What is the towing capacity of a Honda Ridgeline

In the midsize truck market, the Ridgeline stands out not just for its smooth ride, but for its honest, practical utility. Whether you are navigating the scenic routes of Flathead County or preparing for a trip to Glacier National Park, understanding the limits and strengths of your pickup is essential.

The Magic Number 5,000 Pounds

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline features a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across all trim levels (Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition). Because every modern Ridgeline comes standard with the i-VTM4® All-Wheel-Drive system, you don’t have to worry about different ratings for FWD versus AWD configurations.

Performance Specs at a Glance

To achieve this 5,000-lb rating, Honda utilizes a proven powertrain designed for linear delivery and durability:

• Engine: 3.5L V6

• Horsepower: 280 hp

• Torque: 262 lb-ft

• Transmission: 9-speed automatic with Shift-By-Wire

What Can You Tow with 5,000 Pounds?

A 5,000-pound limit is the "sweet spot" for recreational towing. It covers the vast majority of items the average homeowner or outdoor enthusiast needs to move. You can confidently tow:

• Small to Mid-Size Boats: Most 20-foot fiberglass boats on a single-axle trailer fall between 3,500 and 4,500 lbs.

• Campers and RVs: This includes pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and many modern lightweight travel trailers.

• Power Sports: A utility trailer loaded with two full-sized ATVs or a pair of Jet Skis typically stays well under the 5,000-lb threshold.

• Horse Trailers: While a massive four-horse trailer is out of reach, a single-horse trailer often fits within the Ridgeline’s capabilities.

Pro Tip: When calculating your weight, remember to include "wet weight" the weight of the trailer plus fuel, water tanks, and gear. Honda recommends using premium unleaded fuel when towing more than 3,500 pounds for optimal performance.

Built-In Towing Technology

The Ridgeline is "tow-ready" right from the factory. Unlike many trucks where the hitch is an added cost, every Ridgeline model includes:

• Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch: Bolted directly to the frame for maximum structural integrity.

• 7-Pin Connector: The industry standard for connecting trailer lights and integrated electronic brakes.

• Heavy-Duty Cooling: A high-capacity radiator with dual high-power fans and a standard heavy-duty transmission cooler come standard to prevent overheating while hauling under pressure.

• Intelligent Traction Management: With the push of a button, you can optimize the AWD system for Snow, Sand, or Mud, ensuring that even if your boat ramp is slippery or your campsite is muddy, you maintain control.

Payload vs. Towing The Real-World Advantage

It is also important to note the payload capacity, which is the weight you can carry inside the cabin and the bed. While towing capacity often gets the headlines, the Ridgeline's ability to haul heavy loads directly in the bed makes it a versatile daily driver. This truck is built for the practicalities of modern life, offering a Standard AWD i-VTM4® System that provides essential grip on slippery boat ramps or muddy trails.

One of its most impressive features is the wider bed floor, measuring 50 inches wide, which allows you to fit 4x8 plywood sheets completely flat, a feat many larger trucks struggle with. Furthermore, the Ridgeline boasts a Max Payload of up to 1,583 lbs, allowing you to carry heavy gear or landscaping materials without even needing a trailer. For smaller, more sensitive items, the class exclusive 7.3 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk® provides secure, weather-protected storage for your hitch, tools, or weekend gear.

Exclusive Utility Features

Towing is about more than just raw weight; it’s about convenience. The Ridgeline offers several class-exclusive features that make the process easier:

1. Dual-Action Tailgate: It drops down like a traditional tailgate, but it also swings out to the side. This allows you to stand closer to the bed to load heavy items even when a trailer is hitched.

2. In-Bed Trunk®: A lockable, 7.3-cubic-foot trunk located under the bed floor. It’s perfect for storing towing chains, hitch balls, or even acting as an ice chest (it has a drain plug!) for the tailgate party.

3. Truck-Bed Audio System: Available on higher trims, this system uses exciters to turn the entire truck bed into a giant speaker—perfect for setting the mood at the campsite after the trailer is unhooked.

Is the Ridgeline Right for Your Towing Needs?

If your goal is to pull a massive 30-foot RV or a heavy dual-axle horse trailer, you might need a full-size truck like a heavy-duty diesel. However, for 90% of truck owners who use their vehicles for camping, boating, and DIY projects, the Ridgeline’s 5,000-lb capacity hits the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and daily drivability.

When you aren't towing, you'll enjoy a level of comfort and fuel efficiency (up to 24 MPG highway) that traditional body-on-frame trucks simply cannot match. It handles like a premium SUV but works like a pickup when the duty calls.

Ready to see if the Ridgeline fits your lifestyle? 

Corwin Honda Kalispell is here to help you explore every trim, from the rugged TrailSport with its off-road tuned suspension to the luxurious Black Edition.

We offer competitive financing options and a service center staffed by experts who can help you outfit your new truck with genuine Honda towing accessories.