Home FAQ

Whats the difference between a Ridgeline RTL and a Ridgeline RTL-E?

In brief, the RTL-E is the higher-end, feature-rich version of Honda’s Ridgeline compared with the RTL, which sits in the mid-range. The RTL-E typically adds navigation, premium audio, leather seating, and extra comfort and convenience features that aren’t standard on the RTL.

Overview of RTL and RTL-E

The Ridgeline’s RTL and RTL-E are both well-equipped mid-size pickup trims, but the RTL-E is designed to offer more technology and luxury touches. While the RTL delivers solid everyday practicality and comfort, the RTL-E targets buyers who value advanced infotainment, premium materials, and additional convenience features. Exact equipment can vary by model year and market, so checking a specific listing or the manufacturer’s brochure is advisable.

What RTL typically includes

Here is a general sense of what the RTL aims to provide as a mid-range Ridgeline option. Year-to-year variations exist, but these items are commonly associated with the RTL tier in the Ridgeline lineup.

Comfort and convenience basics such as Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera

Automatic climate control and power-adjustable seating (often including the driver’s seat)

Alloy wheels and basic exterior styling appropriate for a mid-range trim

Solid interior materials and features that balance value with comfort

Across years, RTL generally offers a capable bundle for daily use, with fewer high-end tech features than RTL-E.

What RTL-E adds

The RTL-E is the top-tier Ridgeline trim and is distinguished by a push toward premium technology and interior refinement. While exact content can shift by year, these enhancements are commonly associated with RTL-E models.

Built-in navigation system with real-time traffic/navigation updates

Premium audio system with more speakers or higher-quality sound

Leather-trimmed seating and upgraded interior materials

Heated front seats and often a heated steering wheel

Power-adjustable seating (often including the driver’s seat and sometimes memory settings)

Power sunroof or moonroof and upgraded exterior accents

Additional convenience or safety features that were optional on RTL

Given the year-to-year changes, buyers should verify the exact feature set on a specific RTL-E but the above items represent the typical upgrades that differentiate RTL-E from RTL.

Which trim makes sense for you?

If you prioritize technology, premium materials, and convenience elements like navigation and a more sophisticated audio setup, RTL-E is the better pick. If you want solid comfort, practicality, and value at a lower cost, RTL remains a strong choice. Always confirm the exact equipment and options for the model year you’re considering, as trims can vary by year and market.

Summary

In summary, RTL-E stands as the more luxurious, tech-forward version of the Ridgeline, adding navigation, enhanced audio, leather seating, and extra comfort features beyond what the RTL offers. The RTL provides dependable mid-range comfort at a potentially lower price point. Prospective buyers should review the specific year’s features to make sure the trim aligns with their priorities and budget.

Which Ridgeline model is best?

The best Honda Ridgeline is often considered the 2020 model year, as it benefits from a significant mid-cycle refresh that improved styling, infotainment, and added standard safety features, while also earning high reliability ratings. The second generation (2017-present) is generally preferred for its modern design and technology. Within that generation, the 2021 model year is also highly recommended for its awards and updates.

Top contenders

2020: A standout model year due to its high-reliability ratings and being the final year of the previous generation before a significant facelift, making it a dependable choice.
2021: Won the Car and Driver Editor's Choice award for its refreshed design, improved cabin materials, and the introduction of the HPD package.
2017: As the first model of the new generation, it introduced many updates over the first generation and is a good option to consider.

Why these models stand out

Improved reliability: The 2020 model has high ratings from sources like J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book for its dependability.
Modern features: The second-generation models, particularly from 2020 onwards, offer more modern technology, including an updated infotainment system and the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard.
Performance and comfort: All second-generation models share a powerful 3.5L V6 engine and a comfortable, car-like ride due to their unibody construction.

Things to consider

Trim level: The best trim depends on your needs. The Black Edition is the most luxurious, while the RTL-E adds premium features like a household power outlet and truck bed lights.
First generation: If looking at first-generation models, consider the 2012 or later years, which offer more options and are still reliable, according to Ike Honda.

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 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.

What's the difference between a 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

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.