2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity & Payload Specs
One of the most common misconceptions we hear at Heather Cannon Honda is: "The Ridgeline isn't a 'real' truck because it can't tow."
The data says otherwise. In fact, for the average Ponca City driver who tows a bass boat to Kaw Lake or a utility trailer to the Kay County Free Fair, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is not only capable, it is often safer and more stable than its body-on-frame competitors.
The secret isn't just in the engine; it's in the AWD system. Here is the engineering breakdown of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity, payload ratings, and hauling features.
2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing Specs
| Specification |
Data |
Real-World Application |
| Maximum Towing Capacity |
5,000 lbs |
20-ft Fiberglass Boat, Camper, or Horse Trailer. |
| Payload Capacity |
~1,583 lbs (Varies by Trim) |
Approx. 30 bags of concrete (50lb ea). |
| Engine |
3.5L V6 |
Proven reliability; no turbo stress when towing. |
| Horsepower / Torque |
280 HP / 262 lb-ft |
Linear power delivery for highway merging. |
| Hitch Type |
Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch |
Standard on ALL trims (No "Tow Package" needed). |
| Connector |
7-Pin Connector |
Standard on ALL trims (Ready for trailer brakes). |
The "5,000 lb" Reality Check
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Competitors like the Toyota Tacoma boast max tow ratings of 6,000+ lbs. But ask yourself: How often do you actually tow 6,000 lbs?
- Most bass boats weigh under 3,500 lbs (including trailer).
- Most pop-up campers weigh under 3,000 lbs.
- Most utility trailers with ATVs weigh under 4,000 lbs.
The 2026 Ridgeline hits the "Sweet Spot" of Utility. It covers 95% of the towing needs for Oklahoma drivers while delivering 100% better ride quality than a stiff, body-on-frame truck when the trailer is not attached (which is most of the time).
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Why the Ridgeline Tows Better than RWD Trucks
Towing isn't just about power; it's about stability. The 2026 Ridgeline uses the i-VTM4® AWD System (Intelligent Variable Torque Management) as standard equipment.
- Torque Vectoring: Unlike a standard 4WD truck that locks the rear axle, the i-VTM4 system can send up to 70% of the torque to the rear wheels and then distribute 100% of that torque to either the left or right wheel.
- The Benefit: When you are pulling a boat up a slick, mossy boat ramp at Ponca Lake, the Ridgeline detects which wheel has grip and powers that wheel. There is no wheel spin, no drama, just forward motion.
Payload: It Hauls More Than You Think
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Payload is where the unibody construction shines. Because the chassis is rigid, the Ridgeline can carry nearly 1,600 lbs in the bed.
- Comparison: This payload rating is competitive with (and often exceeds) the base trims of "full-size" trucks.
- The "Flat Floor" Advantage: The Ridgeline is the only midsize truck capable of hauling 4x8 sheet goods (plywood/drywall) flat on the floor between the wheel wells. No angling, no propping up on the tailgate.
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Test the Capability Yourself
Don't let the "Internet Forums" tell you what a truck can do. Come experience the engineering yourself.
Visit Heather Cannon Honda in Ponca City. We’ll show you the integrated hitch, the 7-pin connector, and the massive In-Bed Trunk that makes the Ridgeline the ultimate tailgating machine.
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