Why Buy the 2026 Honda Ridgeline from Heather Cannon Honda?

New Honda Ridgeline Inventory Schedule Test Drive Honda Ridgeline Research Hub

If you have been researching the 2026 Honda Ridgeline, you might be looking for the "RTL-E" trim. You won’t find it. Honda has streamlined the lineup, effectively replacing the RTL-E with the Black Edition as the fully loaded flagship.

This leaves many buyers in Ponca City asking the critical question: Do I stick with the value-packed RTL, or do I upgrade to the Black Edition?

At Heather Cannon Honda, we see this debate play out daily. The RTL offers everything you need (leather, sunroof, safety), while the Black Edition offers everything you want (premium audio, ventilated seats, custom styling).

Here is the definitive battle between the two most popular Ridgeline trims to help you decide.

Tale of the Tape: Spec & Feature Battle

Feature	2026 Ridgeline RTL	2026 Ridgeline Black Edition	Winner
Starting Price (Est.)	~$46,000	~$49,500	RTL (Value)
Engine	280-hp 3.5L V6	280-hp 3.5L V6	Tie
Drivetrain	i-VTM4® AWD	i-VTM4® AWD	Tie
Seat Material	Leather-Trimmed	Leather with Red Stitching	Black Edition (Style)
Front Seats	Heated Only	Heated & Ventilated	Black Edition (Comfort)
Audio System	215-Watt (7 Speakers)	540-Watt Premium (8 Speakers)	Black Edition
Bed Audio	Not Available	Truck Bed Audio System™	Black Edition
Wheels	18-Inch Pewter Gray	18-Inch Gloss Black	Subjective
Rear USB Ports	No	Yes (Charge Only)	Black Edition

The Case for the RTL: The "Sweet Spot"

	The Ridgeline RTL is the volume seller for a reason. It hits the perfect balance of ruggedness and premium comfort without crossing the $50k threshold (estimated). The Essentials are Standard: You get the acoustic windshield (for a quiet cabin), the power moonroof, and the power sliding rear window. Leather Luxury: Unlike the base "Sport" trim, the RTL comes with leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Verdict: If you simply want a comfortable truck for commuting to the refinery or towing a boat to Kaw Lake, the RTL saves you roughly $3,500 while providing 90% of the features.

The Ridgeline RTL is the volume seller for a reason. It hits the perfect balance of ruggedness and premium comfort without crossing the $50k threshold (estimated).

The Essentials are Standard: You get the acoustic windshield (for a quiet cabin), the power moonroof, and the power sliding rear window.
Leather Luxury: Unlike the base "Sport" trim, the RTL comes with leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Verdict: If you simply want a comfortable truck for commuting to the refinery or towing a boat to Kaw Lake, the RTL saves you roughly $3,500 while providing 90% of the features.

The Case for the Black Edition: The "RTL-E" Successor

The Black Edition isn't just an appearance package; it is the technological peak of the Ridgeline platform. It takes the place of the discontinued RTL-E, adding specific upgrades for audiophiles and summer drivers. Ventilated Seats: In an Oklahoma July, this feature alone is often worth the upgrade. The front seats push cool air through the perforations, keeping you dry on long drives. The Sound System: The RTL has a decent sound system, but the Black Edition features a 540-Watt Premium Audio System with a subwoofer. It also includes the famous Truck Bed Audio System™, which turns the composite bed walls into speakers, perfect for tailgating at OSU games. Aesthetics: As the name implies, you get blacked-out trim, black wheels, and red ambient LED lighting inside the cabin. It looks more aggressive and custom right off the lot.

The Black Edition isn't just an appearance package; it is the technological peak of the Ridgeline platform. It takes the place of the discontinued RTL-E, adding specific upgrades for audiophiles and summer drivers.

Ventilated Seats: In an Oklahoma July, this feature alone is often worth the upgrade. The front seats push cool air through the perforations, keeping you dry on long drives.
The Sound System: The RTL has a decent sound system, but the Black Edition features a 540-Watt Premium Audio System with a subwoofer. It also includes the famous Truck Bed Audio System™, which turns the composite bed walls into speakers, perfect for tailgating at OSU games.
Aesthetics: As the name implies, you get blacked-out trim, black wheels, and red ambient LED lighting inside the cabin. It looks more aggressive and custom right off the lot.

Which One Handles Oklahoma Better?

	Mechanically, both trucks are identical. Powertrain: Both use the 280-hp V6 and the 9-speed automatic transmission. AWD: Both come standard with the i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive system. This means whether you buy the RTL or the Black Edition, you get the same torque-vectoring capability to handle mud, sand, and snow.

Mechanically, both trucks are identical.

Powertrain: Both use the 280-hp V6 and the 9-speed automatic transmission.
AWD: Both come standard with the i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive system. This means whether you buy the RTL or the Black Edition, you get the same torque-vectoring capability to handle mud, sand, and snow.

Why Buy Your Ridgeline from Heather Cannon Honda?

Choosing between the RTL and Black Edition usually comes down to budget versus luxury.

See the Difference: We park these trims side-by-side so you can hear the difference in the audio systems and feel the difference in the seat stitching.
The Cannon Promise: Regardless of which trim you choose, both are covered by our Lifetime Limited Powertrain Warranty. You are protected for the long haul.

Still Undecided?

If you love music and hate sweating, the Black Edition is the winner. If you want the smartest buy in the midsize segment, the RTL is undefeated.

Visit Heather Cannon Honda in Ponca City to test drive both today.

New Honda Ridgeline Inventory Schedule Test Drive

May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)

*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml .