In this article 10 sections
Up to 5,000 pounds can be pulled behind the Honda Ridgeline, which makes it great for moving small boats and trucks.
The Honda Ridgeline is a well-rounded pickup truck that strikes a good balance of power and usefulness. Its strong 5,000-pound pulling ability makes it easy for owners to move trailers, yachts, and other heavy things. The Ridgeline’s cabin is also big and comfy, making it suitable for both business and pleasure.
The Honda Ridgeline stands out as a great midsize pickup because it has more safety measures and always works well. Whether you need it for daily travel or heavy-duty tasks, it is a great choicce.
Getting to Know the Honda Ridgeline
A lot of people like the Honda Ridgeline pick-up truck. It combines comfort and usefulness in an unusual way for a pickup. This truck has many uses and can be used for both work and fun. In the mid-size truck group, it stands out.
Ability To Change And Perform
The Honda Ridgeline excels at both flexibility and performance. Its single-piece design makes it comfortable, like a car, and improves ride and control.
There is a 3.5-litre V6 engine in the Ridgeline. There are 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque in this engine. It has an automatic engine with nine speeds that work well. It is possible to pull up to 5,000 pounds behind the Ridgeline.
Thanks to its AWD technology, the Ridgeline handles and grips better on a range of surfaces. It also has a number of driving styles, each making the most of speed based on the situation.
Well-known models
There are a lot of famous versions of the Honda Ridgeline. Each model is different and has its perks. A quick look at the main types follows:
| Shown | What is important: | Capacity to Tow |
| Sport | metal wheels 18 inches.Tailboard with two actions.Google Auto and Apple CarPlay | 5,000 lbs. |
| RTL | Metal wheels 18 inches.Tailboard with two actions.Google Auto and Apple CarPlay | 5,000 lbs. |
| RTL-E | Truck-bed sound setup.Monitoring a blind areaCharger for wireless phones | 5,000 lbs. |
| The Black Edition | Seats with leather edges.Sunroof with power seats that heat up. | 5,000 lbs. |
A Look at the Towing Capacity
The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that can do many things. It is a mix of speed and efficiency. One thing that makes it stand out is that it can tow. Knowing this, you can make an intelligent choice. Let us take a look at what it can do and how it does it.
Standard Capacity for Towing
The Honda Ridgeline can tow a lot of weight without any problems. It can pull up to 5,000 pounds of stuff behind it, which means it can be used with small boats and trucks. The Ridgeline’s V6 engine has enough power to ensure smooth pulling even on rough ground.
Things that affect pulling
There are a few things that can change how well the Ridgeline can tow. Among these are:
- Engine Performance: A strong engine is very important. It is possible to pull more with a powerful engine.
- Transmission: The type of transmission changes how pulling works. The Ridgeline’s automatic transmission makes pulling easy.
- Vehicle Weight: A vehicle’s total weight affects its ability to tow. It is better to pull with a lighter car.
- Conditions of the Weather: Bad weather could affect pulling. Before you tow, you should always check the weather.
| A Factor | How it affects towing |
| How the Engine Works | Better towing and better operation |
| The transmission | Towing is smoother with automatic |
| Weight of the Vehicle | Higher towing ability for a lighter vehicle. |
| What the weather is like | Before you tow, check the weather. |
It is very important to look at these things. They can have a big effect on your pulling experience. When it comes to speed and safety, the Honda Ridgeline hits the mark, making it a reliable choice for your pulling needs.
Powertrain and Engine
One thing that makes the Honda Ridgeline stand out is its amazing towing capability. Where does this power come from, though? First, let us look at the engine and drivetrain.
Details about the engine:
The engine in the Honda Ridgeline is a 3.5-liter V6. There are 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque in this engine. Direct fuel injection is used in the engine to make sure it works well. The V6 engine makes driving smooth and robusst.
Drivetrain and transmission
The Ridgeline has an automatic engine with nine speeds. This transmission has smooth changes between gears. All-wheel drive is built into the truck. This technology gives you a great grip on a wide range of surfaces. Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) makes driving more stable.
| Notes: | Specifics |
| Type of Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Strength | 280 hp |
| Force | 262 lb-ft |
| The transmission | Automatic with 9 speeds. |
| How it works | All-wheel drive. |
Direct fuel injection makes the fuel use more efficient.- The i-VTM4 technology makes the grip and steadiness better.
- The 9-speed automatic transmission makes shifting gears easy.
- With 280 horsepower, you can be sure of a strong performance.
- All-wheel drive gives you a better grip on the road.
- The torque output is 262 lb-ft, which is more than enough to pull a trailer.
Features for towing Of Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity
The Honda Ridgeline is a capable pickup truck that can pull a lot. Let us look at the unique things about its pulling that make it stand out.
Caravan Stability Help
The Trailer Stability Assist tool is a must for safe towing. It makes the waggon less likely to sway, which helps keep it under control. This system puts brakes on each wheel instantly. It changes the power of the engine to keep the caravan stable. For long-distance pulling, this feature is a must.
Built-in Hitch
The Honda Ridgeline is rated to tow 5,000 pounds, but Honda notes that towing requires accessory towing equipment. A properly installed hitch makes it easy to pull heavy things. Ask the dealer what your truck already has. That avoids surprises before your first trip.
| Notes: | Describe |
| Caravan Stability Help | Lessens trailer sway, which makes pulling safer. |
| Hitch | Accessory towing equipment required for 5,000-lb rating. |
Because of these traits, the Honda Ridgeline is a great choice for towing. It is safe and very convenient, and it is great for pulling a boat or trailer behind it.
Tow vs. Payload
The Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that can do many things, including pulling things behind it. Knowing the difference between payload and pulling is very important, as this will help you get the most out of your Ridgeline.
Getting to Know Payload
A truck’s weight load is the total weight it can carry, including people, things, and any extra weight in the cab or bed. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline can carry 1,509 to 1,583 pounds, depending on trim.
Here’s an example that will help you understand it better:
| Part of Feature | How much it weighs |
| Driver | 150 |
| Passenger | 150 |
| Things and Gear | 300 |
| Whole | 600 |
There are 600 pounds in this case. It can still hold roughly 900 to 980 pounds more.
Keeping the balance between towing and payload.
It is important to get the amount and tow right. Behind the Ridgeline, you can pull up to 5,000 pounds. , the payload does change this ability. When you have more goods, you can not pull as much.
Look at this simple rule.
- When the payload goes down, the towing power goes up.
- When you have more goods, you can not pull as much.
For example, if your payload is 1,000 pounds, you might not be able to pull as much. Read the owner’s instructions every time you want exact information.
Thoughts on safety
It is very important to know how the Honda Ridgeline’s ability to pull things behind it affects safety. That way, the car and the people inside will be safe. Let us look at Ridgeline’s most important safety features, which make it a good choice.
How the brakes work
The brakes on the Honda Ridgeline work really well. This method makes sure that the power to stop is safe and works well.
- ABS: This system keeps the wheels from locking up when you stop quickly.
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) spreads the force of the brakes out evenly.
- Brake Assist: Gives you more stopping power in an emergency.
These traits greatly enhance control and reduce stopping distances, which is very important when pulling big things.
Ratings for safety
Safety ratings are mixed, so check them before you buy. IIHS did not give the 2026 Ridgeline an award.
| Company | Scores |
| The NHTSA stands for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. | Check NHTSA for your model year. |
| IIHS stands for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. | No 2026 award; Poor in the updated moderate overlap test. |
These scores show strengths and weaknesses. The Ridgeline still has a good small overlap and side crash rating.
Getting the most out of towing.
There are many ways to use the Honda Ridgeline pick-up. It has a lot of strength and is great at pulling things. These tips will help you get the most out of your Ridgeline. Find out how to get the most out of your towing.
Maintenance is right.
Maintenance must be done right. Getting your Ridgeline checked out regularly will keep it running well. Pay close attention to these places.
- Engine Oil: You should change your engine oil often. Clean oil helps the engine work better.
- Check the pads on your brakes. Towing needs brakes that work well.
- Tires: Check to see if the tires have a good grip. Correctly filled tires can pull more.
- Oil for the Transmission: Often check the amount of oil in the transmission. This keeps it from getting too hot while pulling.
Maintenance must be done regularly. Follow the maker’s instructions. This helps keep performance at its best.
Improve your towing gear.
Adding better tow tools can make your Ridgeline more useful. Take a look at these upgrades:
- A good hitch receiver is what you should choose. It makes the link safe.
- Put the stop controller in place. When big loads are present, the brakes work better.
- The load is evened out by the weight distribution hitch. It makes you more stable and in control.
- Towing Mirrors: Bigger mirrors make it easier to see. They make it easier and safer to tow.
These changes could make a big difference. They help you move quickly and safely.
| Adding on | Good luck |
| Receiver for Hitch | Safe Connection |
| Controls the brakes | Better stopping power |
| Hitch for Weight Distribution | Better Stability |
| Mirrors for Towing | More see-through |
It is easy to get the most out of your Honda Ridgeline’s pulling power. Taking care of it right and having the right parts make a big difference.
Real-life Examples of Towing
The Honda Ridgeline can be used for many things. It is very strong at pulling things behind it, and it works great when pulling in real life. The Ridgeline works well for both work and play. Let us look at how it can be used in different situations.
Uses for recreation
The Honda Ridgeline makes it easy to go on weekend trips. It can pull tents, small boats, and ATVs, so families who want to take their stuff need not worry.
- To get to the water, pull a small boat behind you.
- Camping: Bring a camper with you for a weekend trip.
- ATVs: Bring your ATVs for a journey off-road.
Its strong engine makes pulling easy. Everything is safe because the truck is stable.
Utilisations in Business
The Honda Ridgeline’s ability to pull heavy things is useful for businesses. It can also bring tools and materials to workplaces, which is very helpful for contractors and gardeners.
- For construction work, pull small trucks full of tools and materials.
- Landscaping: Move tools and supplies quickly and easily.
- Delivery: Move things in a reliable and safe way.
It is a good choice because it can pull things behind it. The Ridgeline is both powerful and fuel-efficient.
| How to Apply | Item | Weight Guessed |
| Going a | Small Boat | 1,500 lbs. |
| Camping | Bus Camper Trailer | 2,500 lbs. |
| ATVs | An ATV Trailer | 1,000 lbs. |
| Building up | Tool Box Trailer | 3,000 lbs. |
| Garden design | Trailer for Equipment | 2,000 pounds |
| Delivery | Trailer for goods | 2,500 lbs. |
Questions People Ask Often.
What is the most weight that a Honda Ridgeline can pull?
The Honda Ridgeline can pull up to 5,000 pounds. It works well for small to medium loads.
What kind of truck can pull a fifth wheel?
A Honda Ridgeline cannot pull a fifth wheel. It does not have the right amount of pulling power or hitch compatibility.
Can you haul things with a Honda Ridgeline?
Yes, Honda Ridgelines can pull a lot. They have a big bed, can carry a lot of weight, and work reliably.
What Type of Weight Can a Honda Ridgeline Pull?
You can pull up to 5,000 pounds behind the Honda Ridgeline. It is a good choice for midsize cars because of this.
How much can the Honda Ridgeline pull?
The Honda Ridgeline can pull up to 5,000 pounds, which makes it useful for a range of pulling situations.
A Honda Ridgeline might be able to pull a boat.
Yes, the Honda Ridgeline can pull boats up to its 5,000-pound rating, including trailer, with the right towing equipment.
The bottom line
You can pull a lot with the Honda Ridgeline’s amazing towing power. It is a great choice because it is both powerful and reliable. This truck can be used for work or play and will not let you down. Try out the Honda Ridgeline’s towing skills and take your driving adventures to a whole new level.
Choose the Ridgeline for balanced performance and everyday usefulness.
Related guides: our full pickup truck guide. You may also like 2026 Slate Truck.
Related guide: 2025 RAM 1500 Review.
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact Honda you are considering:
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
