Is the Honda Ridgeline a 1 2 ton truck?

The Honda Ridgeline is not considered a 1/2 ton truck. It is a midsize pickup truck that falls into a different category than the traditional 1/2 ton, or light-duty, trucks. The Ridgeline has a lower towing capacity and payload capacity compared to true 1/2 ton trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or Ram 1500.

What is a 1/2 Ton Truck?

A 1/2 ton truck, also known as a light-duty truck, is a classification of pickup trucks that have a maximum payload capacity of around 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. These trucks are designed for general hauling and towing tasks, with capabilities that fall between the smaller compact/midsize trucks and the heavier-duty 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks.

How Does the Honda Ridgeline Compare?

The Honda Ridgeline is considered a midsize pickup truck, not a full-size 1/2 ton truck. Some key differences include:

• Payload Capacity: The Ridgeline has a maximum payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds, while 1/2 ton trucks can typically handle 1,800-2,400 pounds.


• Towing Capacity: The Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to 7,000-13,000 pounds for 1/2 ton trucks.


• Engine Power: The Ridgeline has a V6 engine, while 1/2 ton trucks often offer V8 engines for more power.


• Size and Weight: The Ridgeline is smaller and lighter than full-size 1/2 ton trucks.

So in summary, while the Honda Ridgeline is a capable and versatile midsize pickup, it does not meet the criteria to be considered a true 1/2 ton truck. Its capabilities and specifications place it in a different category compared to the larger, more powerful light-duty trucks.

Is a Ridgeline a 1/2 ton?

The Ridgeline features in-bed trunk, a dual-action tailgate, an all-wheel drive chassis with fully independent suspension, relatively low emissions, a spacious cabin for its class, and a half-ton (~500 kg) composite bed designed to resist dents and corrosion.

Which is better, Tacoma or Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline is better for a smoother, more comfortable daily drive and spacious interior, while the Toyota Tacoma is the choice for off-road capability, higher towing capacity, and a more traditional, rugged truck feel. The Ridgeline uses a standard V6 engine and offers a comfortable ride, whereas the Tacoma features different engine options including a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder and is built for tougher terrains. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize on-road comfort or off-road performance.
 
This video compares the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma, highlighting their design, interior, and off-road capabilities: 43sBen HardyYouTube · Mar 15, 2025
Honda Ridgeline

• Strengths:
  • More comfortable, spacious, and refined interior, making it ideal for daily driving. 
  • Smoother and quieter ride due to its unibody construction. 
  • Standard 3.5L V6 engine with 280 horsepower. 
  • Better standard acceleration and city fuel economy than the base model Tacoma. 
• Weaknesses:
  • Lower towing capacity compared to the Tacoma (5,000 lbs vs. 6,500 lbs). 
  • Less capable for extreme off-roading. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Honda Ridgeline's interior and features: 59sTestDrivenTVYouTube · Jul 6, 2021
Toyota Tacoma

• Strengths:
  • More rugged and traditional truck feel. 
  • Higher towing capacity (up to 6,500 lbs). 
  • Greater off-road capability. 
  • Available with different engine options, including a turbocharged 4-cylinder with higher torque (278 hp, 317 lb-ft). 
• Weaknesses:
  • Less comfortable and refined ride on paved roads. 
  • Standard engine is less powerful. 
  • Interior may feel less spacious and feature-rich compared to the Ridgeline. 

This video discusses the features and capabilities of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: 58sBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Apr 15, 2023
Which one is right for you?

• Choose the Honda Ridgeline if your priority is a comfortable and practical vehicle for everyday use, with a spacious interior and a smooth ride.
• Choose the Toyota Tacoma if you need a more capable off-road vehicle with higher towing and hauling capacity, and you prefer a traditional truck feel. 

Why are Ridgelines not selling?

Honda Ridgelines are not selling well due to a combination of factors, including high price compared to competitors, a lack of strong off-road capabilities and towing capacity, outdated technology, and a conservative design that doesn't appeal to traditional truck buyers. Honda's failure to offer modern features like a hybrid powertrain, alongside aggressive driver-assistance systems that can be frustrating, further contributes to the slump.
 
This video explains several reasons why the Honda Ridgeline is not selling well: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
High price and value

• Higher starting price: The Ridgeline has a higher starting price than key competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and Ford Ranger. 
• Perceived as overpriced: Some buyers feel the vehicle is overpriced, especially when considering its limitations in towing and off-road performance compared to competitors. 
• Expensive options: High-end features are often part of expensive packages, even on lower trim levels. 

Performance and capability

• Limited towing and off-road potential: The Ridgeline's unibody construction makes it less capable for heavy-duty towing and serious off-roading compared to body-on-frame trucks, which is a major drawback for many truck buyers. 
• No hybrid option: In a market where competitors offer hybrid options, the lack of a hybrid powertrain for the Ridgeline is a significant disadvantage, especially for fuel-conscious buyers. 

Outdated technology and design 

• Infotainment issues: The infotainment system is often described as laggy and outdated, with a smaller screen and slower performance compared to competitors. 
• Outdated design: While updated, the overall design remains conservative and doesn't have the aggressive, rugged aesthetic that drives sales for competitors who have embraced bolder styling. 

Safety systems

• Overly aggressive features: The comprehensive safety technology, intended to improve safety, can be overly aggressive and frustrating for some drivers, which detracts from the overall ownership experience. 

Other issues

• Electrical problems: Some model years have reported electrical issues, such as high beam problems, which can create a negative perception among buyers. 
• Potential transmission defects: Some owners have reported issues with the nine-speed automatic transmission, with one class-action lawsuit alleging a programming defect. 

Is the Honda Ridgeline considered a half-ton truck?

The Ridgeline is considered a half-ton pickup truck.