2026 Honda Ridgeline: A $500 Price Bump for the Same Reliable Midsize Truck

2026 Honda Ridgeline: Same Old Reliable Truck, But Is $500 More Worth It?

I’ve got a soft spot for the Honda Ridgeline—ever since I loaded one up for a camping trip years ago, its car-like ride and clever in-bed trunk won me over. It’s the pickup for folks who want truck utility without the bone-rattling feel of a traditional rig. But as the midsize segment gets fiercer with hybrid Tacomas and turbo Rangers, the Ridgeline’s second generation, pushing a decade old, feels like it’s coasting. For 2026, Honda’s upping prices by $415-$445 across trims, starting at $42,090, with just a new paint color and a black roof option to show for it. As a guy who’s hauled kayaks and tinkered with truck beds, I’m torn: the Ridgeline’s still a gem, but is it falling behind? Let’s unpack the pricing, updates, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Pricing: A Modest Bump, But Where’s the New Stuff?

For 2026, Honda’s keeping changes light. The Sport trim starts at $42,090 (up $445), RTL at $44,890 (up $415), TrailSport at $47,290 (up $415), and Black Edition at $48,690 (up $445). It’s not the cheapest AWD midsize pickup—the Chevy Colorado WT 4WD kicks off at $36,895—but the Black Edition undercuts heavy hitters like the Jeep Gladiator Mojave X ($63,095) or Toyota Tacoma Limited ($54,550). The Ford Ranger Lariat is $460 more, while the Colorado Z71 saves $3,095. The only updates are cosmetic: the TrailSport gets a rugged Ash Green Metallic paint, and the Black Edition offers a sharp black roof option. No new tech, no powertrain tweaks—just the same Ridgeline formula. It’s a solid value for standard AWD and crew cab, but I’m craving more in a segment buzzing with fresh ideas.

Powertrain: The V6 Is Smooth, But Rivals Are Greener

The Ridgeline’s 3.5-liter V6 churns out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD. It’s a silky combo, good for towing 5,000 pounds or hauling 1,580 pounds, with a 0-60 mph sprint in about 7 seconds. But competitors are outpacing it. The Toyota Tacoma’s i-Force Max hybrid pumps 326 hp and 465 lb-ft, sipping fuel at 22/24/23 mpg compared to the Ridgeline’s 18/24/21. The Ford Ranger’s 2.3L turbo I4 hits 20/26/22 mpg, and its 2.7L V6 matches the Ridgeline’s power with better efficiency. The Chevy Colorado (17/21/19 mpg) and Jeep Gladiator (17/22/19 mpg) lag in fuel economy but offer more engine variety. The Ridgeline’s unibody setup delivers a plush, car-like ride, but without a hybrid or turbo option, it’s starting to feel like yesterday’s news.

Bed and Utility: The In-Bed Trunk Still Steals the Show

The Ridgeline’s 5.3-foot bed (64 inches) offers 33.9 cubic feet, edging out the Colorado by 2 inches, Ranger by 4.4, and Gladiator by 3.7, though the Tacoma’s optional 73.5-inch long bed takes the crown. The real ace is the 7.3-cubic-foot in-bed trunk—a lockable, weatherproof compartment under the bed floor that’s perfect for stashing tools, coolers, or muddy boots. No rival has anything like it. The dual-action tailgate (swing or drop) makes loading effortless, blending truck utility with urban practicality. It’s not the biggest bed, but for weekend getaways or city hauling, it’s a standout feature that keeps the Ridgeline unique.

Facing the Competition: Where the Ridgeline Stands

The midsize truck segment is a slugfest. The Colorado WT’s $36,895 base and engine options make it a budget champ. The Ranger’s turbo power and better MPG appeal to efficiency seekers, while the Tacoma’s hybrid gives it an eco-edge. The Gladiator’s off-road cred comes at a premium. Built in Alabama, the Ridgeline’s standard AWD, comfy ride, and in-bed trunk carve a niche for buyers who want a crossover-like truck. But without electrification or new tech, it’s losing ground in a fast-moving field.

A Fan Favorite That Needs a Spark

The Ridgeline still tugs at my heart with its smooth drive and that genius in-bed trunk, but a $500 price hike for just paint and a roof option feels like Honda’s playing it too safe. At $42,090-$48,690, it’s a great value for AWD and utility, especially the Black Edition’s sleek look. But with the Tacoma and Ranger pushing hybrids and turbos, I’m dreaming of a Ridgeline with electrified power or fresh tech. If you want a truck that feels like a comfy SUV, it’s a win. What’s your take—does the 2026 Ridgeline still cut it, or is it time for a big refresh? Share below; I’m all ears for truck fans!