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What is the difference between Honda Ridgeline RTL and RTL E?

The RTL-E is the higher-end Ridgeline trim, offering more luxury features and technology than the RTL. Both trims share the same core engine and bed capabilities, but RTL-E adds upgrades in interior comfort, infotainment, and safety that raise the overall level of equipment. The exact items can vary by model year and regional market, so check the spec sheet for your year.

Overview of how the trims diverge

The Ridgeline RTL-E sits above the RTL in the lineup, so it typically includes a broader set of standard features. The RTL provides a strong level of equipment for practicality and comfort, but it does not always include the premium touches found on RTL-E. Below are the areas where RTL-E commonly pulls ahead, with caveats that availability can differ by year and region.

Interior and seating: The RTL-E typically includes more premium materials and comfort-focused seating upgrades, such as leather seating surfaces and features like heated front seats. In many model years, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also available on RTL-E, whereas RTL models may use the standard leather or leather-like upholstery without these extras.

Convenience and comfort features: The RTL-E often adds items such as a larger or upgraded sunroof/moonroof, improved interior trim, and other niceties designed to boost daily comfort and cabin ambiance.

Infotainment and navigation: RTL-E usually offers more advanced infotainment options, including built-in navigation and a more expansive touchscreen, along with associated premium audio in some years. Both trims typically support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but built-in navigation is more commonly standard on RTL-E.

Safety and driver-assistance tech: RTL-E commonly includes a broader set of safety features and driver-assistance tools, such as blind-spot information with rear cross-traffic monitor and other Honda Sensing components, with RTL offering a more limited or optional package depending on year and market.

Drivetrain and capability: The powertrain (a 3.5L V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic) and bed/capability are shared by RTL and RTL-E, with all-wheel drive (AWD) frequently offered as a standard or optional upgrade; however, the exact drivetrain configuration can vary by year and trim package.

In short, the RTL-E adds a package of premium interior materials, enhanced comfort features, advanced navigation and infotainment options, and expanded safety tech compared with the RTL. The core performance and utility remain the same, but the RTL-E aims to deliver a more luxurious and tech-forward experience.

Practical considerations and year-by-year notes

Because Honda sometimes changes feature availability across model years, it’s important to verify the exact equipment on the specific Ridgeline you’re considering. The RTL-E designation generally signals a higher level of standard equipment and inclusions, while the RTL remains a well-equipped mid-range option with some features that can be added as part of a package on the RTL.

Pricing and value considerations

With the RTL-E positioned as the top trim, it typically commands a higher price than the RTL, reflecting the added features and tech. The value proposition depends on how much you value the premium seating, navigation, enhanced safety tech, and upgraded infotainment. Prospective buyers should weigh the price delta against the desired level of comfort and technology for their use case.

Performance and practicality considerations remain consistent across both trims: the Ridgeline’s V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission deliver a smooth, capable ride, while the cargo bed, in-bed trunk, and dual-action tailgate provide the bed utility buyers expect from the Ridgeline. The choice between RTL and RTL-E often comes down to how much you value interior luxury and advanced tech features.

Bottom line

For buyers who want the most comfort, modern tech, and safety equipment in a Ridgeline, the RTL-E is the clear pick. For those who prioritize solid equipment with fewer premium extras, the RTL remains a strong, more affordable option. Always check the model-year specifics to confirm exactly which features are included, as Honda’s trims can shift what’s standard or optional from year to year.

Summary: The RTL-E is the higher-end version of the Ridgeline, adding premium interior materials, heated/ventilated seating, enhanced infotainment and navigation, and expanded safety tech compared with the RTL. The core engine and bed capability are shared, with the RTL offering a strong, well-equipped alternative that sits below the RTL-E in luxury and tech. When shopping, verify year-specific feature lists to ensure you get the exact equipment you want.

What year of Honda Ridgeline to stay away from?

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.

Why aren't Ridgelines 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 is the difference between the Ridgeline RTL and RTL-E?

The main differences are that the RTL-E trim adds more features like a truck-bed power outlet, LED truck bed lights, and an in-bed audio system, while the RTL trim has a power-sliding rear window. The RTL-E also adds more premium interior and safety features, such as a heated windshield wiper area, auto-dimming side mirrors, and interior ambient lighting. Both trims are equipped with leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the RTL-E and Black Edition trims: 0:54Crazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Jan 24, 2023

Feature	RTL	RTL-E
Audio	Standard audio system	In-bed audio system, subwoofer, 8 speakers, HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio
Exterior	Power-sliding rear window	In-bed power outlet, LED truck bed lights
Interior	Leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, one-touch power moonroof	Blue ambient LED lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel
Safety	Standard safety features	Rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic recognition
Convenience	Heated front seats, driver seat memory functions	Power-folding and heated side mirrors with memory function, automatic high beams, heated windshield wiper area, courtesy door lights

What does RTL stand for on a Honda Ridgeline?

On a Honda Ridgeline, RTL stands for "Ridgeline Truck Luxury". This trim level signifies an upgrade over the base model, adding more comfortable and convenient features like a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, and a power moonroof.

"Luxury": Refers to the upgraded interior features that make the truck more comfortable and upscale.
"Truck": Identifies the model as a part of the Ridgeline truck line.
"Ridgeline": The specific vehicle model.

Examples of features commonly included in the RTL trim include:

Leather-trimmed and heated front seats
Power front seats with driver memory settings
One-touch power moonroof
Blind Spot Information System
Power sliding rear window
HomeLink® remote system

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.