2026 Honda Ridgeline in Cedar Falls, IA
2026 Honda Ridgeline
Confident Utility. Refined Ride.
TOP FEATURES
2026 Honda Ridgeline at a glance
What makes the Ridgeline different? Unibody construction delivers SUV‑like ride comfort, standard all-wheel drive, and a 280‑hp V6 that tows up to 5,000 lbs. The lockable In-Bed Trunk and dual‑action tailgate set it apart in the midsize pickup class. Available in Waterloo and Cedar Falls at Community Honda.
Who is it for? Drivers who need truck utility for weekend gear, landscaping, or boat towing but don't want the rough ride of a traditional body‑on‑frame pickup. The Ridgeline seats five comfortably and handles Iowa snow and gravel with ease.
Key numbers: EPA-estimated 18 city / 24 highway MPG. 5‑star NHTSA overall safety rating. Starting MSRP for Sport trim: $40,595. Trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, Black Edition.
Power meets daily driveability
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, whether you're merging onto Highway 218 near Waterloo or pulling a trailer full of landscaping gear. Standard intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD sends power to the wheels with the most grip, giving you confidence on rain‑slicked pavement or unplowed Cedar Falls side streets.
Towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That's enough for a small camper, two jet skis, or a utility trailer for home projects. And because the Ridgeline uses independent rear suspension (not a solid rear axle), it rides much smoother than a typical truck. You won't get the kidney‑jolting bounce over railroad tracks or potholes. Fuel efficiency is respectable for the class: an EPA-estimated 18 city / 24 highway MPG helps keep trips to the pump manageable.*
Smart cabin for every trip
Step inside the 2026 Ridgeline and you'll find a spacious, quiet interior that feels more like an SUV than a pickup. The standard 9‑inch color touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every Ridgeline also includes Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features: Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Storage is a Ridgeline superpower. The rear seat bottom flips up to reveal a massive under‑seat storage bin perfect for muddy boots, tools, or emergency gear. The lockable In-Bed Trunk (standard on all trims) adds another 7.3 cubic feet of secure, weather‑tight storage. Plus the dual‑action tailgate can swing open like a door or drop down like a traditional tailgate. Upper trims add heated front seats, a heated steering wheel (Elite/Black Edition), and a 540‑watt premium audio system.
TrailSport adds off-road styling and all‑terrain tires.
Which Ridgeline fits you?
Honda offers the 2026 Ridgeline in four distinct trims: Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. Sport gives you the essentials: 18‑inch alloys, 9‑inch screen, and Honda Sensing. RTL adds leather, power driver seat, and a power sliding rear window. TrailSport brings all‑terrain tires, unique suspension tuning, orange stitching, and rugged styling cues. Black Edition features gloss black exterior accents, perforated leather, red interior lighting, and a premium audio system.
No matter which trim you pick, you get the same durable V6, AWD, and clever bed storage. TrailSport is ideal for those who frequently explore George Wyth State Park or need extra confidence on gravel farm roads. Black Edition leans into luxury with ventilated front seats and a 540‑watt audio system. Stop by Community Honda in Cedar Falls to compare them side by side.
2026 Honda Ridgeline – trim comparison
Sport · RTL · TrailSport · Black Edition
| Feature | Sport | RTL | TrailSport | Black Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280-hp V6 / 9-spd auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard AWD (i-VTM4) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 9‑inch touchscreen / wireless Apple CarPlay | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Honda Sensing® safety suite | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| In-Bed Trunk / dual-action tailgate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather-trimmed seats | — | ✔ | ✔ (orange stitching) | ✔ perforated |
| Heated front seats | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (ventilated as well) |
| Power sliding rear window | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| All‑terrain tires / off-road tuned suspension | — | — | ✔ | — |
| 540‑watt premium audio (11 speakers) | — | — | — | ✔ |
| Heated steering wheel | — | — | — | ✔ |
| Black exterior accents / red ambient lighting | — | — | — | ✔ |
*Every Ridgeline includes AWD, 5,000‑lb towing, and the In‑Bed Trunk. TrailSport adds rugged capability; Black Edition adds premium luxury.
Awards & proven safety
U.S. News & World Report ranked the Ridgeline #1 in Midsize Pickup Trucks with a 9.0/10 overall score. They praised its carlike ride and innovative storage.
NHTSA 5‑Star Overall Safety Rating (2025 model year, carried over to 2026 design). The Ridgeline also earned top scores in J.D. Power's Dependability Study.
Kelley Blue Book lauded the Ridgeline's "best‑in‑class ride comfort and clever utility." It also won KBB's 5‑Year Cost to Own award for midsize pickups.
Every Ridgeline includes Honda Sensing with Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Plus a multi‑angle rearview camera with guidelines.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Ridgeline
How much can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow?
5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That includes a trailer with brakes. The standard AWD and transmission cooler make it capable for boats or small campers.
Is the Ridgeline good for Iowa winters?
Absolutely. Standard i‑VTM4 all‑wheel drive continuously adjusts torque distribution. Combined with all‑season tires and snow mode, you'll handle Waterloo and Cedar Falls ice and snow confidently.
What is the In-Bed Trunk?
A lockable, weather‑tight storage compartment built into the truck bed floor. It holds golf bags, groceries, or wet gear and drains water so you can even use it as a cooler.
What trims are available for 2026?
Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. All come with the V6, 9‑speed auto, and AWD. TrailSport has off‑road touches, Black Edition focuses on premium interior features.
What is the fuel economy?
EPA-estimated 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG.* Real world results vary with load and driving conditions.
Does the Ridgeline have a traditional truck bed?
Yes, a 5.4‑foot composite bed that never rusts or dents. It includes a standard 400‑watt AC outlet (150‑watt on Sport) and eight tie‑down cleats.
How does the Ridgeline compare to the Toyota Tacoma?
The Ridgeline offers a smoother ride, better fuel economy, and more cabin space. Tacoma has higher off‑road capability (especially TRD Pro). The Ridgeline excels as a daily driver that still handles truck tasks.
Can I test drive a 2026 Ridgeline near Cedar Falls?
Yes. Community Honda at 4617 University Ave, Cedar Falls. Call 319-486-4775 to schedule a test drive. We have multiple trims available.
What safety tech is standard?
Honda Sensing: Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Auto High‑Beams.
What is the difference between TrailSport and Black Edition?
TrailSport adds rugged all‑terrain tires, unique wheels, orange stitching and floor mats. Black Edition adds gloss black trim, perforated leather, ventilated front seats, 540‑watt audio, red ambient lighting.
*Based on EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions and vehicle use.
Visit Community Honda in Cedar Falls
4617 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Sales & Service: 319-486-4775 | Parts: 319-486-4860
*Based on EPA estimated mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
Reference: Honda Automobiles, NHTSA, J.D. Power, U.S. News & World Report.








