Home FAQ

Are Honda Ridgelines fast?

The Honda Ridgeline is not considered a particularly fast truck, but it offers a comfortable and capable ride for everyday driving. While it may not be the quickest option in its class, the Ridgeline provides a balance of performance, utility, and practicality that appeals to many buyers.

Performance Characteristics of the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps to provide smooth and efficient power delivery. The Ridgeline's acceleration is adequate for most driving situations, but it is not designed for high-performance driving.

In terms of top speed, the Honda Ridgeline has a maximum speed of around 112 mph, which is on the lower end for a midsize truck. However, the Ridgeline's focus is on providing a comfortable and composed ride, rather than outright speed.

Factors Affecting the Ridgeline's Performance

Several factors contribute to the Honda Ridgeline's performance characteristics:

Powertrain: The Ridgeline's V6 engine and 9-speed transmission are designed for efficiency and drivability, rather than raw power.

Suspension and Handling: The Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension are optimized for a smooth, car-like ride, rather than high-performance handling.

Weight: The Ridgeline's curb weight of around 4,500 lbs is on the heavier side for a midsize truck, which can impact acceleration and top speed.

Intended Use: The Ridgeline is designed as a versatile, everyday truck, not a high-performance off-road or towing vehicle.

While the Honda Ridgeline may not be the fastest truck on the market, it offers a well-rounded package that prioritizes comfort, utility, and practicality over outright speed. For many buyers, the Ridgeline's balanced performance characteristics and user-friendly features make it an appealing choice in the midsize truck segment.

What are the negatives of the Honda Ridgeline?

Cons of the Honda Ridgeline include a lower towing capacity compared to larger trucks, limited off-road capability, a dated and sluggish infotainment system, and a narrower selection of trim options. Other drawbacks mentioned are potential issues with wind noise, connectivity problems with Apple CarPlay, and a lack of engine options beyond the standard V6.

This video explains 7 problems with the Honda Ridgeline: 59sFuel ForceYouTube · Sep 29, 2025
Performance and capability

Lower towing capacity: The towing capacity is respectable but does not match that of larger, body-on-frame trucks.
Limited off-road capability: The comfortable, car-like ride means it is less capable off-road compared to trucks built on a more rugged platform.

Technology and interior

Outdated and slow infotainment: The touchscreen system is frequently described as sluggish, frustrating to use, and visually dated.
Connectivity issues: Some owners report problems with Apple CarPlay disconnecting, and wireless charging not functioning correctly.
Poor voice recognition: The voice command system can be inconsistent and struggle with accuracy.
Underwhelming audio: The sound quality from the standard audio system is considered underwhelming by some.

Other drawbacks

Limited trim options: The number of available trim levels is more restricted when compared to competitors.
Wind noise: Some reviews have noted the presence of wind noise, even at lower speeds.

This video explains 6 reasons why you should avoid the Honda Ridgeline: 52sSpeed SpectrumYouTube · Oct 21, 2024

Which is better, Tacoma or Ridgeline?

The better truck depends on your needs: the Toyota Tacoma is better for off-roading, towing, and hauling heavy loads, while the Honda Ridgeline is better for on-road comfort, fuel efficiency, and everyday driving. The Tacoma offers more ruggedness and capability, with higher towing and payload limits, more ground clearance, and available four-wheel-drive systems for off-road. The Ridgeline is built for a more car-like, comfortable ride with a smooth suspension and more passenger amenities, making it a better daily driver.
You can watch this video to compare the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline in detail: 53sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Sep 18, 2024
Toyota Tacoma

Best for: Off-roading, heavy-duty tasks, and rugged use.
Towing and Payload: Higher capacity, with towing up to 6,800 pounds and a higher payload capacity.
Off-Road Capability: More capable off-road due to higher ground clearance (9.4 inches), available four-wheel drive, and features on TRD trims.
Reliability: Has a very high predicted reliability rating.
Fuel Efficiency: Can achieve up to 20/26 mpg (city/highway) with its gas engine and up to 22/24 mpg with its hybrid option.

Honda Ridgeline

Best for: On-road comfort, daily driving, and passenger convenience.
Towing and Payload: Towing is limited to 5,000 pounds, but it still has a commendable payload capacity.
Off-Road Capability: Less capable off-road compared to the Tacoma, but handles well on dirt roads and can be used for light off-roading.
Comfort and Interior: Offers a more comfortable, car-like ride with a smoother suspension and a more refined interior with more amenities.
Fuel Efficiency: Achieves 18/24 mpg (city/highway).
Safety: Has a better safety rating, with improved crash scores.

This video compares the fuel efficiency of the two trucks: 49sFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 27, 2025

Does the Honda Ridgeline have enough power?

Performance and Capability of the Honda Ridgeline
In terms of performance, the Honda Ridgeline offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This provides more than enough power for everyday driving and light towing.

How fast is the Honda Ridgeline?

The top speed of a Honda Ridgeline is an estimated 130 mph, though this can be limited by a governor that typically kicks in at around 110–112 mph. The truck has a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and can go from 0–60 mph in about 6.3 seconds.
You can watch this video to see a Honda Ridgeline driving at its governed speed: 1mGDM_CRXYouTube · Oct 25, 2023

Estimated top speed: ~130 mph
Governed top speed: ~110–112 mph (This is often where the engine's computer limits the speed)
0–60 mph: ~6.3 seconds
Engine: 3.5L V6 with 280 horsepower

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.