2020 Honda Ridgeline – Rochester, NY

Ridgeline Engines

Although having multiple engines to choose from can be attractive, when you get the engine right the first time, then one is all you need. The 2020 Honda Ridgeline features a 3.5L V6 engine that provides up to 280 hp and up to 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes with Variable Cylinder Management, making for a smooth driving experience that really takes advantage of everything the Ridgeline has to offer.

Drivetrain and Fuel

Two-wheel drive is standard on the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, with AWD available – though the highest trim does come with AWD standard. The FWD models feature an Intelligent Traction Management system designed to handle snowy roads – but with AWD, this is also improved to feature sand and mud settings. The estimated fuel economy on the Ridgeline depends on if you get a FWD or AWD model. With FWD, the Ridgeline gets an estimated 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, with 22 MPG combined, while an AWD model offers an estimated 19 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG combined.²

Towing with the Ridgeline

If you are interested in a midsize pickup like the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, then a huge amount of towing is probably not your primary concern, since you will find greater towing with a larger truck. That being said, you no-doubt still want to get a pickup that can handle a small trailer or camper, or even a boat, and take everything you need with you. Just because you want the convenience of a midsize pickup does not mean you should miss out on great functionality.

When properly equipped for optimal towing, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline with FWD has a maximum tow rating of up to 3,500 lbs. If you choose a model with AWD, however, and configure it for towing, then you can get up to 5,000 lbs of maximum trailering capacity. So, as you can see, the decision between FWD and AWD is not only about traction and the kind of road conditions you encounter, but also the level of towing power you want.

Payload 

That decision between FWD and AWD also affects the payload that the 2020 Honda Ridgeline can handle, which refers to the total weight that can be loaded onto it, including passengers in the cab and cargo in the bed. The trim level you choose also matters since the options you pick can impact the overall weight of the truck. The Sport trim with FWD has a maximum payload of 1,465 lbs or 1,580 lbs with AWD; the RTL trim with FWD can handle up to 1,452 lbs or 1,569 lbs with AWD, and the RTL-E trim that only comes with AWD has a maximum payload of up to 1,499 lbs.

Inside the Honda Ridgeline

Like with any other vehicle, the interior features you get in the 2020 Honda Ridgeline will depend on which trim level you choose. The starting trim, the Sport, features seating for five people, with a 60/40 split rear seat bench, and a tilt and telescopic steering column. It has a push-button start, illuminated steering wheel controls, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Ridgeline Sport also features a 7-speaker audio system, an 8-inch infotainment display, and a pair of USB ports.

If you choose the RTL trim, then you get LED front lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver’s seat along with a 4-way power front passenger seat. The RTL also features a leather-trimmed interior along with heated front seats for added comfort. You also get a power sliding rear window and a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature in the RTL, making for a more comfortable and luxurious overall driving experience.

Finally, there is the RTL-E trim, which showcases everything the 2020 Honda Ridgeline has to offer. In addition to other features in the RTL, you also get two-position memory on the power driver’s seat and more USB ports. The RTL-E has an auto-dimming rearview mirror, courtesy door lights, and blue ambient LED interior lighting. You get an 8-speaker sound system in the RLT-E, Navigation with voice recognition, a truck-bed audio system, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Staying Safe with Honda

Although there are plenty of great things to love about the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, the standard safety features might be the real standout. When looking at any vehicle, the safety features should be your primary concern – no other details or functions matter if the truck cannot help keep you safe on the road. A lot of other midsize trucks start with pretty barebones safety features standard, and you have to pay a lot more to feel safe – the Ridgeline, however, gives you incredible features no matter what trim you choose.

Honda Sensing Suite

Every Ridgeline model comes with the Honda Sensing Suite of safety features standard, which gives you fantastic safety technology. This includes a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, and adaptive cruise control. You also get a lane-keeping assist system, forward collision warning, and a lane departure warning all standard on any Ridgeline model you choose. Other standard safety features include a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, vehicle stability assist with traction control, and brake assist.

There are a couple of safety features that are placed behind a trim requirement, but far fewer than you will find on most trucks out there. If you choose the highest trim, which is the RTL-E, then you also get a blind spot information system with cross-traffic monitor as well as auto high-beam headlights. But other than those two safety features, everything else that the 2020 Honda Ridgeline offers to help protect you on the road comes standard on every single model. The same cannot be said for most other midsize trucks out there.