HondaRidgelineHero
Why the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is Ideal for Working in Imperial Valley
Wondering if the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is worth considering? In this Honda Ridgeline review, we’ll explore its performance, key features, and competitive advantages. Read on to find out if it meets your needs.
The Short Version
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline offers a smooth, car-like driving experience thanks to its unibody construction and a powerful 280-horsepower V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
It is available in four trims—Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition—catering to a range of needs from off-road capability to luxury features.
The Ridgeline TrailSport trim stands out for its off-road enhancements, including all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, and steel underbody protection, making it suitable for adventurous drivers.
Safety is a priority with standard driver-assistance features like forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and strong safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Practical features such as a versatile dual-action tailgate, a locking in-bed trunk, spacious interior with ample backseat room, and modern infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance usability and comfort.
Overview of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline
The new Honda Ridgeline has been recognized as an Editors’ Choice by Car and Driver, and for good reason. This midsize truck has carved out a niche for itself by maintaining a compact and versatile design that hasn’t seen significant changes compared to the 2024 model year. Its unibody architecture offers a car-like driving experience, setting it apart from many of its body-on-frame rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.
Starting just over $40,000, the base model of the Ridgeline, known as the Sport, provides an accessible entry point into the world of Honda’s midsize trucks. Whether you opt for the standard Ridgeline or one of its specialized trims, the vehicle is built to offer a blend of practicality and performance that makes it a compelling choice for both work and play around Imperial Valley.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes in four unique trims:
Sport: Starts just over $40,000, a great option for those who need a reliable, no-frills truck.
RTL: Considered the best value, offering leather seating and advanced safety features for more comfort and efficiency.
TrailSport
Black Edition
The TrailSport trim, starting around $45,300, is ideal for adventure seekers with its enhanced off-road capabilities. The Black Edition, priced at approximately $46,750, caters to those seeking luxury with its upscale design elements and premium technology. Each trim level offers a unique set of features designed to meet the varying needs of midsize truck buyers.
Best Model Recommendations
For off-road enthusiasts, the Honda Ridgeline TrailSport is the go-to model. It boasts enhanced suspension, all-terrain tires, and quicker acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. This makes it perfect for those who love to explore the great outdoors or need a reliable vehicle built for rugged terrain.
If luxury and comfort are your priorities, the Black Edition is the top choice. It features upscale design elements, premium audio, and additional technology.
However, if you’re looking for a balance of features and affordability, the Ridgeline RTL trim stands out as the best option, offering desirable amenities at a reasonable price.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline packs a punch with a strong V-6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission that makes driving around Imperial Valley streets or weekend trips to nearby trails feel effortless.
The Ridgeline’s unibody design gives it a car-like feel, making it easy to handle whether you’re cruising through town or heading out for some light off-roading. The TrailSport trim steps things up with all-terrain tires that boost its off-road capability without adding extra road noise. Whether you’re hauling gear for work or gearing up for adventure, the Ridgeline offers the versatility and reliability that local drivers appreciate.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When it comes to towing and payload, the new Honda Ridgeline holds its own with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,583 pounds. These capacities make it suitable for a variety of tasks, from hauling construction materials to towing a small boat for a weekend getaway.
While the Ridgeline’s towing capacity is robust, it’s worth noting that competitors like the Ford Ranger and GMC Canyon offer higher towing capacities of 7,500 and 7,700 pounds, respectively. However, the Ridgeline surpasses the Chevrolet Colorado in this regard, making it a more suitable option for those with moderate towing needs.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another area where the new Honda Ridgeline shines, achieving 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 21 mpg. This makes it an efficient choice for both city driving and long highway trips, ensuring you spend less time at the pump and more time on the road.
The TrailSport variant, with its all-terrain tires, offers a slightly reduced highway fuel economy of 23 mpg. Despite this, the Ridgeline remains a fuel-efficient option among midsize trucks, providing a good balance between performance and economy.
Interior Design and Comfort
Step inside the new Honda Ridgeline, and you’ll find an interior that’s all about comfort and practicality. While the cabin mainly features durable hard plastics, the design doesn’t feel cheap or basic. The base Sport trim comes with cloth seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and plenty of modern tech to keep your drives around Imperial Valley enjoyable and convenient.
What really stands out is the spaciousness inside—the Ridgeline offers more room for backseat passengers than many other midsize trucks, making it a great pick for families or anyone who often drives with friends or coworkers. Plus, with three full sets of LATCH connectors for child seats, this truck is as family-friendly as it is functional, offering plenty of storage space for all your gear and daily needs..
Technology and Infotainment
Technology and infotainment in the new Honda Ridgeline are impressive and designed to keep you connected on the go. The center console sports a clear 9-inch touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus wireless charging so you can power up your devices without the clutter of cords.
If you’re looking at higher trims like the TrailSport or Black Edition, you’ll get extras such as built-in navigation and USB-C ports in both the front and back seats for fast, convenient charging. These upgrades make the Ridgeline more than just a truck—it’s your mobile command center, perfect for drivers around Imperial Valley who need tech that keeps up with their busy lifestyle.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority with the new Honda Ridgeline, packed with a suite of standard driver-assistance features to keep you and your passengers protected on the roads around Imperial Valley. These include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
When it comes to safety ratings, the Ridgeline doesn’t disappoint:
It earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA
Received strong scores in most crash tests from the IIHS
And scored an acceptable rating in the small overlap front test by the IIHS
All these make the Ridgeline a smart and dependable choice for drivers in Imperial Valley who want peace of mind behind the wheel.
Off-Road Capabilities
For those in Imperial Valley who love hitting the trails near Anza-Borrego, the TrailSport trim of the new Honda Ridgeline is a real standout. It comes equipped with:
A suspension tuned specifically for off-road adventures
All-wheel drive to keep you steady on uneven surfaces
A four-wheel drive system for added off-road confidence
Steel underbody protection to guard against rough terrain
All-terrain tires built to handle dirt, mud, and rocks
These smart features make the TrailSport ready to tackle tough paths while still delivering a smooth and comfortable ride.
While the Ridgeline’s ground clearance might not be the highest in the midsize truck class, its off-road tuned suspension and overall capability make it a solid choice for Imperial Valley drivers who like to explore beyond the pavement now and then.
Comparison with Competitors
Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz might catch the eye of budget-conscious drivers in Imperial Valley with its slightly lower starting price. But when it comes to towing power, overall size, and interior space, the Ridgeline clearly takes the lead.
A standout feature of the Ridgeline is its versatile dual-action tailgate that can either swing open or drop down—something you won’t find on the Santa Cruz. This handy design makes the Ridgeline a practical choice for Imperial Valley drivers who need a truck ready for all kinds of jobs.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Chevrolet Colorado
The Ridgeline comes equipped with a V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower, while a used Chevrolet Colorado offers both V6 and four-cylinder options. Although the Colorado might have the edge in off-road toughness, the Ridgeline’s unibody design gives it an advantage in smooth handling and a comfortable ride.
When it comes to interior space and tech, the Ridgeline often stands out, providing more room for passengers and a cabin that’s perfect for those longer drives around Imperial Valley.
Available Now at Imperial Valley Honda
The latest iteration of the Honda Ridgeline is a dependable and versatile midsize truck that shines in performance, comfort, safety, and tech. Powered by a strong V6 engine and paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, it offers a car-like driving experience that's perfect whether you're cruising around Imperial Valley or tackling some off-road adventures.
With trims like the TrailSport designed for off-road lovers and the Black Edition catering to those who want a touch of luxury, the Ridgeline has something for every driver. Its roomy interior, top-notch safety features, and solid fuel efficiency make it a top pick among midsize trucks. If you’re in the Imperial Valley area and need a reliable, comfortable, and capable truck for work or play, head to Imperial Valley Honda today or contact us online to learn more about the all-new Honda Ridgeline!