of some body-on-frame competitors. However, the argument shifts when you look at practicality. The bed measures 5 feet 3 inches in length, extending to 6 feet 10 inches with the tailgate down, and total bed volume comes in at 960 litres, or 34 cubic feet. The in-bed trunk adds another 207 litres, or 7.3 cubic feet, and includes a drain plug, making it ideal for storage or even use as a cooler.

Payload capacity is rated at 1,497 pounds, which is strong for a midsize truck. The bed is also wide enough to accommodate a standard 4-foot sheet of plywood or drywall without angling it, which remains one of the Ridgeline’s most practical advantages.

Rear Seat Area Highlights

In the rear seat, functionality continues to be a highlight. Like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Ridgeline offers under-seat storage, which is useful for keeping smaller items out of sight. Rear passengers benefit from heated outboard seats and dedicated climate controls, adding a level of comfort not always found in this segment. Legroom is adequate for shorter occupants, though taller passengers may find it tight, while headroom remains generous across the board. The wide center armrest and power-operated pass-through rear window stand out as thoughtful additions that enhance everyday usability.

Interior Design & Comfort

Up front, the TrailSport trim delivers a well-rounded experience. You get remote start, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a small sunroof. Storage is excellent throughout the cabin, and the large centre armrest is particularly useful. The only notable omission is the lack of a cooled centre console, which would have elevated the experience further.

The driver interface is intuitive. Steering wheel controls manage HondaSensing features and audio functions, while the driver display can be customized to show information such as torque distribution. Physical buttons on the lower dash provide quick access to key safety systems, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The infotainment system supports wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and below it sits a wireless charging pad alongside USB, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets. Drive modes, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand, are easily selected via a dedicated button on the lower dash.

Final Driving Impressions

On the road, the Ridgeline leans heavily into comfort. The seats are supportive, cabin noise is well controlled thanks to acoustic glass, and overall drivability feels closer to an SUV than a traditional truck. Visibility is strong up front and through the B-pillar, though like most trucks, there is a noticeable blind spot at the C-pillar. Honda’s blind-spot monitoring system helps offset that limitation.

There are trade-offs. Push the Ridgeline harder and body roll becomes noticeable, reminding you that this is not a performance-focused truck. The rear seat could benefit from additional recline, and the absence of a bed-mounted power outlet on the TrailSport trim feels like a missed opportunity, especially given its positioning.

The broader conversation comes down to configuration. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction delivers a quieter, more comfortable ride with improved efficiency and safety characteristics compared to body-on-frame rivals. In return, it sacrifices some of the raw capability that traditional truck buyers expect.

So, is the 2026 Ridgeline TrailSport one of the best midsize trucks, or is it overpriced?

The answer sits somewhere in the middle. Its smart storage solutions, practical bed design, and everyday comfort make it one of the most usable trucks in the segment. At the same time, pricing pushes into territory where buyers will start to question value, especially when compared to more traditional alternatives.

For the right buyer, someone prioritizing comfort, usability, and thoughtful design, the Ridgeline remains a compelling choice. For those chasing maximum capability or a more rugged image, it may fall short.