Can a Honda Ridgeline be tuned?

Yes, the Honda Ridgeline can be tuned to improve its performance and capabilities. While the Ridgeline is not typically considered a high-performance truck, there are various modifications and tuning options available to enhance its power, handling, and overall driving experience.

Understanding the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline is a unique mid-size pickup truck that blends the practicality of a truck with the comfort and handling of a crossover SUV. It features a unibody construction, which sets it apart from traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks. This design provides a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency, but it also limits the Ridgeline's towing and off-road capabilities compared to some of its competitors.

Tuning Options for the Honda Ridgeline

Despite its unique design, the Honda Ridgeline can still be tuned to enhance its performance and capabilities. Here are some of the most common tuning options for the Ridgeline:

Engine Tuning

• Engine Remapping: Reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU) can unlock additional power and torque, often resulting in a noticeable increase in acceleration and responsiveness.


• Intake and Exhaust Modifications: Upgrading the air intake system and exhaust system can improve airflow, leading to increased power and a more aggressive exhaust note.


• Turbocharger or Supercharger Installation: Adding a forced induction system, such as a turbocharger or supercharger, can significantly boost the engine's power output.

These engine-related modifications can help the Ridgeline deliver more power and a more engaging driving experience, without compromising its overall practicality and comfort.

Suspension and Handling Upgrades

• Suspension Lift Kits: Installing a suspension lift kit can provide additional ground clearance, allowing the Ridgeline to tackle more challenging off-road terrain.


• Shock Absorbers and Springs: Upgrading the shock absorbers and springs can improve the Ridgeline's handling, ride quality, and overall stability, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads.


• Wheel and Tire Upgrades: Fitting larger, more aggressive tires and wheels can enhance the Ridgeline's off-road capabilities and visual appeal.

These suspension and handling modifications can transform the Ridgeline into a more capable and versatile truck, without sacrificing its on-road comfort and drivability.

Braking and Aesthetic Upgrades

• Brake System Upgrades: Upgrading the Ridgeline's braking system, such as installing larger brake rotors and high-performance pads, can improve its stopping power and fade resistance.


• Exterior Styling Modifications: Adding custom body kits, grilles, lighting, and other aesthetic enhancements can give the Ridgeline a more aggressive or unique appearance.

These additional upgrades can further personalize the Ridgeline and enhance its overall performance and visual appeal.

It's important to note that while the Honda Ridgeline can be tuned and modified, it's crucial to ensure that any changes comply with local laws and regulations, and that the vehicle's safety and reliability are not compromised. It's always recommended to consult with a professional mechanic or tuning specialist when considering any modifications to your Ridgeline.

How much HP will a tune add?

A tune can add anywhere from 5% to over 30% more horsepower, with exact gains depending on the vehicle's make and model, engine type (turbocharged engines see the biggest gains), and other supporting modifications. For a typical naturally aspirated engine, gains might be a modest 10-15 horsepower, while turbocharged or supercharged engines can gain 30-50 horsepower or more from a tune alone. 
This video shows the horsepower and torque gains from a tune on a Golf R: 1mHumbleMechanicYouTube · Sep 16, 2019
Factors that influence horsepower gains

• Engine type: Turbocharged and supercharged engines respond significantly better to tuning than naturally aspirated engines. 
• Engine displacement: Gains are often estimated on a per-liter basis. For example, a gasoline engine might gain 2-3 hp per liter, while a turbocharged or supercharged diesel engine could gain 10-15 hp per liter or more. 
• Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles are more responsive to tuning than others. Modern engines are often well-tuned from the factory, but some can still benefit greatly. 
• Supporting modifications: Modifications like a cold-air intake or performance exhaust can increase the potential gains from a tune. 
• Quality of the tune: A professional, quality tune from an experienced tuner will yield better and more reliable results than a generic one. 

Typical horsepower ranges by engine type

• Naturally Aspirated: 10–15 horsepower is common, but it varies greatly by engine size. 
• Turbocharged/Supercharged: Expect gains of 30–50 horsepower or more. Some high-performance vehicles can see gains over 100 horsepower. 
• V8 Engines: Typically see gains of 20–45 horsepower. 
• 4-Cylinder Engines: Gains are often in the 8–20 horsepower range. 

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.

What year to stay away from Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are primarily 2006, 2017, and 2018-2019, due to significant engine and transmission issues. The 2006 model is linked to a specific cylinder failure problem, while the 2017-2019 models suffered from transmission, torque converter, and fuel injector problems, especially on certain trims.
 
This video discusses reasons to avoid the Honda Ridgeline, including its design and off-road capability: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
First generation (2006-2014)

• 2006: Prone to engine failure in the fourth cylinder, often occurring around 100,000 miles. 
• 2006: Other issues include problems with the engine, interior accessories like the gauge cluster, and exterior paint clear coat fading or peeling. 

Second generation (2017-present)

• 2017-2019: These model years are known for issues with the six-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter failure. 
• 2017-2019: Also reported to have failed fuel injectors, which can impact fuel efficiency and performance. 
• 2017: Specifically, the 2017 model year had a higher frequency of fuel injector failures. 
• 2020: While 2020 was the first year of the new ZF 9-speed automatic transmission, some sources still cite concerns and note that the 2020 model year was part of a lawsuit concerning the transmission's programming, according to ClassAction.org. 

How much horsepower does a Honda Ridgeline have?

A Honda Ridgeline has 280 horsepower from its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
 

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6
• Horsepower: 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive