Prepare to say goodbye to the Honda Ridgeline. Thankfully we're not talking about forever here, but just for a model-year. Honda will cease production of the 2026 model this quarter to prepare for a third-generation model which will likely arrive in 2028. So that means no 2027 model-year making this my last time behind the wheel of the Ridgeline for a brief spell.
Exterior
My top-of-the-line 2026 Ridgeline Black Edition review vehicle arrived wearing Sonic Gray Pearl - just like the 2024 TrailSport I reviewed - but the Black Edition takes style up a notch with contrasting black elements.
They include a black grille with a Black Edition badge, 18-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels, black door garnish and window surround trim. The Black Edition is also available in Platinum White Pearl and new-for-2026 you can also opt for a contrasting black roof, though my review vehicle's is body-colored.
Heated, power-folding side mirrors are standard on the Black Edition as are LED daytime running lights. The entire lineup is treated to dual chrome exhaust along with LED headlights, fog lights and brake lights.
Performance
The 2026 Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 280-horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque - both numbers that fit this midsize pickup and its 5,000 towing capability well. The Ridgeline is equipped with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Honda's standard Intelligent Traction Management system offers Normal, Snow, Sand and Mud modes. Start/Stop can be disabled and you can turn the engine on remotely from the key fob.
Interior
An inviting interior is a mix of soft-touch, glossy black and plastic materials. The Black Edition features a black interior with red accents.
Comfortable leather-trimmed, heated front seats feature Black Edition logos and red contrasting elements. Other Black Edition features include a leather-wrapped, heated, steering wheel with red stitching, Black Edition logo floor mats and red interior lighting. Seats in both rows -including a 10-way power driver's seat with power lumber - are cushiony and comfortable.
Technology includes a 7-inch digital driver display and 9-inch touchscreen home to Honda's multimedia system and a Multi View Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines. Traditional climate controls take up the center stack. A shift-by-wire gear shifter is located on the center console, along with a storage tray large enough for two side-by-side smartphones.
The Ridgeline is roomy with more headroom up front than in the 2nd-row due to stadium seating. The second-row also gets a drop-down armrest with small cupholders. Cool features include a power-sliding rear window, available on all but the base trim, and under-seat storage beneath 60/40 split second row.
The Black Edition is the only grade with ventilated front seats, rear 2nd-row outboard heated seats, an 8-speaker sound system, front door courtesy lights and two USB-C ports in the second row.
Standard features across the lineup include tri-zone climate, rear window defroster with timer, wireless charger, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12-volt power outlets and a lockable glove compartment.
Utility
Utility is a strong selling point of the Ridgeline. Honda's nifty Dual-Action Tailgate and In-Bed Trunk is standard on all models. The tailgate opens down or swings to the side, revealing a glass fiber-reinforced SMC composite truck bed designed to resist dents and scratches.
The Black Edition is the only grade equipped with LED truck-bed lights and a 150-Watt / 400 Watt truck-ned power outlet. Sadly, Honda no longer offers in-bed audio speakers.
Ride and Drive
Driving the Ridgeline is an enjoyable experience. It delivers an easy-going car-like ride with great ride quality and there's no anxiety over whether you will fit a parking space or hit a mailbox on the side of the road because the side mirrors are extra large. You also get nice visibility thanks to 7.4 inches of ground clearance. Note that unlike TrailSport, the Black Edition is not equipped with off-road suspension.
Safety
Standard Honda Sensing features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, and Auto Beam Headlights. The Black Edition is also equipped with front and rear parking sensors.
What You'll Pay
Pricing wise, the range-topping Black Edition is more expensive than the 2024 TrailSport I reviewed by roughly $3K. The only option on both - the Sonic Gray Pearl hue for $455.
Verdict
The Ridgeline - which by the way is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year - continues to impress with its versatility and cool features that continue to make it a unique option in the segment. It's a pickup truck that's easy to find appealing if you need a mid-size truck with innovative utility and storage features, and prefer car-like driving dynamics.
- What I liked most: Black Edition treatment, cool features including the tailgate and truck bed, leather-trimmed seats, enjoyable ride and drive.
- What I would change: Add a Panoramic sunroof.
- MSRP: Base $47,395. As equipped $49,345.
- Fuel Economy: 18 City/24 Highway/21 combined.
- Official Color: Sonic Gray Pearl. ($455.)
- Miles: 31 miles.
- Weight: 4,504 pounds curb. 6,019 GVWR.
- Ground Clearance: 7.64 inches.
- Length-Width-Height: 210.2 ” long/78.6” wide/70.8" high.
- Ground Clearance: 6.5 inches.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.5 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side. (Capless fuel filler).
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds (w/trailer hitch).
- Spare Tire: Compact Spare.
- Final Assembly Point: Lincoln, Alabama.
- 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition adds blacked-out style to Honda's versatile and unique mid-size pickup.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty; 3 years or 36,000 miles Roadside Assistance
- Manufacturer’s website: Honda
