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Is the Ridgeline good for towing?

The Honda Ridgeline is a versatile midsize pickup truck that offers a unique blend of capabilities, including respectable towing capacity. While it may not be the top choice for heavy-duty towing, the Ridgeline can handle a variety of towing tasks with its available features and capabilities.

Towing Capacity of the Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This means the Ridgeline can tow a variety of trailers, small boats, and other moderately sized cargo with ease. However, it's important to note that the towing capacity may vary depending on the specific model year, trim level, and configuration of the Ridgeline.p>

Key Towing Features of the Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline comes equipped with several features that enhance its towing capabilities:

Integrated Trailer Hitch: The Ridgeline comes standard with a factory-installed trailer hitch, making it easy to attach a variety of trailers and towing accessories.

Trailer Stability Assist: This feature helps maintain control and stability when towing by applying brake pressure to individual wheels as needed, reducing the risk of trailer sway.

Intelligent Traction Management: The Ridgeline's available Intelligent Traction Management system optimizes power delivery and braking to provide better traction and control when towing on various road surfaces.

Payload Capacity: The Ridgeline's payload capacity, which is the maximum weight it can carry in the bed and cabin, ranges from 1,500 to 1,580 pounds, depending on the model. This allows for the transport of additional cargo alongside a trailer.

These features, combined with the Ridgeline's unibody construction and independent rear suspension, help provide a smooth and stable towing experience, even with heavier loads.

Considerations for Towing with the Ridgeline

While the Honda Ridgeline is capable of towing a variety of trailers and cargo, it's important to consider the following factors when using the Ridgeline for towing:

Payload Capacity: The Ridgeline's payload capacity should be carefully monitored to ensure the combined weight of the trailer, cargo, and passengers does not exceed the vehicle's maximum capacity.

Terrain and Conditions: The Ridgeline may struggle with towing heavy loads on steep inclines or in challenging off-road conditions, as it is not designed for heavy-duty towing like larger, body-on-frame pickup trucks.

Fuel Efficiency: Towing can significantly impact the Ridgeline's fuel efficiency, so drivers should expect a noticeable decrease in gas mileage when towing heavier loads.

Overall, the Honda Ridgeline is a capable towing vehicle for a variety of everyday tasks, but it may not be the best choice for those who require heavy-duty towing capabilities on a regular basis.

Is a Honda Ridgeline a good tow vehicle?

The Honda Ridgeline is a capable midsize truck for towing light-to-moderate loads, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, though reviews suggest a comfortable max is around 3,500 pounds. Its unibody construction provides a comfortable, car-like ride, and features like standard all-wheel drive and available Intelligent Traction Management enhance its stability and control. However, it lacks an integrated tow/haul mode and a built-in trailer brake controller, making an aftermarket controller essential for heavier loads.
Performance and handling

Engine and transmission: The V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission deliver steady power, but performance can be improved by using "Sport" mode to keep the engine in its power band when towing.
Stability: The long wheelbase contributes to stability, and the independent rear suspension handles uneven surfaces well.
Braking: Braking is solid, but a trailer brake controller is highly recommended for safety, especially when towing near the maximum capacity.
Towing feel: While it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, reviewers suggest that the experience is more comfortable with loads up to about 3,500 pounds.

This video demonstrates the Honda Ridgeline towing a 3,000 lb trailer: 58sTruck KingYouTube · Sep 29, 2020
Important considerations

Lack of integrated features: The absence of an integrated tow/haul mode is a noticeable drawback compared to other trucks, as it means you'll need to manually manage gears or use Sport mode for better performance.
Payload capacity: Don't forget to consider payload capacity, which is often the limiting factor before towing capacity is reached. The tongue weight of the trailer counts against your payload capacity, so adding people and cargo to the truck reduces the amount of weight you can tow.
Aftermarket accessories: Installing an aftermarket trailer brake controller is essential for safety when towing heavier loads.

This video discusses the importance of payload capacity when towing with the Honda Ridgeline: 0:14Vehicle VisionaryYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
What reviewers like

Smooth and quiet ride: The unibody construction provides a comfortable ride comparable to an SUV or sedan.
Innovative features: The dual-action tailgate and lockable In-Bed Trunk offer practical and versatile storage solutions.
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive comes standard on all models, which enhances traction and confidence in various conditions.

This video explores the features and performance of the Honda Ridgeline: 0:15RohrichhondaInstagram · Aug 19, 2025
Conclusion
The Honda Ridgeline is a strong choice for those who need to tow occasionally or for light-to-moderate loads and prioritize a comfortable on-road experience. However, if you plan to tow frequently or with heavier loads, you may find a more traditional body-on-frame truck to be a better fit for more robust towing performance and integrated towing features.

Can Ridgeline really tow 5000 lbs?

A new Ridgeline is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped; that maximum towing weight includes both the boat and the trailer it sits on. So, you can expect a Ridgeline truck to pull a small fishing boat or sports boat confidently.

Why are Ridgelines not selling?

Honda Ridgelines are not selling well due to a combination of factors, including a high price for its capability, a lack of off-road and towing prowess compared to competitors, and a perceived lack of innovation in its design and technology. The vehicle's unibody construction, while providing a comfortable ride, limits its towing capacity to 5,000 lbs and does not appeal to traditional truck buyers who prioritize body-on-frame capability. Additionally, its price point puts it in a difficult position between less-expensive, more capable rivals and more capable full-size trucks, making its value proposition unclear for many buyers.

You can watch this video to learn more about the reasons why Honda Ridgeline is not selling well: 54sNextRideHQYouTube · Oct 25, 2025
Key reasons for low sales

Limited capability for the price: The Ridgeline's 5,000-lb towing capacity is lower than many competitors, and its unibody design limits its appeal to those who need more rugged capability. This is a major drawback for a truck, and when combined with its price, it leaves it stuck in a market segment where buyers expect more capability for their money.
High price and poor value proposition: The vehicle is perceived as expensive, especially when factoring in the cost of higher trims and packages. Buyers are forced to pay for features they may not want, which can drive up the price to the point where it competes with more capable full-size trucks.
Stagnant design and technology: While competitors have been updating their designs with more aggressive looks and advanced technology, the Ridgeline has remained relatively stagnant. Its interior and tech features, such as its infotainment system, backup camera, and adaptive cruise control, are considered outdated or poor-performing by some reviewers compared to competitors.
Market perception: The Ridgeline's unibody design makes it more of a utility vehicle with SUV-like characteristics, which does not align with the expectations of many traditional truck buyers who prefer the ruggedness of body-on-frame construction.
Potential production issues and availability: Some dealerships have reported low inventory and a lack of available models to test drive, which can make it difficult for customers to purchase the vehicle even if they are interested.

This video explains how the design of Honda Ridgeline affects its sales: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Jul 20, 2024

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

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.