Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity By Year With Charts

What Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity?

The Honda Ridgeline towing capacity proves this midsize pickup is practical yet capable with a max 5,000-pound rating.¹ But with six trim levels to choose from, you may wonder how the towing capacities stack up throughout the collection or if they are the same. Join the team at Muller Honda Highland Park as we dig into the 2026 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity by trim, reveal payload figures, and uncover how this midsize truck has measured up over the years.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity Per Trim

No matter which trim you choose, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds.¹ This consistent hauling is made possible by the core 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is standard across the entire series. There's also no need to add an extra towing package to get started, as the Ridgeline arrives ready with an integrated Class III trailer hitch and a seven-pin connector.

You'll find this isn't always the case with competing trucks. For example, a Honda Ridgeline vs. Ford Maverick review reveals that the Maverick requires AWD, an available towing package, and an upgraded powertrain to reach its maximum towing figure, which is less than that of the Ridgeline.

	Engine	Max Towing Capacity	Max Payload	Curb Weight
Sport	3.5L V-6	5,000 lbs1	1,583 lbs2	4,420 lbs
RTL	3.5L V-6	5,000 lbs1	1,544 lbs2	4,480 lbs
TrailSport	3.5L V-6	5,000 lbs1	1,521 lbs2	4,495 lbs
TrailSport+HPD Wheels	3.5L V-6	5,000 lbs1	1,521 lbs2	4,495 lbs
Black Edition	3.5L V-6	5,000 lbs1	1,509 lbs2	4,504 lbs
Black Edition Two-Tone	3.5L V-6	5,000 lbs1	1,509 lbs2	4,504 lbs

Now, we know not every Ridgeline owner spends their weekends pulling a trailer or camper. If your plans involve filling the 5-foot-4-inch truck bed with camping gear, home improvement supplies, or jobsite equipment, payload capacity is critical.

As you can see, these ratings vary by trim, ranging from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds,² giving the Ridgeline an edge over some midsize pickup rivals when you compare their base-level editions. In fact, when you look at the entry-level trims of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline vs. Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline Sport comes in strong with a 1,583 pounds of payload capacity² vs. the Toyota's 1,460 pounds of payload,² making the Honda an excellent choice for drivers who regularly haul items in the bed.

Summary

With a standard V-6 engine, integrated Class III trailer hitch, and no additional towing package required, every 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers a max 5,000 pounds of towing capability.¹

Summary

With a standard V-6 engine, integrated Class III trailer hitch, and no additional towing package required, every 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers a max 5,000 pounds of towing capability.¹

What Is the Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity by Year?

Over the years, the Honda Ridgeline max trailer weight has remained consistent. However, FWD variants were limited to a maximum of 3,500 pounds,¹ while AWD was required to reach the full 5,000-pound benchmark.¹ But starting with the 2021 model year, that once-optional Honda Ridgeline AWD towing capacity became standard.

Model Year	Max Towing Capacity	Drivetrains
2026	5,000 lbs1	AWD
2025	5,000 lbs1	AWD
2024	5,000 lbs1	AWD
2023	5,000 lbs1	AWD
2022	5,000 lbs1	AWD
2021	5,000 lbs1	AWD
2020	3,500 lbs (Standard)1 5,000 lbs (Available)1	FWD / AWD
2019	3,500 lbs (Standard)1 5,000 lbs (Available)1	FWD / AWD

Summary

Starting with the 2021 model year, standard AWD has helped every Ridgeline achieve its full towing capacity at 5,000 pounds,¹ whereas earlier FWD iterations were limited to 3,500 pounds.¹

What Can a Honda Ridgeline Tow?

The Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is strong enough to handle a wide range of real-world towing needs. Items can include:

• Small travel trailers and campers
• Small fishing and recreational boats
• ATVs and side-by-sides
• Utility trailers
• Landscaping and construction equipment trailers
• Jet Skis or personal watercraft

A couple of other things are worth knowing before you hook up: Premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing over 3,500 pounds,¹ and you can always fine-tune your setup with accessories and packages available through Muller Honda Highland Park.

Contact us to schedule a test drive, ask all your questions, and let our team assist you in securing your dream 2026 Ridgeline.

Summary

The Honda Ridgeline can tow small campers and boats as well as ATVs, utility trailers, and work equipment. For the best towing performance, premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing over 3,500 pounds.¹

Honda Ridgeline Towing With Passengers: How Does It Factor In?

When discussing the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity, it's important to remember that it's not just about what you're pulling behind the truck. Most weekend getaways, camping trips, and lake days are shared with family and friends, which means the people riding inside your Ridgeline matter, too.

Although every 2026 Ridgeline can achieve that max 5,000-pound capability,¹ passenger and cargo weight still play a role in determining how much you can safely tow. The main number you want to keep an eye on is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This figure represents the maximum amount your Ridgeline can weigh when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, fuel, accessories, and trailer tongue weight. For the 2026 Ridgeline, that number is 6,019 pounds³ and should never be exceeded. It's an important guideline that applies not only to the Ridgeline but to all available Honda models.

Summary

Passenger, cargo, and trailer tongue weight all factor into safe towing. While every 2026 Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds,¹ it's important to stay within the truck's 6,019-pound GVWR³ and follow the towing guidelines outlined in your owner's manual.

Explore the 2026 Honda Ridgeline & Start Planning Your Next Getaway

While Honda model research and comparisons are a great place to start, there's only so much you can learn from reading specifications and charts. The real question is how the truck feels when you're behind the wheel. Visit Muller Honda Highland Park for a personalized tour and test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every 2026 Honda Ridgeline tow 5,000 pounds?

Yes, every 2026 Honda Ridgeline can tow a max of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

What engine does the Honda Ridgeline use for towing?

The engine that the 2026 Ridgeline uses for towing is the 3.5-liter V-6 powertrain, which is standard across the entire collection.

What is the Honda Ridgeline tongue weight?

The max Honda Ridgeline tongue weight is 600 pounds when equipped. For stable towing, tongue load should typically equal 10% to 15% of the trailer's total weight. If your tongue weight falls outside that range, you may have to adjust how cargo is distributed within the trailer.

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¹Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

²Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.

³GVWR ratings assume vehicles are properly equipped with manufacturer-recommended towing setups. Actual weight capacities may vary.