What is the average life of a Honda Ridgeline?
The average Ridgeline, if properly maintained, can reliably reach about 200,000 miles and often more, translating to roughly 15 to 20 years of service depending on driving habits and climate.
Longevity depends on how the truck is cared for, how it’s driven (highway miles versus heavy hauling or off-road use), and the climate where it’s kept. Honda’s unibody Ridgeline is built for a smooth ride and solid reliability, but like any vehicle its lifespan is extended by proactive maintenance, timely repairs, and careful ownership history.
What determines the Ridgeline’s lifespan
Several core factors influence how long a Ridgeline will remain reliable on the road. Below is a snapshot of those key drivers and how they typically affect longevity.
- Maintenance discipline: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and timely service per the owner’s manual are the single biggest predictor of long life.
- Driving patterns: Highway cruising with light loads generally yields fewer wear items than frequent towing, heavy payloads, or rough off-road use.
- Climate and road conditions: Salt exposure, humid or freeze‑thaw cycles, and poor road surfaces can accelerate rust and suspension wear.
- Parts quality and service history: Using OEM or high-quality parts and keeping service records helps preserve value and reliability.
- Recalls and updates: Addressing manufacturer recalls promptly can prevent issues from becoming long-term reliability problems.
In short, a well-kept Ridgeline stacks the odds toward a longer, trouble-free life, while neglect or harsh use tends to shorten it.
Longevity prospects for the 2017-present Ridgeline
The current-generation Ridgeline, launched for the 2017 model year, combines a unibody design with a robust 3.5-liter V6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup has shown solid long-term durability in owners’ reports and industry reviews, with many examples surpassing the 200,000-mile mark when well maintained. Real-world ownership stories frequently highlight 250,000 miles or more as achievable, especially for highway-oriented use with diligent maintenance. Reliability surveys from mainstream outlets have generally placed the Ridgeline in the upper tier of the midsize pickup segment, though as with any vehicle, performance varies by year and individual vehicle history.
Key maintenance considerations that influence long-term performance include following Honda’s recommended service schedule, keeping up with cooling system care, brake and tire maintenance, transmission fluid changes, and addressing any unusual noises or warning indicators early. The Ridgeline’s V6 is designed for durability, but like all engines, it rewards regular care and timely repairs.
Common longevity milestones for a well‑maintained Ridgeline
The following milestones are typical targets owners aim for as their Ridgeline accumulates miles. They aren’t guarantees, but they reflect common ownership experience for well-maintained trucks.
- 100,000–150,000 miles: Routine maintenance escalates to include more frequent inspections of brakes, suspension, and cooling system components.
- 150,000–200,000 miles: Major service intervals may involve deeper fluid analysis, component replacements as needed, and continued emphasis on preventive care.
- 200,000–250,000 miles: With solid maintenance, many Ridgelines remain capable of daily driving and light hauling; some owners report maintenance costs rising as age-related wear appears.
- 250,000+ miles: Achieving this milestone is notable and usually tied to meticulous upkeep, careful driving, and timely part replacements; examples exist of Ridgelines lasting well beyond this range.
These milestones help illustrate typical trajectories, but individual results vary based on use and care.
Maintenance practices to extend life
To maximize the Ridgeline’s lifespan, consider the following best practices. These steps align with general maintenance wisdom for Honda models and midsize pickups alike.
- Follow the official maintenance minder and service schedule, performing oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid top-offs on time.
- Use quality oil and filters and adhere to recommended viscosity and capacity guidelines for your model year.
- Regularly inspect brakes, tires, suspension components, and steering; address wear promptly.
- Keep cooling system components, hoses, clamps, and the radiator in good condition to prevent overheating.
- Monitor transmission fluid condition and service intervals; ensure the 9-speed automatic remains smooth and responsive.
- Protect against rust with proper washing and undercoating in salty or humid climates; address visible corrosion early.
- Keep comprehensive maintenance records to document care and assist resale value.
With disciplined maintenance and sensible use, the Ridgeline’s path toward a long service life remains strong.
Warranty context and ownership costs
In the United States, new-car warranties generally cover 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, with variations by region and year. While a warranty helps with early-life reliability concerns, the long-term life of a Ridgeline depends most on ongoing care. Ownership costs—including routine maintenance, parts, and potential repairs—tend to rise gradually as the vehicle ages, but a well-maintained Ridgeline can remain economical to operate at high mileage compared with some rivals.
Summary
For most owners, a Honda Ridgeline represents a durable, long-lasting option among midsize pickups. With attentive maintenance, highway-focused use, and timely repairs, many Ridgelines routinely surpass 200,000 miles, and a substantial share reaches 250,000 miles or more. The key to unlocking this lifespan is adherence to routine service, careful driving, and proactive care of cooling, transmission, brakes, and suspension components. In short, a Ridgeline, properly cared for, has the potential to be a decades-long investment in dependable transportation.
What is the longest lasting pickup truck?
The longest-lasting pickup trucks are generally considered to be the Ram 3500 and the Toyota Tundra, with studies showing they have a high probability of reaching 250,000 miles or more. For a mid-size option, the Honda Ridgeline is frequently cited as a top contender for reaching the 200,000-mile mark.
This video discusses the probability of different trucks lasting over 250,000 miles: 42sBrian MelloYouTube · Sep 15, 2025
Heavy-duty and full-size
- Ram 3500: This heavy-duty truck is often cited as the most likely to last over 250,000 miles, especially with its Cummins diesel engine option.
- Toyota Tundra: This full-size truck is consistently recognized for its reliability and longevity, with a high probability of reaching 250,000 miles.
Mid-size
- Honda Ridgeline: This mid-size truck is frequently mentioned as being the most likely to last 200,000 miles or more, often surpassing other trucks in its class.
- Toyota Tacoma: Another popular mid-size truck, the Tacoma is also known for its reliability and durability and can be expected to last a very long time with proper care.
Other reliable options
- Ford Super Duty (F-250, F-350): These heavy-duty models are built for longevity and can often exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
- Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra (especially HD models): These are strong contenders, with the HD versions having a high probability of reaching 250,000 miles, and the 1500 models also showing good longevity.
Are Honda Ridgelines long term reliable?
Owners frequently report their Ridgelines reaching 200,000+ miles with routine maintenance. Critical components like the engine, transmission, and suspension are designed to last, while rust resistance and paint quality help the truck maintain its appearance over time.
How many miles can a Honda Ridgeline go?
The Honda Ridgeline can last up to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Many owners report that their trucks have been running reliably for over 15 years, thanks to Honda's renowned engineering and build quality.
How long does a Ridgeline engine last?
With regular maintenance, the Ridgeline often surpasses 200,000 miles, a testament to Honda's renowned engineering. Its 3.5L V6 engine balances power and efficiency, requiring minimal major repairs over its lifespan.
