Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity (All Years 2006-2026)

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize unibody pickup truck produced by Honda from 2006 through 2014 (first generation) and from 2017 to the present (second generation). No 2015 or 2016 model years were produced. This guide covers Honda Ridgeline towing capacity by model year, including maximum trailer weight, payload limits, drivetrain configurations, and hitch requirements for each production year.

Towing capacity on the Honda Ridgeline ranges from 3,500 pounds on front-wheel-drive second-generation models to 5,000 pounds on all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. Following manufacturer-rated towing limits helps protect the engine, transmission, braking system, and frame from accelerated wear and structural stress.

2026 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with AWD and standard towing hardware. Every 2026 trim level from Sport to Black Edition includes an integrated Class III trailer hitch and 7-pin connector as standard equipment. AWD is required to reach the maximum trailer weight rating.

2025 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline maintains a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds on AWD-equipped configurations, paired with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Payload capacity varies by trim level, with the base Sport rated at 1,583 pounds and the Black Edition rated at 1,509 pounds. The factory-integrated Class III hitch requires no aftermarket installation for standard towing use.

2024 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds with AWD and standard towing equipment in place. Front-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds of trailer weight. Tongue weight must not exceed 500 pounds on the Class III receiver hitch.

2023 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline carries a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds on AWD configurations with standard towing hardware. The Ridgeline’s unbraked towing limit is 1,500 pounds, making trailer brakes necessary for loads above that threshold. Towing performance is consistent across all 2023 trim levels when AWD is selected.

2022 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity holds at 5,000 pounds for AWD models and 3,500 pounds for FWD models. The 3.5-liter V6 and standard Class III hitch system remain unchanged from prior model years. Payload capacity is rated at up to 1,583 pounds on the Sport trim.

2021 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline AWD model reaches 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when equipped with the standard integrated hitch. FWD-equipped models are factory-rated at 3,500 pounds. Staying within the rated towing limit protects the transmission cooler and suspension components from thermal and mechanical overload.

2020 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline provides a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with AWD and the factory-integrated Class III hitch. Payload capacity for the 2020 model year is rated at up to 1,580 pounds, slightly lower than post-2021 trims. The 3.5-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission deliver consistent pulling performance within the rated limits.

2019 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is 5,000 pounds for AWD-configured vehicles and 3,500 pounds for FWD models. Payload is rated at up to 1,580 pounds, and the tongue weight limit on the Class III hitch is 500 pounds. These towing specifications apply consistently across all available 2019 trim levels.

2018 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline achieves its maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with AWD and all towing equipment properly installed and rated. FWD configurations reduce the trailer weight limit to 3,500 pounds due to differences in axle load distribution. The drivetrain and towing specifications for 2018 are identical to the 2017 launch year.

2017 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline marked the return of the nameplate after a two-year production gap and introduced the FWD drivetrain option to the lineup for the first time. AWD models are rated at a maximum of 5,000 pounds, while FWD models carry a 3,500-pound trailer weight limit. Payload for the 2017 model year is rated at up to 1,584 pounds.

2014 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2014 Honda Ridgeline is the final year of the first-generation platform, rated at 5,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity across all configurations. The first-generation Ridgeline used a Variable Torque Management 4WD system standard on all trims, with no FWD option available. A dealer-installed tow hitch and 7-pin wiring harness were required to achieve full towing capability.

2013 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2013 Honda Ridgeline carries the same 5,000-pound maximum trailer weight rating as the rest of the first-generation lineup. The 3.5-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission provide consistent towing performance within the rated limit. Payload is rated at 1,546 pounds for all 2013 configurations.

2012 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, consistent with all other first-generation model years equipped with VTM-4. The 5-speed automatic transmission paired with the 3.5-liter V6 delivers adequate power for loads within the rated towing limit. All first-generation towing specifications apply directly to the 2012 model year.

2011 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2011 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard VTM-4 drivetrain and appropriately rated towing hardware. The 1,500-pound unbraked trailer limit means trailer brakes are necessary for any trailer exceeding that threshold. Towing specifications for 2011 are unchanged from the 2009 through 2014 period.

2010 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2010 Honda Ridgeline maximum towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds with the VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system engaged and a properly rated Class III hitch installed. Payload capacity is rated at 1,546 pounds for the 2010 model. The first-generation towing specifications are consistent from 2009 through 2014.

2009 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds with all required towing equipment in place. This model year reflects a minor engine output revision from the earliest first-generation units, with power output at 250 horsepower. The Class III hitch and 7-pin wiring harness remain required accessories for towing.

2008 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2008 Honda Ridgeline maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system and a properly installed Class III hitch. Payload capacity for the 2008 model is rated at 1,558 pounds, slightly higher than later first-generation units. The trailer weight limit on all 2006-2008 models is consistent at 5,000 pounds when towing a braked trailer.

2007 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2007 Honda Ridgeline carries a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, unchanged from the 2006 launch year. All first-generation Ridgeline trucks used an on-demand VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system as standard equipment, with no rear-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive option offered. Payload is rated at 1,558 pounds for the 2007 model year.

2006 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline is the first model year of the platform and establishes a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity that remains consistent throughout the entire production history of the vehicle. The VTM-4 system was standard on all 2006 units, providing a four-wheel-drive setup as the only available drivetrain. Payload for the 2006 model is rated at 1,550 pounds when using the standard VTM-4 configuration.

Towing Equipment and Setup

Tow Package

The second-generation Honda Ridgeline (2017-2026) includes an integrated Class III trailer hitch and 7-pin round wiring connector as standard equipment on all trim levels. First-generation models (2006-2014) required a dealer-installed tow package that included a trailer hitch receiver, locking pin, plug cover, ball mount, and 7-pin harness. Verifying whether a used Ridgeline has the tow package installed is important before attempting to tow.

Trailer Brake Controller

Any trailer exceeding 1,500 pounds gross weight requires independent trailer brakes on the Ridgeline. A trailer brake controller connects to the vehicle’s brake circuit and sends proportional braking signals to the trailer’s electric brakes during deceleration. Installing a compatible aftermarket brake controller is standard practice for loads between 1,500 and 5,000 pounds.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch is recommended when the trailer tongue weight approaches or exceeds 10 percent of the trailer’s total weight. Standard Class III hitches on the Ridgeline support 500 pounds of tongue weight, but a weight-distributing system redistributes that force across the trailer’s axles to reduce rear sag and improve steering control. This setup is particularly important for heavier utility trailers and travel trailers.

Transmission Cooler

Towing heavy trailer weights increases transmission fluid temperatures beyond normal operating ranges. An aftermarket or factory transmission cooler extends fluid life and reduces the risk of thermal wear when operating near the rated towing limit for extended distances. This is especially relevant in high ambient temperatures or mountainous terrain.

Tire Load Ratings

Tires must be rated to carry the combined load of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight. Underinflated or underrated tires reduce towing stability and braking effectiveness. Always verify that tires are inflated to the recommended pressure listed in the owner’s manual before towing.

Trailer Sway Control

Trailer sway becomes a risk at higher trailer weights, particularly when the trailer’s center of gravity is positioned too far rearward. A sway control bar or an electronic trailer stability system reduces oscillation during highway towing. The Ridgeline’s vehicle stability assist system provides a baseline level of correction, but mechanical sway control hardware adds additional safety margin near the maximum trailer weight limit.

Normal vs. Heavy Towing Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of a Honda Ridgeline?

The maximum Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when the vehicle is equipped with AWD or VTM-4 and all required towing hardware. FWD-equipped second-generation models are limited to 3,500 pounds of trailer weight. This 5,000-pound rating has remained consistent across all production years from 2006 through 2026.

How much can a Honda Ridgeline tow with a tow package?

With the factory tow package properly installed and AWD selected, the Honda Ridgeline tows a maximum of 5,000 pounds. The tow package on second-generation models is standard equipment and includes a Class III hitch receiver and 7-pin connector. On first-generation models, the tow package was an available dealer-installed accessory.

Does AWD affect Honda Ridgeline towing capacity?

AWD directly determines whether the Ridgeline reaches its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity or is limited to 3,500 pounds. FWD configurations distribute power differently across the axles, which reduces the manufacturer-rated trailer weight limit. For maximum towing capacity, AWD is required on all second-generation Ridgeline models.

What trailer weight is safe for a Honda Ridgeline?

The safe trailer weight for a Honda Ridgeline is any load at or below the manufacturer-rated limit of 5,000 pounds for AWD models and 3,500 pounds for FWD models. The tongue weight must remain at or below 500 pounds on the Class III receiver hitch. Trailers above 1,500 pounds gross weight require independent trailer brakes per manufacturer guidelines.

Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Honda Ridgeline?

A weight-distributing hitch is not required for typical light towing on the Ridgeline, but it is recommended for loads where tongue weight approaches the 500-pound limit. Trailer weight near the 5,000-pound maximum can create rear axle compression that reduces front-axle steering and braking performance. A weight-distributing hitch redistributes that load across the trailer axles and improves vehicle attitude while towing.

Does the Honda Ridgeline have a fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing rating?

The Honda Ridgeline does not have a manufacturer-rated fifth-wheel or gooseneck towing capacity. The vehicle uses a standard Class III ball hitch system only. Fifth-wheel and gooseneck setups require heavy-duty pickup trucks with dedicated bed-mounted hitch systems and significantly higher GCWR ratings.

Conclusion

The Honda Ridgeline has maintained a consistent maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across all production years from 2006 through 2026 when configured with AWD or 4WD and required towing hardware. Second-generation models (2017-2026) offer an FWD option that reduces the trailer weight limit to 3,500 pounds, while all first-generation models (2006-2014) used a standard VTM-4 system rated at 5,000 pounds. The 3.5-liter V6 engine, Class III hitch, and integrated wiring systems are central to achieving the rated towing limit in all years.

Payload capacity has ranged from approximately 1,509 to 1,584 pounds depending on model year and trim level, and tongue weight must remain within the 500-pound limit on the Class III receiver across all configurations. Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual for your specific model year and trim before towing any load.