We’re already hitting the ground running in 2026 with the new Ridgeline TrailSport and more long-term tests coming soon!
Typically, most brand-new trucks, cars and SUVs we get from manufacturers see a limited time at the TFL office. We get through new models in a week or two, then it’s onto the next one. Every once in awhile, though, we’ll keep one of those trucks for a longer period of time, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with this updated 2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport.
Why? Well, among midsize trucks it’s historically been one of the most…let’s say controversial. Its SUV-like underpinnings haven’t dramatically changed, apart from some generational improvements, since the truck first debuted two decades ago. It’s still a unibody pickup with a V6 engine kicking out 280 horsepower these days, and is one of the most “car-like” trucks to own. We’ve seen smaller trucks join the party using a similar idea like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, but this Ridgeline competes against heavyweights in the class like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and the Jeep Gladiator.
And over the past few years, we’ve had a new addition to the lineup: TrailSport. Now, with an all-wheel drive setup and no locking differentials at the front or back, there’s only so capable this truck can be off the beaten path against your TRD Pros, your Raptors and your Rubicons. Nevertheless, this particular trim does offer a more off-roadish option, and we’re going to put that further to the test over the coming months.
For 2026, the main highlight for the Honda Ridgeline is that 20-year anniversary since it first launched. Apart from that, the truck isn’t changing much, apart from the new TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green paint scheme that we also see on Passport and CR-V. At $47,290, the Honda Ridgeline is also priced about the same as your mid-tier off-road package for any body-on-frame truck, like the Tacoma TRD Off-Road or the Frontier Pro-4X. But should you join one of the few thousand each month who do buy a Ridgeline over its rivals? What strengths does this truck have over those trucks, and can you look past its weaknesses?
Those are questions we’re going to look at as we have this truck in our long-term garage. However, if there are any specific tests you want to see, let us know by dropping a comment or shooting an email to ask@tfltruck.com. Even better, if you want to further help out the TFL team in making these long-term tests and all our other reviews happen, support TFL Studios on Patreon (thanks in advance for the consideration!).
