2026 Honda Ridgeline

Navigating the changing seasons in the Northwoods requires a vehicle that handles snowy winters, muddy springs, and active summers with ease. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline brings a unique blend of utility and refinement to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, proving itself as a capable companion for both daily commutes along Highway 8 and weekend excursions into the Oneida County wilderness.

Exterior Versatility

The exterior design of the 2026 Ridgeline balances a rugged aesthetic with practical engineering. Up front, a prominent grille is flanked by LED low-beam headlights and daytime running lights, ensuring crisp visibility during foggy Wisconsin mornings. For those looking to stand out near Boom Lake, newer styling choices include the TrailSport’s exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint or the Black Edition’s available two-tone black roof.

The real utility lies in the cargo bed. Built with a dent- and scratch-resistant composite lining, it features Honda's signature dual-action tailgate that can swing open to the side or fold down flat. Beneath the bed floor sits a lockable, weatherproof In-Bed Trunk® complete with a drain plug, making it an ideal storage spot for damp fishing gear, groceries, or ice for a summer tailgate.

Premium Interior Comfort

Inside the cabin, the Ridgeline prioritizes passenger comfort and modern technology, feeling more like a refined SUV than a spartan work truck. Standard tri-zone automatic climate control allows the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants to customize their temperature settings—a welcome feature during freezing Northwoods winters.

Higher trim levels introduce leather-trimmed seating, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats to help ward off the morning chill. The center console offers a large storage bin capable of holding a full-sized tablet. Entertainment and connectivity are managed via a standard 9-inch color touchscreen, which features wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, allowing for seamless navigation through rural Wisconsin routes.

Adaptable Performance

Under the hood, the 2026 Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This power is managed by a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission.

When encountering icy roads or muddy trails, the standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®) all-wheel-drive system proactively distributes torque between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels. This system enhances traction and stability on slippery surfaces. The unibody construction and independent front and rear suspensions deliver a composed, car-like ride quality. Additionally, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, hauling a fishing boat or a pair of snowmobiles is easily manageable.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a core focus, and every model comes equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistive technologies. This package includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control to reduce driver fatigue during longer road trips down to Wausau or Green Bay. A multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines helps drivers confidently back into tight parking spaces or line up a trailer hitch.