Honda’s 2026 Ridgeline Arrives, but 2025 Models Offer Better Value

Two Decades Since the First Ridgeline

It has been two decades since the first-generation Honda Ridgeline was introduced in 2005, featuring a design that defied convention. Back then (and still is today), rival midsize trucks are championing body-on-frame construction. Honda leaned into the unibody approach, bringing smoother ride quality and features like the Dual-Action Tailgate and lockable In-Bed Trunk. Over the years, the Ridgeline has earned recognition not just for practicality but also for introducing segment-first features that continue to shape Honda’s approach to midsize pickups.

For 2026, the Ridgeline returns with some updates and a bump in price. Honda continues the same lineup – Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims – but there’s a substantial increase across the board, with the entry-level Sport now starting at $40,595 before on-road fees, up from $40,150 in 2025.

What’s New for 2026

The 2026 Ridgeline introduces a handful of cosmetic and packaging updates. The TrailSport trim gains an exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint option, first seen on the Passport TrailSport and later on the CR-V Hybrid. The Black Edition now offers an optional contrasting black roof, available when paired with Sonic Gray Pearl or Platinum White Pearl.

Beyond these color and trim changes, the formula remains familiar. All trims feature Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. EPA fuel economy holds steady at 18 mpg city and up to 24 mpg highway, depending on trim.

Pricing now ranges from $40,595 for the Sport to $47,195 for the Black Edition, not including the $1,495 destination charge. Honda continues to build the Ridgeline exclusively in Lincoln, Alabama, where it has become a mainstay in the brand’s US manufacturing portfolio.

Is the 2025 Model a Smarter Buy?

While the 2026 Ridgeline adds a few new options, its price increases raise the question of whether it’s better to look at the remaining 2025 inventory. A quick look at listings on Cars.com shows significant discounts on new 2025 Ridgelines. Depending on the location, buyers can find markdowns that effectively offset the higher MSRP of the 2026 model year.

Since the mechanical package carries over unchanged and the updates for 2026 are mainly aesthetic, albeit minor, the 2025 model presents a better value due to the hefty discounts. Whether the fresh paint options or the black-roof option is worth the extra money, that’s entirely up to you.