2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity: What Can It Tow?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs across every trim level when properly equipped. Powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, the Ridgeline comes ready to pull small powerboats, pairs of personal watercraft, compact travel campers, or tandem utility trailers carrying ATVs without requiring expensive add-on towing packages.

Every 2026 Ridgeline leaves the factory ready for trailering tasks. Honda equips the pickup with a standard integrated Class III receiver hitch and a 7-pin wiring harness connector, eliminating the need to install aftermarket hardware before taking your gear to the water. The direct-injected V6 engine generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, delivering confident low-end pull when accelerating up highway ramps with a heavy load behind the bumper.

For drivers planning weekend lake trips near Gretna, a 5,000 lbs tow rating provides more than enough headroom for a 20-foot fiberglass bowrider on a single-axle trailer, which typically weighs between 3,200 and 3,800 lbs fully fueled and loaded with gear. Because the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system dynamically transfers torque between the front and rear axles—and continuously meters power to individual rear wheels—the Ridgeline maintains exceptional traction on slippery boat ramps, wet grass, and loose gravel staging areas.

To help drivers connect their trailer smoothly, every model includes a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, including a top-down view that lets you line up the hitch ball directly under the trailer coupler on the first try. You can reach our team at (402) 437-1200 to discuss your specific towing requirements, or stop by our Lincoln showroom address to see the integrated hitch receiver setup in person.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Payload Capacity of the 2026 Ridgeline and How Does It Compare to Rivals?
• How Does Ridgeline Towing and Ride Quality Compare to Tacoma and Midsize Rivals?
• What Real-World Fuel Economy and Towing Accessories Can You Expect?
• Which 2026 Honda Ridgeline Trim Offers the strong feature set for Towing?
• Common Questions About 2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing and Payload
• Find Your 2026 Honda Ridgeline at Honda of Lincoln

What Is the Payload Capacity of the 2026 Ridgeline and How Does It Compare to Rivals?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers a maximum payload capacity between 1,509 lbs and 1,583 lbs, depending on the chosen trim level. This payload rating allows you to carry five adults inside the cabin while still hauling hundreds of pounds of cargo, tools, or recreational supplies in the truck bed.

While some traditional midsize pickups like the Toyota Tacoma post payload figures ranging from 1,230 to 1,705 lbs depending on cab style and bed length, the Ridgeline provides its high payload capacity across a standard four-door crew cab configuration. Rather than making buyers compromise on rear seat legroom to maximize bed weight, Honda designed a spacious cabin alongside a highly functional composite bed.

Key bed utility features on the 2026 Ridgeline include:

• Lockable In-Bed Trunk: Provides 7 cubic feet of secure, weather-tight storage hidden beneath the bed floor, complete with a built-in drain plug so it can double as an ice chest.
• Dual-Action Tailgate: Hinges both at the bottom to drop down traditionally and at the side to swing open like a door, giving you closer reach into the bed and easy access to the trunk.
• Flat Bed Floor: Measures 50 inches between the wheel wells, making the Ridgeline the only midsize truck capable of hauling 4-by-8 sheets of drywall or plywood flat on the bed floor without perching them over wheel humps.
• UV-Stabilized Composite Bed: Resists scratches, dings, and rust without needing an aftermarket drop-in or spray-in bedliner.

Whether you are loading bags of concrete or packing camping supplies, the combination of heavy-duty tie-down cleats rated at 350 lbs each and an available 150-watt/400-watt trunk-bed power outlet turns the bed into a mobile workspace. You can explore our new Honda vehicle inventory to view trims featuring the truck-bed power outlet and heavy-duty cargo tie-downs.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

​

How Does Ridgeline Towing and Ride Quality Compare to Tacoma and Midsize Rivals?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers smoother, more car-like ride quality while towing compared to body-on-frame competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger. While rivals like the Colorado offer higher maximum tow ratings up to 7,700 lbs using rigid rear axles, the Ridgeline utilizes a unibody frame constructed with 45 percent high-strength steel paired with fully independent front and rear suspensions.

When pulling a 4,000-lb trailer, traditional body-on-frame trucks with solid rear axles often transmit different ride characteristics over uneven pavement. The Ridgeline’s multi-link independent rear suspension absorbs expansion joints and potholed roads far more effectively, keeping both the chassis and your cargo stable during highway cruising.

When buyers compare the Ridgeline with traditional leaf-spring trucks on a test loop, they immediately notice how the independent multi-link suspension keeps the cab settled over bridge seams and expansion joints. In addition to a smoother ride, the unibody structure produces less wind noise and cabin chassis chatter.

While trucks like the Toyota Tacoma offer higher tow ratings, the Ridgeline’s 280 hp naturally aspirated V6 delivers smooth, predictable power delivery without the abrupt boost spikes or downshift hunting common in small-displacement turbocharged engines. If you are considering pre-owned options alongside new models, browse our pre-owned truck inventory to evaluate different powertrain configurations.

​

What Real-World Fuel Economy and Towing Accessories Can You Expect?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline achieves an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 city / 24 hwy MPG on Sport, RTL, and Black Edition trims, while the trail-ready TrailSport trim achieves 18 city / 23 hwy MPG. When pulling a typical 4,000-lb travel trailer or boat on open highways, drivers can expect real-world towing fuel economy to range between 12 and 14 MPG depending on road elevation, headwinds, and trailer aerodynamics.

Maintaining consistent speed and utilizing the standard Intelligent Traction Management system helps maximize efficiency when towing. By pushing a button on the center console, drivers can tailor torque distribution and transmission shift logic across four specific drive modes: Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud.

To tailor your truck for specific trailering and hauling tasks, Honda offers a wide selection of genuine accessories:

• Trailer Hitch Accessories: Locking hitch pins, 2-inch hitch balls, and custom trailer hitch ball mounts engineered specifically for proper tongue height alignment.
• Brake Controller Harness: Allows plug-and-play connection for an aftermarket electronic trailer brake controller under the dashboard.
• Bed Extender: Swings outward over the open tailgate to provide an extra 16 inches of secure storage length, expanding maximum bed cargo length to 76 inches.
• Roof Rails with Crossbars: Integrates seamlessly with all Honda roof-mounted attachments, allowing you to transport kayaks, bikes, or cargo boxes while towing a trailer behind.
• Black Running Boards: Crafted from die-cast aluminum with a non-slip coating to simplify stepping up into the cabin or reaching over the bed sides.

For drivers managing daily commutes and weekend trailering across Lincoln, keeping transmission fluid and braking components fresh ensures your truck performs at its best under load. You can easily schedule a service appointment online with our certified technician team to perform pre-trip inspections or install trailer brake wiring components.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

​

Which 2026 Honda Ridgeline Trim Offers the strong feature set for Towing?

The RTL trim MSRP $43,595 base MSRP delivers the overall strong feature set for midsize truck buyers who want towing capability combined with premium everyday comfort. Because every 2026 Ridgeline features the exact same 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, and 5,000 lbs tow rating, choosing a trim comes down to interior features and styling preference rather than mechanical capability.

Here is how the main 2026 Ridgeline trims stack up:

• Sport (Starting MSRP $40,795): Includes standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, Class III hitch receiver, 7-pin connector, tri-zone automatic climate control, 9-inch Display Audio touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• RTL (Starting MSRP $43,595): Adds leather-trimmed seating, heated power front seats with driver memory, a power moonroof, acoustic windshield glass, heated side mirrors, and the Blind Spot Information System.
• TrailSport (Starting MSRP $45,995): Adds off-road-tuned suspension, General Grabber all-terrain tires, steel oil pan skid protection, synthetic leather seats with orange contrast stitching, and built-in navigation.
• Black Edition (Starting MSRP $47,395): Features aggressive blacked-out exterior trim, 18-inch gloss-black wheels, red ambient cabin lighting, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a 540-watt 8-speaker premium audio system.

For most buyers, the RTL strikes the ideal balance by pairing leather comfort and driver-assist safety tech with full towing strength. Safety remains a priority across the lineup; current-generation Ridgeline models carry a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS on key trims.

If you are planning to upgrade your current vehicle, you can value your trade-in online in minutes. You can also explore current Honda offers and vehicle specials to review regional incentives, or submit an online credit application to get pre-approved before visiting our dealership.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

​

Common Questions About 2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing and Payload

Q: Do all 2026 Honda Ridgeline trims tow the exact same amount?

Across all trims, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline maintains a consistent towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, ensuring reliable performance for all drivers. Whether you choose the entry-level Sport, mid-tier RTL, off-road-focused TrailSport, or top-of-the-line Black Edition, each model comes standard with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, and integrated receiver hitch. You do not need to purchase higher trim levels or add-on mechanical packages to unlock maximum trailering performance.

Q: Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline haul a full 4-by-8 sheet of plywood in the bed?

Yes, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is designed to carry standard 4-by-8 sheets of plywood or drywall laying flat on the bed floor. Because the bed wheel arches are spaced 50 inches apart, building materials rest completely flat without perching at awkward angles over internal wheel humps. When carrying 8-foot materials, simply lower the Dual-Action Tailgate and utilize the heavy-duty tie-down cleats to secure your payload safely during transit.

Q: Is a trailer brake controller required when towing with a Honda Ridgeline?

Honda recommends using a trailer equipped with electric brakes for gross trailer weights exceeding 1,000 lbs. While the Ridgeline comes standard with a 7-pin trailer wiring harness connector at the rear bumper, an electronic trailer brake controller must be installed to operate trailer brakes. The truck includes a factory-installed wiring pigtail under the dash, allowing quick plug-and-play installation of popular aftermarket brake controllers.

Q: How does the Honda Ridgeline lockable in-bed trunk function when a trailer is hitched?

The 7.3 cubic foot Lockable In-Bed Trunk remains accessible while towing thanks to the Dual-Action Tailgate. Traditional drop-down tailgates can strike a trailer tongue or jack handle when lowered, blocking access to the bed floor. Because the Ridgeline tailgate also swings open to the driver side like a door, you can easily swing it open above most trailer tongues to access tools or gear inside the trunk without unhitching.

Q: Where can I order genuine Honda towing accessories for my Ridgeline?

You can purchase genuine Honda towing accessories—including hitch ball mounts, wiring harnesses, bed extenders, and locking pins—directly through Honda Dreamshop portal for pickup at Honda of Lincoln. Using factory-engineered accessories guarantees exact fitment, durable finishes, and seamless integration with your truck’s original equipment. You can also explore new Honda Ridgeline lineup models equipped with factory-installed towing features.

​

Find Your 2026 Honda Ridgeline at Honda of Lincoln

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline proves that you do not have to sacrifice daily ride comfort, cabin space, or interior refinement to get robust pickup utility. With a standard 5,000 lbs tow rating, i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, a 280 hp V6 engine, and a maximum payload capacity reaching 1,583 lbs, the Ridgeline stands ready for work projects, family camping trips, and weekend boat launches.

At Honda of Lincoln, we take pride in serving local truck buyers with straightforward vehicle sales and customer service. Our tenured sales and finance team has earned American Honda’s prestigious President’s Award 19 times, reflecting our long-standing commitment to transparent pricing and customer satisfaction.

When you visit our dealership, our staff can walk you through the Dual-Action Tailgate, demonstrate the Lockable In-Bed Trunk, and help you select the ideal trim and trailering accessories for your lifestyle. We invite you to get directions to our dealership at 2770 Yankee Hill Rd, Lincoln, NE 68516, or give our team a call at (402) 437-1200 to schedule your test drive today.

© 2026 Honda of Lincoln. All rights reserved.