Looking at the 2026 Honda Ridgeline in Santa Ana? At Freeway Honda you can find them. You can see how the different versions (or ‘trims’) stack up against each other, what they cost, how much they can pull, and what lease options are available, all over Orange County. Freeway Honda lets you compare all of this for the 2026 Ridgeline.
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is a midsize truck, but it’s a bit different from most. While trucks like the Tacoma and Frontier are built with a separate frame and body, the Ridgeline is put together more like an SUV (it uses ‘unibody’ construction), and in fact, it's how a crossover is built too. Because of this, it’s a much quieter and smoother ride than other pickups, and yet you still get a full truck bed, genuine towing ability, and space for five people in the crew cab. It’s powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine with Honda’s VTEC system delivering around 280 horsepower, and it has a nine speed automatic transmission.
The 2026 Ridgeline is available at Freeway Honda in Santa Ana right now. You’ll find information below on each version (trim), the important details about what it is, how it compares to other trucks, and costs, leasing options, and arranging a test drive in Orange County.
Key takeaways: 2026 Honda Ridgeline
It has a 3.5 litre V6 VTEC engine with about 280 horsepower, and a 9 speed automatic gearbox. As for fuel, you’ll get approximately 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway with front wheel drive, or 18 city / 23 highway with all wheel drive. But to be sure about the official 2026 EPA numbers, ask your dealership.
It seats five people in a four door crew cab. Front wheel drive is the standard on the Sport version. The RTL-E AWD, Black Edition and TrailSport have Honda’s i-VTM4 all wheel drive.
Something no other vehicle offers is a lockable trunk built into the bed of the truck, and a dual-action tailgate. There are six different models: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, RTL-E AWD, Black Edition and TrailSport. And prices are usually between the upper thirty thousands and mid forty thousands of dollars, varying with which model you choose. Freeway Honda can give you today’s price.
Quick facts: 2026 Honda Ridgeline
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 VTEC |
| Horsepower | ~280 hp |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (FWD) | ~18 city / 24 hwy MPG |
| Fuel Economy (AWD) | ~18 city / 23 hwy MPG |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
| Cab Style | Four-door crew cab |
| AWD System | Honda i-VTM4 (on select trims) |
| Signature Bed Features | In-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate |
| Trims Available | Sport, RTL, RTL-E, RTL-E AWD, Black Edition, TrailSport |
2026 Honda Ridgeline trims and pricing
The 2026 Ridgeline comes in six trims at Freeway Honda in Santa Ana. Pricing depends on options, regional adjustments, and current incentives, so confirm exact figures with our team.
| Trim | Starting Price | Drivetrain | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | Contact dealer | FWD | Entry-level buyer who wants value with standard unibody pickup capability |
| RTL | Contact dealer | FWD | Mid-range buyer who wants more comfort and tech |
| RTL-E | Contact dealer | FWD | Buyer who wants premium features and better infotainment |
| RTL-E AWD | Contact dealer | i-VTM4 AWD | All-weather buyer who wants premium content with full-time AWD |
| Black Edition | Contact dealer | i-VTM4 AWD | Style-focused buyer who wants the blacked-out look |
| TrailSport | Contact dealer | i-VTM4 AWD | Light off-road buyer who wants terrain capability and rugged styling |
Many people in Orange County who are deciding what they want in a vehicle, and who want something they can rely on in any weather, and for a good price, usually find the RTL-E AWD or Black Edition to be just right. To make sure Freeway Honda has the particular trim level and color you’d like, give them a call.
You could also look at the Ridgelines Freeway Honda has right now /new-vehicles, and find out what your current car is worth online /value-your-trade before you go to the dealership.
Powertrain and driving experience
All 2026 Ridgelines have Honda’s 3.5 litre V6 VTEC engine with approximately 280 horsepower, and a 9 speed automatic transmission.
The major design decision with the Ridgeline is its unibody construction. Where the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier have a separate cab and bed bolted to a ladder frame, the Ridgeline’s cab and frame are one single piece of structure, much like a crossover vehicle. And you can tell when you’re driving it: the ride is smoother, there’s less noise on the freeway, and it feels more secure on wet coastal roads.
All wheel drive versions have Honda’s i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management 4 Wheel Drive). This system sends power from front to back, and also between the rear wheels themselves, and that’s what helps the truck to remain stable in the rain, on roads through canyons and for light off-road driving.
When it comes to towing, an all wheel drive Ridgeline will manage most jet skis, small boats, utility trailers and pop-up campers. In fact, that's what most people in Orange County with a Ridgeline actually tow. Front wheel drive versions have a lower towing capacity. To get the exact figure for the specific version you want, look at the sticker on the window or ask a Freeway Honda dealer.
Fuel economy is around 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway (front wheel drive) or 18 city / 23 highway (all wheel drive). But please confirm the final EPA figures for 2026 before you purchase.
Schedule service online at our Santa Ana location. Our certified Honda technicians know the Ridgeline platform well.
2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. the competition
| Feature | 2026 Ridgeline | 2026 Tacoma | 2026 Maverick | 2026 Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame | Unibody | Unibody |
| Ride Quality | SUV-like, smooth | Firm, truck-like | Compact-car smooth | Sporty, compact |
| Seating | 5 (full crew cab) | 5 | 5 (smaller cabin) | 5 (smaller cabin) |
| In-Bed Trunk | Yes, standard | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Dual-Action Tailgate | Yes, standard | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| AWD System | i-VTM4 (active torque vectoring) | ATRAC or e-ATRAC | Available | Available |
| Off-Road Trim | TrailSport | TRD Off-Road / TRD Pro | Not available | Not available |
| Hybrid Option | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Max Tow Rating | Confirm with dealer | Higher ceiling | Lower | Lower |
2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2026 Toyota Tacoma
Because the Tacoma is built with a body on a separate frame (rather than a unibody) it can pull heavier loads and is much more dependable when driving over real rocks - particularly in TRD Pro trim. However, if you spend nearly every weekend off-roading in the desert, the Tacoma is the one to get. Most people in Santa Ana and Orange County, however, drive the 5 and 405, do some towing now and then, and run weekend errands. On these roads, the Ridgeline is a good deal smoother in the ride, much quieter at speed on the highway, has a nicer interior, and gets similar gas mileage to the Tacoma. And for those wanting to go on easier trails without sacrificing comfort for everyday driving, the Ridgeline TrailSport gets you pretty close to the Tacoma in off-road ability.
2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick is more compact and has less weight, plus its hybrid engine is very good on gas in the city and makes it exceptionally easy to park in small spaces. The Ridgeline responds to that by giving you a lot more room inside, a larger pickup bed that’s actually useful (and includes that handy trunk in the bed), a more powerful tow capacity (when set up correctly), and a more refined V6 engine. Essentially, if you regularly carry five people and need to haul stuff in a truck bed, the Ridgeline will do the job better.
2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Like the Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz is built on the concept of blending a car with a truck, but it’s significantly smaller in length, bed size, and how much space there is in the back seats, and it behaves more like a standard car to drive. The Ridgeline, though, gets you a proper midsize truck bed, a secure trunk built into the bed itself, a tailgate that opens in two ways, and Honda’s i-VTM4 four wheel drive. For actual truck capabilities, not just looking like a truck, the Ridgeline is the more useful option.
Signature features: in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate
What really makes the Ridgeline different from all other trucks in the midsize category are two things.
First, it has a lockable, waterproof trunk actually in the bed of the truck, in the floor. You can get suitcases, sporting equipment, picnic supplies or anything else you’d prefer to keep hidden and dry inside. It even has drains, so you can fill it with drinks and ice and use it as a cooler. No other midsize truck comes with a built-in one like this.
And the tailgate does double duty. You can lower it as you usually would, or you can open it to swing sideways, like a door. This makes getting things in and out of the bed easier, because you don't have to go all the way around to the back of the vehicle. Other trucks will do one of these things, but not both.
Why the Ridgeline fits Orange County life
In Orange County, people generally use a midsize pickup for getting to work, for family use, and for towing now and then, it’s not typically a vehicle for serious off-roading. The Ridgeline is designed with that in mind.
For the daily commute, the Ridgeline’s construction (not having a separate frame) makes the 5, 55, and 405 freeways a lot more pleasant than a more traditional truck. In fact, people commuting along the Pacific Coast Highway and those who work in Irvine often say the comfortable ride is why they bought it.
For the beach or other outdoor activities, the lockable storage area in the bed hides your belongings, and the tailgate that opens in two ways makes it easier to get surfboards, bicycles, and all your stuff into the truck, especially around the Huntington Beach Pier. At Angel Stadium in Anaheim, a lot of people use the in-bed trunk as a cooler, and it’s useful enough that it's just something you do before the game.
When the whole family goes to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure, the inside of the Ridgeline is quiet and more like a SUV, so everyone in all five seats is comfortable.
And for a little bit of time on trails, the TrailSport's all-terrain tires and i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive can manage the canyon roads, dirt trails and good dirt roads which, for most people in Orange County who want to go off road, is going off road.
Why buy your Ridgeline from Freeway Honda
For many years Freeway Honda has been helping people in Santa Ana and all of Orange County and is a really easy-to-get-to Honda dealership for people shopping in Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, and Costa Mesa.
We aim to have all six of the Ridgeline versions available (Sport, RTL, RTL-E, RTL-E AWD, Black Edition, TrailSport) so you can look at them next to each other, as opposed to having to imagine what they’re like from a pamphlet. Because the factory sends us cars and people want certain things, what we have in stock does change, so looking at our cars online or giving us a ring to confirm about certain versions, colors, or how they are set up is a good idea. And if we don't currently have exactly what you’re after, our team can find it for you, or order it in.
At our service center, all the mechanics have been trained by Honda themselves. You should look at our current service offers and save the page for when your first service is due. You can get proper Honda parts and extras, such as bed extenders, all-weather mats, and covers for the bed of your truck (tonneau covers) from our parts department.
When it comes to paying for your car, our finance team deals with Honda Financial Services and lots of other lenders to get you a good deal on the interest rate, no matter your credit history. To save you time on paperwork at the dealership, you can begin your finance approval online before you arrive.
If you're hoping to spend less, have a look at our used cars or Honda Certified Pre-Owned Ridgelines, which come with a longer warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
For 2026, the Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup, and like most crossover SUVs it's made with a unibody (meaning the body and frame are one piece). Five people fit comfortably in the four-door (crew cab) and it’s powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine with Honda’s VTEC technology, around 280 horsepower. You can get it in Sport, RTL, RTL-E, RTL-E with all-wheel drive, Black Edition, or TrailSport versions. What really makes it special, and what no other truck has as standard, are the built-in trunk in the bed of the truck and the tailgate that opens both down like a normal tailgate and to the side.
How much does a 2026 Honda Ridgeline cost near Santa Ana?
The 2026 Ridgeline generally runs from the upper-$30,000s to the mid-$40,000s depending on trim and options. Contact Freeway Honda in Santa Ana for an exact configured quote, including current incentives and any regional adjustments.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Roughly 18 city / 24 highway MPG in FWD trims and 18 city / 23 highway MPG with i-VTM4 AWD. Verify final 2026 EPA estimates with your Freeway Honda advisor before purchase.
What trims are available on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Six: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, RTL-E AWD, Black Edition, and TrailSport. Each adds feature content over the one below it. The TrailSport adds light off-road capability, and the Black Edition adds a blacked-out appearance package on top of the RTL-E AWD spec sheet.
Does the 2026 Honda Ridgeline come with all-wheel drive?
You can get all-wheel drive on most versions of the vehicle, and it comes as a default on the RTL-E AWD, Black Edition, and TrailSport models. This all-wheel drive is Honda's i-VTM4 system; it cleverly distributes power between the front and back wheels and even between the left and right wheels at the rear. This gives you a secure feeling when driving in the rain, on roads by the sea, and on easier dirt or gravel tracks.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
If the 2026 Ridgeline has all-wheel drive, it'll handle towing most jet skis, little boats, work trailers, and pop-up campers. Versions with front-wheel drive can't pull as much. To be sure of the towing capacity for the particular Ridgeline you're looking at, check the window sticker or ask your Freeway Honda salesperson. And, of course, you'll want to use a hitch and trailer brakes that are suitable for the weight you're towing.
What is the Honda i-VTM4 AWD system?
Honda’s i-VTM4 (which stands for Intelligent Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive) is a four-wheel drive system that does things to send power to the front or back, and even to each back wheel individually. This ability to change the power going to each wheel on the rear axle makes the car more stable when the road is wet, icy, or on easier trails. You’ll find i-VTM4 as a default feature on the RTL-E AWD, Black Edition and TrailSport versions.
How is the Ridgeline different from a body-on-frame truck?
With the Ridgeline, the cabin, the bed and the framework are all one piece. It’s built like a crossover SUV in that respect. Trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, the Ford Ranger and the Nissan Frontier have a body and bed which are attached to a separate “ladder” frame. Because of this single structure, a Ridgeline gives you a more comfortable drive, is quieter on the highway, and steers more easily. However, you can't haul quite as much with a Ridgeline as you can with some of those trucks with a separate frame.
Does the 2026 Ridgeline have an in-bed trunk?
Okay, so the Ridgeline does have that trunk built into the bed of the truck, and it's still a part of the 2026 model. It’s a locking, waterproof space in the floor of the truck bed—plenty of room for things like suitcases, sports gear, cooling boxes, or anything you don't want to be seen. You can even drain it and use it to keep drinks cold. Importantly, no other pickup of a similar size has something quite like this as something that comes with the truck from the factory.
What are the lease deals on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline near Santa Ana?
Honda lease offers on the 2026 Ridgeline rotate monthly and vary by trim, term length, and mileage allowance. Contact Freeway Honda's finance team for current lease terms, money factor, residual values, and any regional Honda incentives running this month.
Is the 2026 Ridgeline in stock at Freeway Honda in Santa Ana?
We try to keep 2026 Ridgeline inventory across all six trims. Availability shifts with factory allocation and regional demand. Browse our current online inventory or call our Santa Ana store to confirm specific trims, colors, and configurations.
Is the Ridgeline TrailSport a true off-road truck?
The TrailSport is a pretty good light off-road truck with tires for all kinds of terrain, i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, and a tougher look on the outside. It’s perfectly comfortable on dirt roads, on fire trails and on those maintained routes in the forest. That’s the sort of place most people in Orange County are likely to drive. It isn't built for seriously heavy rock climbing like a Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is, but it’s excellent for camping at the weekend, getting to the start of hiking paths, and a bit of driving on surfaces that aren't asphalt, all without sacrificing how comfortable it is for everyday driving.
How does the 2026 Ridgeline compare to the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Both the Ridgeline and the Santa Cruz are built with a unitized body, however the Ridgeline is the larger of the two and feels much more like a traditional truck. It boasts a longer bed, a roomier back seat, can pull heavier loads, has that secure trunk built into the bed, and the tailgate does two things. The Santa Cruz, on the other hand, is smaller and has a more sporty feel, making it a great choice for people who prioritise being able to get around a city easily and looking good, over loads of stuff and needing to use it for a family.
Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a 2026 Ridgeline?
Yes. Freeway Honda accepts trade-ins of any make and model. Start with a quick online trade appraisal, then bring the vehicle in for a final in-person evaluation. Your trade value applies directly to the purchase or lease of a 2026 Ridgeline.
What financing is available on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Freeway Honda isn't just about Honda Financial Services; we have relationships with lots of different lenders who work with all sorts of credit situations. You can get a standard loan to buy, lease a Honda through Honda’s programs, or if you qualify, take advantage of their special APRs. To save time at our Santa Ana dealership, you can begin your finance pre-approval online.
Where is Freeway Honda located and what are your hours?
Freeway Honda is in Santa Ana, convenient to Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, Fullerton, and the rest of Orange County. For our current address, phone number, and showroom and service hours, visit our hours and directions page or call us.
Ready to drive the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline's ride quality is the kind of thing that doesn't translate from a spec sheet. You really do have to feel it. If you've been cross-shopping midsize pickups in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, or Huntington Beach, a test drive is the most useful next step.
To get the ball rolling, you have a few simple options. You can schedule a test drive at our showroom in Santa Ana and just tell us which of the different versions you'd like to drive; we will have it waiting for you. Or, browse our newest Honda vehicles and specifically look at the Ridgeline to see what we have in stock. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with our team by phone, email or through the chat function. They can answer any questions you have about price, leasing, financing, or how much your current car is worth before you come down to the dealership.
For many years Freeway Honda has happily served drivers in Santa Ana, all of Orange County, and OC as a whole. We’d love to help you get a 2026 Ridgeline parked in your driveway!