What kind of transmission does a 2006 Honda Ridgeline have?
The 2006 Honda Ridgeline uses a five-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD models featuring Honda’s VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system. There is no manual transmission option for this model year.
In 2006, Honda launched the Ridgeline as a unibody pickup powered by a 3.5-liter V6. The vehicle relies on a single 5-speed automatic transmission across both rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations. 4WD models add Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4) system to distribute torque to the rear axle as needed for traction, while 2WD models operate primarily in front-wheel drive under normal conditions. No manual transmission was offered for this generation.
Transmission details
Key facts about how the Ridgeline’s transmission is structured and how it behaves in everyday use are summarized in the list below.
- Transmission type: five-speed automatic (5AT) with electronic control.
- Drivetrain options: 2WD (front-wheel drive) and 4WD with Honda’s VTM-4 system.
- No manual option: there was no manual transmission available for the 2006 Ridgeline.
- Unified with V6 engine: the 5AT is paired with the 3.5-liter V6 across trim levels.
In summary, the 2006 Ridgeline uses a five-speed automatic transmission. If you choose a 4WD model, it adds Honda’s VTM-4 torque-management system to send power to the rear wheels as needed, while there is no manual transmission option for this year.
How VTM-4 works
Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4) is a torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system designed to improve traction by distributing engine torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected or additional grip is needed. In typical conditions, the Ridgeline operates in a front-wheel-drive configuration, with the rear axle engaged only as required, balancing efficiency and stability across varied driving surfaces.
Summary
Bottom line: For the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, the transmission is a five-speed automatic. Two-wheel-drive models operate primarily as FWD, while four-wheel-drive models use VTM-4 for occasional rear-wheel engagement. A manual transmission was not offered in this model year. This configuration stayed consistent across the Ridgeline lineup for that period.
