2026 Honda Ridgeline Unique Features Explained: Why It's Different From Every Other Pickup

Most midsize pickups follow the same old playbook. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline doesn't. Honda looked at what truck buyers actually need and built something genuinely different. From its clever bed design to innovations you won't find on any competitor, the Ridgeline proves that thinking differently can make a better truck.

Revolutionary Dual-Action Tailgate and Lockable In-Bed Trunk System

The Honda Ridgeline dual-action tailgate works two ways. It drops down like a standard tailgate or swings open sideways like a door. This flexibility makes loading groceries or gear easier since you can choose the best angle for whatever you're carrying.

The Honda Ridgeline in-bed trunk is even better. This 7.3-cubic-foot lockable compartment sits under the bed floor and keeps valuables secure and dry. Fill it with ice, and you'll have a cooler perfect for tailgating or camping trips.

• Dual-action tailgate swings down or opens sideways like a door
• 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk for secure storage
• Drainable trunk doubles as built-in cooler for tailgating

Unibody Construction Means Better Safety

The Ridgeline's unibody frame is built using high-strength steel, creating a more rigid structure that protects you better in crashes. The NHTSA gave it five stars overall with perfect frontal crash scores for both driver and passenger. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in the tough small overlap front test.

The design helps smooth the ride with better isolation from wind noise and vibration.

• High-strength steel unibody construction for superior rigidity
• 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating with perfect frontal scores
• IIHS "Good" rating in small overlap front crash test

Independent Rear Suspension Changes Everything

The Ridgeline is America's first pickup with fully independent four-wheel suspension. While competitors still use old-school solid rear axles, the Ridgeline uses a modern multi-link rear setup that delivers car-like comfort without giving up truck ability.

You'll notice the difference immediately on rough roads or highway drives. The ride stays composed and comfortable in ways that traditional trucks can't match.

• First American pickup with fully independent four-wheel suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension delivers car-like ride quality
• Superior comfort on rough roads and highway drives

A Bed That Works Smarter

The Ridgeline's bed uses rigid fiberglass-reinforced composite material that naturally resists dents and scratches. You don't need to buy a separate bed liner. At 50 inches wide between the wheel wells, it fits a 4-foot-wide plywood flat.

The bed holds 33.9 cubic feet of cargo, which is enough room for camping gear or tools without constant rearranging.

• Fiberglass-reinforced composite bed resists dents and scratches
• 50-inch width accommodates 4-foot plywood sheets flat
• 33.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity for gear and equipment

Interior Built for Real Life

The rear seat splits 60/40 and lifts to reveal storage underneath. The flat floor and foldaway seat bottoms let you carry long items inside the protected cabin.

You get 109.7 cubic feet of passenger space with 36.7 inches of rear legroom, ensuring comfort on long trips instead of the cramped seating that plagues other midsize trucks.

• 60/40 split rear seat with lift-up storage compartment
• 109.7 cubic feet of passenger space for maximum comfort
• 36.7 inches of rear legroom, best-in-class for midsize trucks

Power That Delivers Real-World Benefits

The 3.5-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through a smooth 9-speed automatic. It allows confident highway passing, easy merging in traffic, and enough grunt to handle steep boat ramps or mountain roads without struggling.

The Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system actively adjusts power distribution, giving you better grip in rain, snow, or loose gravel when you need it most.

• 3.5-liter V-6 produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque
• Smooth 9-speed automatic transmission for efficient power delivery
• Intelligent AWD system adjusts power for optimal traction

Why It Matters

For weekend warriors hauling kayaks and camping gear, the in-bed trunk keeps valuables dry. For families, it's got the safety and space of an SUV but with the cargo hauling of a truck. Business owners love Honda's reliable build, smart storage, and gas mileage that keeps costs down.

Want to see what it's all about? Visit Bisbee Honda of Danville to check out the 2026 Ridgeline, and schedule a test drive.