Who makes Ridgeline transmission?
The Honda Ridgeline uses a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT) that is supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in collaboration with Honda. This arrangement underpins the truck’s balance of performance and efficiency.
The 9AT in the Ridgeline
The Ridgeline’s drivetrain relies on a nine-speed automatic transmission designed to deliver smooth, quick shifts and improved fuel economy for a full-size pickup. Honda integrates the unit with its all-wheel-drive system and torque-vectoring features for both on-road and off-road use.
Who makes the Ridgeline’s 9-speed auto?
Below are the main parties involved in making the transmission, as reported by manufacturers and automotive press.
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG — primary external supplier for the 9AT used in later Honda models, including the Ridgeline.
- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. — leads the development and integration of the 9AT to meet Honda’s specifications and driveline architecture.
Note: While ZF is the external source most commonly cited, Honda’s engineering teams define the performance targets and calibration for the 9AT in collaboration with the supplier.
Where is the 9AT used beyond the Ridgeline?
The 9AT platform is shared with other Honda products, reinforcing Honda’s reliance on a common, multi-model transmission strategy across SUVs and trucks. Different markets may have variants calibrated for local regulations and driving preferences.
Why this matters to owners
Understanding the transmission’s origin can influence expectations around maintenance, service intervals, and availability of replacement parts or software updates. Off-the-shelf parts and service expertise for the 9AT are widely available through Honda dealerships and a global network of transmission specialists linked to ZF and Honda’s supply chain.
Summary
The Ridgeline’s transmission is a 9-speed automatic supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, developed in collaboration with Honda. This partnership reflects a broader industry trend of automakers relying on established transmission experts to deliver advanced, efficient drivetrains while maintaining Honda’s design and performance goals.
What transmission is in a Honda Ridgeline?
All Ridgeline trims feature a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Who manufactures Honda transmissions?
Honda makes most of its transmissions through its subsidiaries, Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America in Ohio and the Georgia Transmission Plant. These facilities produce a variety of automatic and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) for the North American market. The only notable exception is when Honda sourced a ZF 9HP nine-speed transmission for some Acura and Honda models between 2014 and 2015.
- Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc.: Located in Russells Point, Ohio, this plant produces a wide range of automatic transmissions and other related components for vehicles built in North America.
- Georgia Transmission Plant: Situated in Georgia, this facility manufactures automatic transmissions for models like the Honda Odyssey and Acura MDX, and is the global leader for the 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Other exceptions: Occasionally, Honda has used transmissions made by other companies, with the most notable example being the ZF 9HP nine-speed transmission used in some Acura TLX, MDX, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline models around 2014-2015.
Does Honda use ZF transmission?
Transmission is actually not specific just to Honda uh it's used by Honda Acura uh Fiat uses it Chrysler uses it uh Land Rover uses it and I think even Nissan uses it uh in one of their SUVs.
Who makes the Honda Ridgeline 9-speed transmission?
ZF 9HP transmission
| ZF 9HP | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | ZF Friedrichshafen |
| Production | 2013–present |
| Assembly | Gray Court, South Carolina, United States |
