2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD in Lincoln, NE | Built for Families, Work & Weekend Adventures

August 19th, 2026 by

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD is the right pickup for Lincoln families and active professionals who want genuine truck utility — a 5,000 lbs towing rating and 1,544 lbs payload — without the punishing ride of a traditional body-on-frame midsize. Starting at $43,395, the RTL AWD pairs a 280 hp 3.5L V6 with Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD system, leather seating for five, and a suite of standard driver-assistance tech that makes it equally at home on city streets and weekend trails.

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How Well Does the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD Serve Lincoln Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD is a strong fit for Lincoln’s active, family-oriented buyers — it delivers real truck capability alongside the interior refinement and all-weather confidence that daily life in this city demands. Whether you’re hauling gear to Pioneers Park Nature Center, carpooling five to a Cornhuskers game, or towing a small trailer for a weekend camping trip, the RTL AWD is built to handle each task without making you feel like you’re driving a work truck on your morning commute.

Feature RTL AWD
Engine 3.5L
Horsepower 280 hp
Torque 262 lb-ft
Transmission automatic 9-speed
Drivetrain All-wheel drive

The RTL sits in the heart of the Ridgeline lineup — above the entry-level Sport and below the off-road-focused TrailSport and top-range Black Edition. That positioning makes it the balanced choice for buyers who want premium leather seating, smart tech, and all-season AWD without paying for specialized trim packages they may never fully use. For Lincoln buyers who prioritize daily usability over extreme capability, the RTL AWD hits a genuinely compelling value point.

Honda’s broader lineup at Honda of Lincoln gives every buyer in your household a well-matched vehicle. If someone in your family needs a fuel-efficient daily driver, you can explore the new Honda CR-V or the new Honda CR-V Hybrid for commuter-friendly efficiency. Families needing a third-row option can look at the new Honda Pilot or the spacious new Honda Odyssey. For those who want a sporty car instead, the new Honda Civic Type R or the Honda Accord are both standouts — and the Honda Accord Hybrid adds impressive fuel economy to that equation. More compact options include the new Honda Civic Sedan, the new Honda Civic Hatchback, and the new Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid. If you’re looking for a two-row SUV between the CR-V and Pilot, the new Honda Passport or the subcompact new Honda HR-V round out the utility lineup. And if the Ridgeline is the right call but your budget needs some flexibility, Honda of Lincoln’s current inventory and availability are worth checking before you finalize your decision. You can also browse new Ridgeline inventory to see what’s available right now.

The RTL AWD’s appeal for Lincoln buyers comes down to a simple trade: you get the open bed and towing muscle of a truck, the smooth ride and carlike handling of a crossover, and the interior quality of a well-equipped SUV — all in one vehicle priced within reach for young professionals and growing families alike.

Rugged Look That Matches Urban and Outdoor Spirit in the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD presents a confident, squared-off exterior that reads as purposeful rather than flashy — exactly the right tone for a truck that splits its time between Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District on a Saturday morning and a gravel trail at Pioneers Park by the afternoon.

The crew cab body style gives the Ridgeline a substantial, four-door stance with a 125.2-inch wheelbase that provides visual length and stability without tipping into full-size-truck territory. At 210.2 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.8 inches tall, the proportions are commanding on the street but manageable in a parking garage or neighborhood driveway. The short wheelbase classification means turning radius stays practical — the curb-to-curb turning circle measures 520.9 inches, which matters when you’re navigating downtown Lincoln’s tighter blocks or pulling into a packed tailgate lot near Memorial Stadium.

Up front, the projector-beam headlights with LED low beams give the face a modern, sharp look that suits the RTL’s positioning as a refined mid-tier trim. LED fog lights and daytime running lights round out the front lighting signature, and the dusk sensor means the headlights activate automatically as the light fades. Painted front and rear bumpers integrate cleanly with the body, giving the truck a more polished appearance than trucks that use contrasting plastic cladding.

The exterior color palette for the RTL AWD includes six choices: Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic II, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Solar Silver Metallic. That range covers understated daily-driver tones as well as bolder options for buyers who want their truck to stand out. All six are pearl or metallic finishes, which adds depth and holds up well over time in varied weather conditions.

For buyers who want to customize further, Honda offers a range of dealer-installed exterior options. You can add Roof Rails in either Gloss Black or Silver, then pair them with matching crossbars, a roof basket, or sport-specific attachments including a Kayak Attachment, Ski/Snowboard Attachment, Surf/Paddle Board Attachment, or Bike Attachments in both fork-mount and frame-mount configurations. Running Boards are available in black or with integrated lights for easier entry and a more finished look. The HPD Front Grille and HPD Lower Door Trim add Honda Performance Development styling cues for buyers who want a more aggressive appearance without moving to the TrailSport trim. Fender Flares, Body Side Molding, and a Tailgate Blackout Package (available via dealer packages) let you further personalize the look.

If you want to protect the finish, the Protection Package and All-Season Protection Packages I and II are available through the dealer. Door Edge Film, Door Edge Guards, Door Handle Film, and a Hood Protector are practical additions that make sense for a truck that sees regular use. For buyers exploring the broader Honda lineup or considering a pre-owned option, our pre-owned inventory includes a range of certified and used vehicles across body styles if the new Ridgeline’s timeline doesn’t fit your schedule.

The Ridgeline’s exterior strikes a balance that’s hard to find in the midsize truck segment: it looks like a serious truck without the visual excess of a lifted, heavily cladded competitor. For Lincoln buyers who want a vehicle that fits equally well at a university parking structure and a weekend campsite, that restraint is a genuine asset.

Power and AWD Built for Pioneers Park Trails and City Streets in the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

A single powertrain does everything the RTL AWD needs to do: the 3.5L V6 engine produces 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management system (i-VTM4). There are no powertrain options or packages to choose from — this is the one engine in the Ridgeline lineup, and it’s well-matched to the truck’s character.

Feature RTL AWD
Seating 5
Cargo 7.3 cu ft
Curb weight 4,480 lbs
Towing 5,000 lbs
Payload 1,544 lbs

The i-VTM4 AWD system is what sets the Ridgeline apart from conventional part-time 4WD trucks. Rather than a driver-selectable transfer case, the system continuously and automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles — and across the rear axle — in real time based on wheel slip, steering angle, and driving conditions. On Lincoln’s flat, mixed-surface roads, that means seamless transitions between dry pavement and the occasional wet or uneven surface near the Salt Creek greenways or unpaved park access roads. The system includes terrain type selection, electronic traction control, vehicle stability control, torque vectoring, a rear differential lock, and a hill holder — a combination that gives the truck genuine all-season confidence without requiring the driver to manage mode switches.

The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and keeps the V6 in its power band efficiently. The shift lever is mounted on the steering column, which frees up the full center console for storage — a practical benefit for daily driving. Transmission gear change paddles are also included for drivers who want more direct control on winding roads or when descending grades.

Fuel economy for the RTL AWD is rated at 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined by the EPA. For a truck with a 4,480 lbs curb weight and 280 horsepower, those figures are competitive in the midsize segment. The 19.5-gallon fuel tank gives a calculated range of 409 miles on a full tank of regular 87-octane unleaded — no premium fuel required, which keeps running costs predictable for buyers watching their budget. The engine also includes a start/stop system and cylinder deactivation technology to help maintain efficiency in stop-and-go conditions.

The suspension setup is a meaningful differentiator. Up front, you get an independent front strut suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Out back, the Ridgeline runs a fully independent multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar — a configuration you won’t find on any body-on-frame midsize competitor. That independent rear setup is responsible for the Ridgeline’s notably more composed, carlike ride quality, and it also contributes to better handling balance when the truck is loaded or towing. Car and Driver has noted that the Ridgeline handles most pickup tasks with a more comfortable ride and crisper handling than conventional midsize pickups — a point that resonates for Lincoln buyers spending the majority of their miles on city streets rather than rough terrain.

The four-wheel disc brakes include two ventilated front discs, ABS, and a brake assist system — a solid stopping setup for a truck that weighs in at 4,480 lbs loaded. Electric power steering is speed-proportional, meaning it’s lighter and more maneuverable at low speeds (useful in parking lots and tight downtown spots) and firms up at highway speeds for stability.

Ground clearance sits at 7.6 inches unladen, with an approach angle of 20.4 degrees and a departure angle of 19.6 degrees — enough for the light trail and unpaved road use that most Lincoln buyers will realistically encounter. The Ridgeline is not designed for extreme rock crawling, but for gravel paths, grass, and the kind of mixed-surface weekend driving that Pioneers Park or regional campsites demand, those numbers are adequate.

For genuine parts and accessories to maintain or upgrade your Ridgeline’s mechanical components, Honda of Lincoln’s online parts and accessories store carries Honda Genuine Parts that you can order directly and have installed by our certified technicians.

Spacious Cabin Comfort for Family Days at Memorial Stadium in the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

Five passengers fit comfortably in the Ridgeline RTL AWD’s crew cab — and that comfort is genuine, not just nominal. Front headroom measures 39.5 inches, rear headroom is 38.8 inches, and front shoulder room reaches 62 inches with rear shoulder room at 61.5 inches. Front legroom comes in at 40.9 inches, and rear passengers get 36.7 inches — figures that make the back seat usable for adults on longer trips, not just a place to fold the kids. For a family loading up to attend a Cornhuskers game at Memorial Stadium or heading out for a Saturday at the farmers market, those rear dimensions mean everyone arrives comfortably rather than cramped.

Feature RTL AWD
MPG 18 city / 24 hwy / 21 combined

The RTL trim steps up the interior materials meaningfully from the base Sport. Seating is finished in leather, and buyers can choose between three interior color options: Black Leather, Brown Leather, or Gray Leather. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable with 5 electrical adjustments, including electric lumbar support and memory settings for height, reach, reclining angle, and tilt — so the seat returns to your preferred position every time. Both front seats are heated, which matters for Lincoln’s winters. The passenger seat offers 2 electrical adjustments for reach and recline.

The rear seat is a split-folding bench with 3-passenger capacity. The seat base splits for flexible cargo and passenger configurations — you can fold one side to accommodate longer items in the bed or cabin while still carrying two rear passengers. Below the rear seat, there’s standard underseat storage, a practical feature that lets you stow items out of sight without using the bed.

The steering wheel is leather-covered with alloy trim accents, height and telescopic adjustment, and multi-function controls for audio and trip computer. The instrument cluster combines analog gauges with a 7-inch TFT reconfigurable screen, and the driver gets a low tire pressure indicator that displays actual pressure values. The interior door panels and gear selector carry alloy-look trim, and the floor console is a partial-floor type that keeps the center area open while providing cup holders for both front and rear rows, plus a dashboard console for additional storage.

Climate is managed by a 3-zone automatic climate control system — driver, front passenger, and rear passengers each get independent temperature settings, with secondary ventilation controls at the rear seats. That three-zone setup is genuinely useful for families where adults and kids consistently disagree on temperature. A ventilation system micro filter keeps cabin air clean.

Cargo management in the Ridgeline’s distinctive In-Bed Trunk deserves a mention here because it functions as an extension of the interior storage system. The lockable, weatherproof trunk sits under the bed floor and holds about 7 cu ft of gear — enough for a bag of sports equipment, a cooler, or items you don’t want visible in the open bed. The bed itself measures 64 inches long and 60 inches wide (50 inches between the wheelhouses), with a composite liner already in place. Load restraint hooks are standard, and the rear step makes it easy to reach items in the bed without climbing in. Optional additions include an In-Bed Trunk Cargo Tray, Cargo Dividers, Cargo Net, and Carpet to customize the storage space further.

The combination of a genuinely spacious rear seat, three-zone climate control, heated leather front seats, and the unique dual-purpose cargo system makes the RTL AWD’s cabin one of the most practically organized interiors in the midsize truck segment.

Smart Tech to Navigate Busy Downtown and University Life with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

The 2026 Ridgeline RTL AWD’s technology package is centered on a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display mounted at dashboard center, fixed in orientation for easy glanceability while driving. That screen size is a practical step up from smaller displays found in some midsize truck competitors, and it serves as the hub for navigation, media, and phone integration without requiring you to squint.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both standard — no cable required. That matters for daily commuters who plug in the moment they get in the car; with wireless integration, your phone connects automatically when you start the truck and your preferred apps appear on the screen without fumbling for a cable. Both subscriptions are included without a defined end date (reflected as 999 months in the catalog, meaning there’s no expiration tied to a trial period). The system also supports an OEM data plan via your own phone connection, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates keep the infotainment system current without requiring a dealership visit.

The audio system includes 7 speakers and a subwoofer, with AM/FM radio, satellite radio (including a 3-month trial subscription), and a touchscreen interface. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls let you manage volume and track selection without taking your hands off the wheel. The front AUX jack and front USB connection (1 USB front charging port) handle wired device needs, and there are 2 front 12V power outlets plus 1 rear 12V outlet for passengers’ devices.

Bluetooth connectivity is standard, with a paired garage door opener built into the overhead console — a small but genuinely useful feature for buyers who pull into a garage every evening. The Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock system means you can approach the truck hands-free with your key fob and have the doors unlock automatically; when you walk away with the fob in your pocket, the truck locks itself. The push-button start completes the keyless operation loop. Mirror memory settings are tied to the driver profile, so if you share the truck with a partner, each driver’s mirror and seat position can be saved and recalled.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is standard and works at highway speeds to maintain a set following distance behind the vehicle ahead — useful on Interstate 80 runs out of Lincoln or longer trips across the Great Plains. The system integrates with the braking system to reduce speed when traffic slows. Driver mode settings include engine mapping and transmission adjustments, letting you tune the truck’s behavior for different conditions.

The Multi-Angle Rear View Camera with Dynamic Guidelines provides a clear view when backing up, with adjustable camera angles to help with tight parking maneuvers and trailer alignment. That multi-angle capability is more useful than a fixed single-view backup camera, particularly when parallel parking downtown or backing a trailer into a campsite. An optional dealer-installed Back-Up Sensors package adds ultrasonic rear sensors to the camera system for additional proximity detection.

The instrument cluster’s reconfigurable TFT display shows average fuel economy data, trip information, and driver-assist system status — all accessible without leaving the primary driving view. The combination of wireless phone integration, intuitive voice-controlled audio, and a clearly laid out 9-inch display makes the RTL AWD’s tech genuinely easy to use on a busy morning commute, not just impressive on a spec sheet.

Safety Systems Designed for Diverse Neighborhoods and Parks in the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

The Ridgeline RTL AWD earns a 5-out-of-5 star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a 5-star frontal crash rating, a 5-star side impact rating, and a 4-star rollover rating. IIHS testing shows Good ratings in moderate overlap front, small overlap front driver side, side impact, and rear crash protection/head restraint categories. Those are strong numbers for a midsize pickup, and they reflect the structural advantage the Ridgeline’s unibody construction provides over traditional body-on-frame trucks in crash testing.

The passive safety foundation includes 6 airbags: driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags covering both front and rear rows. Front seat belts have pre-tensioners and height adjustment on both the driver and passenger sides. Rear center seat belt is a 3-point type — important for families who routinely put a third passenger in the back row. LATCH child seat anchors are present with an “Acceptable” IIHS rating, which means installation is workable but worth practicing before your first long family trip. Height-adjustable head restraints are standard front and rear (2 front, 3 rear), and the truck includes an accident data recorder and emergency call capability.

The active driver-assistance suite is built around Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which monitors the road ahead and can apply the brakes automatically if a potential collision is detected — activating from as low as 3 mph, which covers low-speed parking lot scenarios as well as highway emergencies. The system activates brake lights and pretensions seat belts as part of its response sequence. Pedestrian and cyclist avoidance detection is included, as is pedestrian collision mitigation steering — the system can make minor steering corrections to help avoid or reduce the severity of a pedestrian collision.

The Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) monitors lane markings and can apply steering correction and braking if the truck begins to drift off the road — a meaningful safety net on the longer, straight rural roads outside Lincoln where driver attention can occasionally lapse. The Blind Spot Information System (BSI) uses radar to monitor the zones beside and behind the truck, alerting you when a vehicle is present in your blind spot. The Cross Traffic Monitor uses radar to detect vehicles approaching from the sides when you’re backing out of a parking space — a feature that earns its keep in busy parking lots near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus or at crowded event venues.

Adaptive Cruise Control, active lane control, and highway assist capability round out the Level 2 partial automation suite. Electronic stability control, traction control, and the hill holder function work in the background on every drive. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a brake assist system give the RTL AWD confident stopping power appropriate for its 4,480 lbs curb weight.

The combination of NHTSA’s 5-star overall rating, multiple IIHS Good results, and a comprehensive standard ADAS suite makes the Ridgeline RTL AWD one of the more thoroughly protected midsize pickups available — reassuring for families carrying children to school events, outdoor activities, or weekend road trips.

Breaking Down 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD Pricing Buyers

At $43,595 MSRP plus a $1,495 destination charge, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD lands at a transparent, mid-tier price point that reflects its positioning as the comfort-focused step up from the entry-level Sport.

Feature RTL AWD
Base MSRP $43,595
Destination charge $1,495

That starting figure covers a meaningful standard equipment list: leather seating, heated front seats with power adjustment and memory, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the full Honda driver-assistance suite including CMBS, RDM, BSI, Cross Traffic Monitor, and Adaptive Cruise Control, plus the i-VTM4 AWD system. Buyers are not paying extra for the safety technology or the AWD drivetrain — both are included in the base RTL AWD price.

The RTL AWD’s value case strengthens when you factor in what you don’t need to add. Competitors in the midsize truck segment often price safety suites, leather seating, and AWD as separate options or higher trim upgrades. On the Ridgeline RTL, that equipment is already on the window sticker. For Lincoln buyers comparing against the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, or Chevrolet Colorado at similar price points, it’s worth doing a feature-by-feature comparison rather than a headline MSRP comparison — the Ridgeline’s standard content often comes out ahead.

The RTL also offers meaningful dealer-installed package options that let buyers customize without jumping to a higher trim. The Adventure Package, Utility Package, Utility+ Package, Function Package, Function+ Package, All-Season Protection Packages I and II, Outdoor Essentials Packages I and II, Cargo Storage Package, Rugged Utility Package, and Protection Package are all available through the dealer. Pricing for these packages is contact-dealer, but they allow targeted customization — if you primarily want weather protection, you choose the All-Season Protection packages; if you want cargo management and bed organization, the Cargo Storage or Outdoor Essentials packages make more sense than a trim-level upgrade.

For buyers who want to explore our full new Honda inventory before deciding, Honda of Lincoln carries the complete Ridgeline lineup alongside the broader Honda family. If you’re ready to move forward with purchase planning, you can start your credit application online to get a head start on financing before you visit the showroom. Honda of Lincoln has earned the President’s Award from American Honda 19 times and operates one of the top-rated service departments in the nation — so the value of buying here extends beyond the sticker price.

Additionally, Honda of Lincoln supports the community with exclusive programs: College Grad Program financing assistance, Military Down Payment Assistance, complimentary College Student Tire Repair, Free Multi-Point Inspection, and Free Tire Rotation on tires purchased at the dealership. Contact Honda of Lincoln for current program details.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Insights for 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD Owners

Honda’s warranty package for the 2026 Ridgeline RTL AWD provides clear, layered coverage that protects your investment from day one. The basic vehicle warranty runs 3 years / 36,000 miles. The powertrain warranty — covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain — extends to 5 years / 60,000 miles, which is particularly meaningful for a truck with a complex AWD system. Corrosion protection runs 5 years with unlimited mileage. Paint coverage is 3 years / 36,000 miles. Roadside assistance matches the basic warranty at 3 years / 36,000 miles.

That 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain coverage gives owners genuine peace of mind on the i-VTM4 AWD system and the 3.5L V6 — two of the most significant mechanical components in the truck. For Lincoln buyers planning to keep their Ridgeline for five or more years, that powertrain coverage period aligns well with typical ownership cycles.

The Ridgeline uses Honda’s Maintenance Minder system to monitor actual driving conditions and alert you when service is due, rather than relying on fixed mileage intervals. That means oil changes and other services are triggered by how you actually drive — short city trips, extended highway runs, heavy towing — rather than a generic schedule that may not match your usage. Understanding the Maintenance Minder codes helps you interpret what each alert means and respond appropriately; our service team has published a full guide to Honda Maintenance Minder codes and sub-codes to help you decode every notification your truck displays.

Honda of Lincoln’s service department operates with close to 50 service bays on site, staffed by tenured technicians who specialize in Honda vehicles. The department is rated among the top three in the nation, and the dealership has received the President’s Award from American Honda 19 times — a recognition that reflects consistent customer satisfaction and service quality over more than 50 years in Honda sales and service.

Routine maintenance — oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, fluid checks — is straightforward to schedule and handle at the dealership. Tire rotation is complimentary for all tires purchased at Honda of Lincoln, and a free multi-point inspection is available to help you stay ahead of any developing issues. When your truck does need parts or accessories, our team can source Honda Genuine Parts quickly.

Ready to keep your Ridgeline running at its best? You can book your next service appointment online in just a few minutes — no phone call required, and appointment slots are available to fit around a busy Lincoln schedule.

Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD’s Strengths

Third-party recognition matters because it reflects assessments made independently of the manufacturer — and the 2026 Ridgeline has earned meaningful recognition from credible sources. U.S. News & World Report named the Ridgeline the Best Midsize Pickup Truck for Families in 2026, a designation that directly speaks to the RTL AWD’s core buyer. That family-focused award reflects the truck’s combination of interior space, safety ratings, and everyday usability — not just raw capability numbers.

Cars.com included the Ridgeline among its Best Value New Cars in its 2026 Affordability Report, validating what the price-to-content analysis already suggests: the Ridgeline delivers a strong equipment list relative to its segment price. Car and Driver recognized the Ridgeline with its Editors’ Choice — Pickup Trucks award for 2025, citing the truck’s balance of capability and comfort as a differentiator in the midsize segment.

Those awards align closely with what automotive journalists have written about the Ridgeline in detail. Car and Driver has consistently noted that the Ridgeline handles most of the tasks people actually want a pickup for, with a more comfortable ride and crisper handling than conventional body-on-frame midsize pickups — a point that matters for buyers who spend most of their miles on paved roads. MotorTrend has praised the Ridgeline’s unibody construction and fully independent suspension for delivering a smooth, carlike driving experience that’s more enjoyable than most body-on-frame rivals. Edmunds has highlighted the Ridgeline’s comfortable ride, roomy cabin, and clever bed features as the combination that sets it apart from competitors.

At the brand level, Honda earned the Kelley Blue Book Consumer Choice Awards for Best Overall Brand, Most Trusted Brand, and Best Value Brand for 2026 — recognitions that reflect the broader ownership experience, not just the product. For buyers who factor long-term reliability and resale value into their purchase decision, Honda’s consistent placement in trust and value rankings across multiple independent surveys is a meaningful data point.

The Ridgeline’s recognition as a family pickup is particularly relevant for Lincoln buyers who are cross-shopping it against the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, or Chevrolet Colorado. None of those competitors have earned a comparable family-focused designation from U.S. News & World Report at this price point in the current model year.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD

Q: What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. That capacity covers a broad range of practical towing needs for Lincoln families: a small boat or personal watercraft for trips to regional lakes, a utility trailer loaded with landscaping supplies, a pop-up camper for a weekend trip, or a motorcycle hauler. The unbraked trailer limit is 1,000 lbs, so for trailers with their own brakes, the full 5,000-lb rating applies. A Trailer Hitch Towing Kit is available as a dealer-installed option, along with 1 7/8-inch and 2-inch hitch ball options.

Q: What is the fuel economy for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD?

The EPA rates the 2026 Ridgeline RTL AWD at 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined. The 19.5-gallon tank provides a calculated range of 409 miles per fill-up. The truck runs on regular 87-octane unleaded — no premium fuel required — which keeps operating costs predictable. For a 280-horsepower AWD truck, those figures are competitive in the midsize segment and reflect the efficiency contribution of the 9-speed automatic transmission, cylinder deactivation, and start/stop system.

Q: How does the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD handle in Lincoln’s flat terrain and occasional rough surfaces?

Lincoln’s Great Plains terrain is a natural fit for the Ridgeline’s character. The i-VTM4 AWD system operates continuously and automatically — no driver input required — distributing torque to the wheels that need it in real time. The fully independent rear suspension absorbs surface variation smoothly, making the truck composed on both paved city streets and unpaved park access roads. Ground clearance is 7.6 inches unladen, with a 20.4-degree approach angle and 19.6-degree departure angle. For the light trail and mixed-surface driving that characterizes Lincoln’s parks and green spaces, that capability is well-matched to realistic use.

Q: What leather interior options come standard on the RTL AWD?

The RTL AWD includes leather seating as standard equipment, with three interior color choices: Black Leather, Brown Leather, and Gray Leather. Both front seats are heated and power-adjustable. The driver’s seat has 5 electrical adjustments including memory, electric lumbar, and adjustable height, reach, recline, and tilt. The passenger seat has 2 electrical adjustments for reach and recline. The rear bench is a split-folding type with 3-passenger capacity and a fold-up seat base.

Q: Where can I see the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD in person, and how do I contact Honda of Lincoln?

Honda of Lincoln is located at 2770 Yankee Hill Rd, Lincoln, NE 68516. You can reach our team directly at (402) 437-1200 to ask about current Ridgeline inventory, confirm availability of specific colors or packages, or schedule a test drive. With over 50 years of Honda experience and the President’s Award from American Honda 19 times, our team is well-positioned to help you find the right configuration for your family’s needs and get you behind the wheel quickly.

© 2026 Honda of Lincoln. All rights reserved.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

Posted in Honda, Honda Ridgeline