2020 Honda Ridgeline
| MSRP | $37,315 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $33,669 |
What Should I Pay
2 for sale near you
Other years
2020 Honda Ridgeline Review
- Superior ride and handling thanks to independent rear suspension
- Unique two-way tailgate and large lockable in-bed trunk
- Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides multi-surface traction
- Spacious crew cab is comfortable and handsomely finished
- Frustrating touchscreen audio and navigation interface
- Lacks low-range gearing and underbody clearance of typical trucks
- 5,000-pound maximum tow rating drops to 3,500 pounds on front-wheel-drive version
- Sensitive driver aids are distracting
- New nine-speed transmission replaces outgoing six-speed
- Honda Sensing safety features and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard
- Available trims reduced to Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition
- Part of the second Ridgeline generation introduced for 2017
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline offers the most car-like experience in the midsize pickup truck segment. Credit goes to the Ridgeline's unibody construction, which helps it provide more noise isolation, ride comfort and interior room than its traditional truck-based rivals. You also get some cool storage tricks, such as a lockable in-bed trunk, that are exclusive to the Ridgeline.
Honda continues to offer the Ridgeline with a single engine option, a smooth-spinning 280-horsepower V6. New for 2020 is a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. It replaces the previous six-speed and promises incremental improvements in acceleration and fuel economy. Honda has also tinkered with the Ridgeline's trim levels this year. The biggest change is improved availability of the larger touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
So what's not to like? Well, the big knock on the Ridgeline is that it lacks the rugged off-road ability and attitude of its rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. Buyers of these trucks tend to want that stuff even if they don't plan on using any of it on a regular basis, if at all. But evaluated logically, the Ridgeline is undeniably the most refined, comfortable and roomy truck of the group.
Our verdict | |
The Ridgeline is for those who want the flexibility and utility of a truck, plus car-like sophistication and comfort. It doesn't ride or drive much like a pickup, but it does the job of one. The Ridgeline is the best truck in its class in terms of roominess, sophistication, and even cargo carrying. But it does give up a little ruggedness compared to its rivals. | |
How does the Ridgeline drive? | |
The Honda Ridgeline stands apart because of its unibody chassis, fully independent suspension and torque-vectoring AWD system that improves stability on all surfaces. We like how the 3.5-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic work together. The catch: Off-road potential is limited. The Ridgeline is like a crossover SUV in this regard, but with an advanced traction management system that can cope with snow, sand and dirt. Still, it lacks the underbody clearance, wheel articulation and low-range gearing that allows other 4WD pickups to venture into rockier territory. That said, the Ridgeline, with its independent rear suspension, performs better than typical solid-axle trucks on washboard dirt roads. | |
How comfortable is the Ridgeline? | |
The Ridgeline is much smoother and more composed on a variety of surfaces than the competition. That's because it's the only pickup in its segment with a four-wheel independent suspension. It shrugs off bumps easily, and there's little head toss or jostling. We also like the Ridgeline's seating. The front seats have a nice shape and supportive padding that provides long-distance comfort. The cushions are broad enough to accommodate larger folks, and effective bolsters prevent those with narrower frames from sliding around. The comfy rear seats are set at a pleasing angle. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Ridgeline is easy to climb in and out of. Its step-up height is much lower than the Tacoma's, which makes the Ridgeline manageable for shorter folks and those with limited range of motion. Once inside, you'll find that most of the controls are easy to find and use. The Ridgeline offers the driver and passengers plenty of room, particularly in interior width and rear head- and legroom. It's also pretty easy to see out of. The large windows give a good view out of the front and sides, and the blind spot isn't overly large. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment. But we're not fans of the 8-inch touchscreen audio system because of its wonky volume controls. A full selection of advanced driving safety features are also standard, but execution is again lacking. Honda's forward collision warning system can be very sensitive, for example, and our test Ridgeline had many disconcerting false alarms. The native voice command interface can control phone, navigation and audio. Commands need to follow certain guidelines, but some plain language commands do work. Press and hold the voice button to bypass this system and get to the much more sophisticated voice commands via your paired phone. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Ridgeline is a solid cargo hauler inside and out. The crew cab has a longer dent-resistant bed than competitors. It also has a lockable in-bed trunk and a two-way tailgate. The bed sides are low enough to allow easy access, and it's the only midsize that can carry 4-by-8 sheets flat on the floor between the wheelwells. The Ridgeline's payload rating is also very good for the class. Not quite as good is towing capacity — a maximum of 5,000 pounds with AWD. But it isn't too shabby in a truck class where heavy towing isn't a crucial purchase reason. | |
How economical is the Ridgeline? | |
The Ridgeline is pretty efficient as midsize trucks go. The AWD version is rated at 21 mpg combined, and the front-wheel-drive model is good for 22 mpg combined. Pleasingly, we've found these EPA estimates to be accurate in our real-world testing. | |
Is the Ridgeline a good value? | |
The Ridgeline is nicely trimmed inside and out. The material choices and overall design have a family-friendly sophistication that trucks, especially in the midsize arena, rarely attempt. Small panel gaps and nice-looking paint make this truck a cut above the rest. Honda's no-option pricing strategy makes prices look a bit higher at first glance, but it also makes it easy to know the bottom line. Pricing is fairly competitive considering the quality offered. | |
Wildcard | |
Remember the Ranchero and the El Camino? They were car-like pickups of limited utility because they were made on a station wagon chassis. The Ridgeline is much better at being a truck because it's based on a smooth-riding and capable crossover SUV chassis that gives it loads of utility. The Ridgeline won't interest those looking for a rig that plays on its tough-truck image. It's more of a logical truck, a comfy truck, the kind of pickup truck buyers would be quite happy with if they focused on need instead of want. Inevitably, some will not take it seriously and will ignore the good points detailed above. That's a shame. | |
Which Ridgeline does Edmunds recommend?
We'd opt for the RTL-E because of its long list of standard equipment, as well as features not available on lower trim levels. In this near top-level trim, all-wheel drive is standard as is an uprated audio system, navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a heated steering wheel. The RTL-E also includes a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic LED headlights.
Honda Ridgeline models
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline is offered in four trim levels: Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition. All Ridgelines are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sport and RTL trim levels, and all-wheel drive (AWD) is an option. The other trims come standard with AWD.
Save as much as $4,112 with Edmunds
2020 Honda Ridgeline pricing
in Ashburn, VASport
3.5L 6cyl 9A
Edmunds Suggested Price$33,669
1 for sale in 20147
RTL
3.5L 6cyl 9A
Edmunds Suggested Price$36,241
1 for sale in 20147
RTL-E
3.5L 6cyl 9A
Edmunds Suggested Price$39,128
2 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Honda Ridgeline.
Trending topics in reviews
- spaciousness
- comfort
- interior
- ride quality
- doors
- off-roading
- handling & steering
- value
- appearance
- road noise
- towing
- safety
- engine
- driving experience
- seats
- visibility
- dashboard
- brakes
- maintenance & parts
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- climate control
- infotainment system
- transmission
- electrical system
- oil
- fuel efficiency
- wheels & tires
- sound system
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, It's a real truck for today's living
JMart,
RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
I upgraded from a 2012 Honda Ridgeling and what a difference. I loved my 2012 and it's utalitarian features. That truck had personality. This one has everything. I bought the RTL-E and I love it. The interior is top notch... to me, it is the Cadillac of the midsize segment from that perspective. Exterior looks more like a traditional truck than it's predecessor, too. Admitedly, I did love the look of the old one. All that being said, I know the knocks on the truck from the "purist" who don't use their trucks for their offroda capabilties often, if at all. My truck can tow my boat (3500 lbs) effortlessly. It can handle all types of weather. It can go off road beyond the ability I need it to. Has the best gas mileage in the segment. And did I mention it's a great daily driver. It's a great versitile, good looking, capable truck that holds it's value. I'm not sure whate else to say... oh yea, it also has a truck-bed audio system that sounds great!
5/5 stars, Luxury Truck With Incredible Resale Value
Paul,
RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Owned a Dodge Dakota that treated me well but it's time had come. Wasn't looking for a brand new truck, so I test drove a few used ones that had ~30k miles on them. After driving a Tacoma, F-150, and a 2019 Ridgeline with 30k miles, the Ridgeline was truly in a class of its own. Drives like a luxury car, but can do everything I need a truck to do - tow my boat, haul mulch and other stuff around the yard, and house projects. After searching the few available used Ridgelines, I went and test drove the best deal I found. During the test drive, I found out a brand new top of the line RTL-E was only $4k more. Why would I buy used if I could get new with a full warranty for $4k more? And it's incredible to me that it keeps its value that well. Love my new Ridgeline. Leather seats, sunroof, heated steering wheel/seats, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, truly flat bed (no wheel wells) - which is really nice by the way, trunk in the bed, active noise cancelling while driving - and music adjusts volume with speed, and a ton of other features. Wife bought a new VW and almost immediately after she started driving my Ridgeline, she said "I thought my car was nice. This is way nicer." Feels like a luxury car that can do everything a midsize truck should do. Love it. Can see why there's so few used ones available. Definitely recommend.
Update: Still love the truck and I've been getting 29 or 30 mpg pretty consistently! Yes, this is mostly freeway driving and I try to stay at constant speeds on the freeway, but my old VW Golf Turbo couldn't break 28 mpg in those same conditions. I'm impressed.
Another Update: Gas mileage dropped pretty significantly recently to about 24 mpg driving the same route on the freeway. It's been cooler here in MN (was about 55 degrees the other day when I paid close attention to mpg). I looked up when winter blends start and sure enough, I'm thinking that's the cause. Will see if mpg goes back up in the summer. I'm not complaining - I'm pretty happy with 24mpg from a truck!
5/5 stars, 2020 Honda Ridgeline
Chris,
RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
The Ridgeline is the perfect vehicle for me. I need a pickup truck to haul motorcycles and parts. The towing capacity is only 5000 pounds which is more than enough for my needs. If you need to haul heavy loads you might as well buy a full size pickup. The Ridgeline rides like a dream. The storage is tremendous. I am more than happy with this vehicle.
5/5 stars, Great Truck?
Jim Kanis,
RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Some people don’t call this a truck, I do. I don’t go 4 wheeling or off roaming. It’s a perfect truck for everyday use, fantastic ride, all the new safety features, dual option tailgate with a huge trunk. I love it!
2020 Honda Ridgeline videos
2017 Honda Ridgeline: Edmunds Death Valley Shock Test Part 2
NOTE: This video is about the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, but since the 2020 Honda Ridgeline is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Our Edmunds truck experts subjected the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 and 2016 Nissan Titan XD to Death Valley's grueling washboard road, which ended up blowing out the trucks' shocks. Here's what the dealerships said when the editors brought the injured trucks in for repair, and what it ended up costing.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Ridgeline safety features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Warns the driver of a possible forward collision and engages the brakes to reduce the severity of a front impact.
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Manages following distance as well as speed, and it can be switched to speed-only mode if desired.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
- Gives the driver a clear view behind the truck, which can be especially useful when the bed or cabin is full or when connecting a trailer.
Honda Ridgeline vs. the competition
2020 Honda Ridgeline
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been around long enough to be considered the benchmark for midsize pickup trucks. From bare-bones work truck to impressively capable off-road vehicle, there's likely a Tacoma for every prospective buyer. The Ridgeline is more comfortable, but the Tacoma has more attitude. Read Edmunds' long-term road test on the Tacoma.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Ford Ranger
Back after a long hiatus, the Ford Ranger has been reborn as a more modern and accommodating pickup truck. There's only one engine, but it's a fairly powerful turbocharged four-cylinder with impressive towing capability. But inside the cabin the Ranger isn't nearly as practical and user-friendly as the Ridgeline.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado does what most people expect a truck to do. It's a pretty well-rounded truck. It offers an array of engines to choose from, as well as some pretty hardcore off-road variants. The Honda, however, still has the edge when it comes to comfort and utility. Read Edmunds' long-term road test on the Colorado.
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FAQ
Is the Honda Ridgeline a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Ridgeline both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. You probably care about Honda Ridgeline fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg to 22 mpg, depending on the configuration. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda Ridgeline. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Honda Ridgeline?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline:
- New nine-speed transmission replaces outgoing six-speed
- Honda Sensing safety features and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard
- Available trims reduced to Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition
- Part of the second Ridgeline generation introduced for 2017
Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?
To determine whether the Honda Ridgeline is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Ridgeline. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Ridgeline's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Honda Ridgeline a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Honda Ridgeline is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Ridgeline and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Ridgeline is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Honda Ridgeline?
The least-expensive 2020 Honda Ridgeline is the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Sport 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $33,900.
Other versions include:
- RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $42,020
- RTL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $38,820
- Black Edition 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $43,520
- Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $36,140
- RTL 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $36,670
- Sport 4dr Crew Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $33,900
What are the different models of Honda Ridgeline?
If you're interested in the Honda Ridgeline, the next question is, which Ridgeline model is right for you? Ridgeline variants include RTL-E 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A), RTL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A), Black Edition 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A), and Sport 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (3.5L 6cyl 9A). For a full list of Ridgeline models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more