How Much Can a 2023 Honda Ridgeline Tow?

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds on all trim levels. The latest Honda Ridgeline is an affordable, powerful midsize pickup truck. You’ll have a lot of hauling power to get the job done, but you’ll also have a breezy, efficient engine to seal the deal. Like all new Honda vehicles, the 2023 Ridgeline also features the latest infotainment and safety advancements.

A pickup truck can help you accomplish more around Marion, and Ike Honda is the best dealership to buy a new Ridgeline. Let’s look at the exact towing and payload specs, as well as other useful information about the Ridgeline. When you’re ready, browse our inventory to find the best deals available on this truck and other Honda models.

New Honda Ridgeline for Sale

Towing and Payload Capacity

It can be tricky to determine the towing capacities of common pickup trucks since there are different ratings depending on how expensive the truck is. Honda does away with this by sticking to the same solid, highly effective tow rating of 5,000 lbs on all trims. All trim levels, which include the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, use all-wheel drive and present a long list of performance-focused features. The maximum payload capacities of the different models are as follows:

• Sport: 1,583 lbs
• RTL: 1,544 lbs
• RTL-E: 1,509 lbs
• Black Edition: 1,509 lbs

Honda wisely places the highest payload capacity on the most affordable, standard trim level, so Omaha drivers seeking a powerful work truck aren’t forced to pick a fancier edition. Not many truck brands can say the same, usually relegating the best specs to the priciest models.

In addition to these ratings, the Ridgeline is fairly efficient, providing 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, delivering 21 mpg combined. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission add up to an empowering drivetrain, suitable for daily commutes and heavy-duty jobs.

2023 Honda Ridgeline vs. Competitors

The Honda Ridgeline matches competitors like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which also pulls up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. It also beats the Ford Maverick with a 4,000-lbs maximum towing capability. The Ridgeline has a slightly larger cargo bed at 33.9 cubic feet than the Maverick at 33.3 and the Santa Cruz at only 27.

The Ridgeline is also highly competitive regarding midsize pickup truck payload ratings. With the Santa Cruz’s standard payload capacity at 1,568 lbs, it falls short of the basic Ridgeline Sport’s 1,583-lb rating. The Maverick’s payload ranges between 1,515 lbs and 1,564 lbs, putting it well behind the Ridgeline. Higher Santa Cruz models reach 1,749 lbs, but you’ll spend extra to get a trim level with the necessary features.

Does the Ridgeline have a tow package?

All the Honda Ridgeline trim levels offer trailer hitch towing kits that include the following:

• A Hitch Pin and Plug Cover for the Trailer Hitch Receiver
• A seven-pin Round-Style Wiring Harness
• A Ball Mount Receiver (1-7/8 or 2 inches).

Regarding towing capacity ratings, the phrase “when properly equipped” may be used. This usually refers to the appropriate towing package or something equivalent, as well as the right trim level and other options. Heavy-duty trucks may require other equipment, such as an engine cooler, to get the highest tow ratings.

Work-Ready Features

There’s more to the Honda Ridgeline’s value than 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Like with any great truck, the interior and exterior are equipped with everything you may need. Some practical and heavy-duty features include the following:

• Heavy-duty truck bed tie-down cleats
• A dual-action tailgate that lowers or opens to the side
• Available truck-bed lights
• A lockable in-bed trunk
• A lift-up rear seat with storage space underneath

There’s even an available truck bed audio system, which is great for taking some of the stress out of frequent outdoor loading jobs. Depending on your trim level and package choice, you can customize the Ridgeline to your exact requirements.

Tips for Safe Towing

Before taking your new Honda Ridgeline out for its first tow, make sure you’re prepared and following safety regulations. Even experienced truck drivers can benefit from a refresher on the following tips:

• Check the tongue weight. The amount of strain exerted on your tow hitch is known as the tongue weight, which should be about 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight.
• Allow more space for stopping. Momentum increases with your vehicle’s total weight, and momentum makes it harder to brake in time. Always drive defensively and slow down early while towing or hauling.
• Use a friend standing nearby and towing guidance features to help line up and back in your trailer perfectly.
• Check your brakes, tires, and lights to ensure they’re in good shape.
• Make sure the rear trailer lights are hooked up and working properly.

Don’t forget to also check your owner’s manual, which explains the vehicle’s weight limits and how best to follow them to ensure safe operation. With these towing tips, you’ll minimize any risk of trailer swaying, disconnections, and other dangerous problems that may occur. Feel free to contact the experts at Ike Honda with any questions about capability ratings, optional packages, and all things towing-related.

Test Drive the 2023 Honda Ridgeline at Ike Honda

Save money on your next truck by getting a Honda with the size and power you need. Though some extra-large trailers may be out of its capability range, the 2023 Ridgeline is suited to most tasks people would entrust to a full-size truck. The bed size, in-cabin features, and horsepower make it superior to the competition.

When you lease or finance a new Honda Ridgeline with us, you can rest easy knowing you’ve picked the top Omaha dealership. Please take a look at our frequently changing inventory of new Honda vehicles, many of which are on special or qualify for regional and national incentives. When you’re ready, apply for financing online with the resources in our finance department. Take your time, get a quote, and arrange a test drive for any Honda you’re interested in, from the Ridgeline to the Accord, Pilot, and more.