With a new year rolling in, we have the tried-and-true 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport back for another round of evaluation. Sadly, customers looking for an all-new design or powertrain will need to look elsewhere. This second-generation Ridgeline is now in its ninth model year, which feels long in a segment that has seen a lot of recent movement. While the Ridgeline remains a solid and proven product, something new would certainly help it stand out against the slew of newer mid-size and compact trucks that have entered the market over the past few years.

As a midsize pickup, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline competes against vehicles such as the GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, and the ever-popular Toyota Tacoma. Most of these rivals offer more powerful engine options and greater off-road capability, but they also take a very different approach in how they drive and feel day to day.

Ride Comfort and Practicality

Where the 2025 Honda Ridgeline continues to excel is in ride comfort and overall usability, both inside the cabin and in the composite in-bed trunk. While body-on-frame trucks like the Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma can ride more harshly, the Ridgeline remains one of the smoothest pickup trucks on the road. Over the holidays, I was able to use the in-bed trunk as a cooler for groceries and desserts thanks to extremely cold weather, highlighting just how useful this feature can be.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Ridgeline’s interior remains unchanged from last year. It’s straightforward, easy to use, and includes most of the features buyers expect, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Everything is displayed through a 9-inch infotainment screen, and thankfully, Honda has stuck with physical HVAC buttons and switches, keeping things simple and intuitive. It’s a very nice cabin with cohesive design and excellent material choices, and thoughtful use of storage space.

Occupants are also noticeably more comfortable than in some competitors, particularly in the rear seats, where the Ridgeline is a clear and decisive winner over every truck that isn’t a full-size. Compared to a recently tested Tacoma, the Honda felt more accommodating, especially with features such as rear HVAC vents and available heated rear seats.

Truck Capability

Our tester was the TrailSport trim, which is positioned as the lineup’s more adventure-oriented model. This trim adds all-terrain tires on 18-inch Shark Grey wheels, leather upholstery with orange stitching, additional underbody protection, and slightly retuned suspension. While these upgrades add some visual flair and light-duty capability, don’t expect the TrailSport to suddenly transform the Ridgeline into a hardcore off-roader. Towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds, which is respectable but falls short of competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, both of which can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Powertrain and Efficiency

The Ridgeline continues with Honda’s proven 280 horsepower, 3.5-litre V6, paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is refined, drama-free, and moves this midsize truck with ease, even if it no longer stands out in a segment that’s increasingly embracing turbocharged engines. [I find it amusing that the last mid-size “truck” with a large-ish, naturally aspirated V6 – a proper truck engine – isn’t a truck at all. Long live the J35! -Ed.]

Fuel efficiency remains competitive. The Ridgeline goes toe-to-toe with, and in some cases beats, turbocharged rivals while happily running on regular-grade fuel. Honda estimates fuel economy at 12.8 L/100 km city and 10.2 L/100 km highway, for a combined 11.6 L/100 km. During my test week, I averaged 12.1 L/100 km, which is slightly higher than expected but understandable given very cold temperatures and frequent use of heated features.

Money

Pricing for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $51,490 for the Sport trim. The TrailSport model tested here starts at $54,990, while the top-spec Black Edition comes in at $57,490. Our tester’s Diffused Sky Pearl paint added $300, and there are no other standalone options. This puts it in line with other mid-size pickups, trading some towing capacity and toughness for practicality and comfort.

Summary

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport carries on for another year with no major updates, but it doesn’t really need them. It still delivers a smooth, car-like ride, a reliable and refined V6, and clever utility features that few rivals can match. However, in a segment filled with newer, more capable, and more visually aggressive trucks, the Ridgeline now feels safe rather than exciting. Buyers prioritizing comfort, usability, and reliability will still find a lot to like here, but those seeking more macho style, personality, or maximum capability may be better served elsewhere.