2026 Honda Ridgeline: Is the In-Bed Trunk a Gimmick or Is It Actually Useful?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline stands out from other pickup trucks with a unique feature: the In-Bed Trunk. This 207-liter lockable storage cavity located under the bed floor raises a legitimate question for potential buyers in Terrebonne: is this simply a selling point, or is it a feature that is truly useful in everyday life?

To answer this question, let’s examine how this trunk works, what it can hold, and how it compares to traditional pickup storage solutions.

What Is the In-Bed Trunk?

The Ridgeline’s In-Bed Trunk is a watertight storage compartment integrated into the design of the cargo bed. Accessible by lifting a hatch in the floor, it offers 207 liters of secure storage space protected from the elements.

Unlike removable toolboxes or traditional bed chests that take up valuable cargo space, the Ridgeline’s trunk is completely hidden under the floor. When the hatch is closed, you have the full surface of the bed to transport lumber, gravel, furniture, or any other bulky material.

Real Capacity: What Can You Put in It?

With 207 liters, the In-Bed Trunk can hold more than you think. Here are concrete examples of use:

For groceries and shopping:

• Four to six full grocery bags from IGA or Metro.

• Three cases of 24 water bottles or soft drinks.

• Two collapsible recycling bins.

• Frozen items that stay cool thanks to the trunk's insulation.

For tools and equipment:

• A complete set of portable power tools with their batteries.

• Jumper cables, first aid kit, warning triangles.

• Compact snow removal equipment (shovel, scraper, brush).

• Snow chains or traction mats for the Quebec winter.

For leisure:

• Compact camping gear (sleeping bags, lanterns, utensils).

• Fishing tackle (rods, lures, safety equipment).

• Beach or picnic items.

• Spare clothes and towels.

The major advantage is that these items remain in the trunk permanently without taking up space in the cargo bed or being visible from the outside.

Security and Theft Protection

One of the most important assets of the In-Bed Trunk is its security. Unlike a toolbox visible in the bed or items simply placed on the floor, the contents of the trunk are completely hidden. Even if someone looks into your truck bed, they won’t see that there is extra storage space.

The trunk locks with the Ridgeline’s power tailgate. When you lock the vehicle with the smart key, both the tailgate and the trunk are secured. To access it, you must first unlock the tailgate, offering two levels of security.

This protection is particularly useful if you park your truck on the street in Terrebonne or Lachenaie overnight, or if you leave the vehicle in a mall parking lot while shopping. Your expensive tools, work equipment, or purchases remain safe and out of sight.

Weather Protection

The In-Bed Trunk is designed to be watertight. The seal around the hatch prevents water, snow, and dust from entering the compartment. This protection is essential during harsh Quebec winters.

Integrated Drainage

The Ridgeline goes even further with a drainage system built into the trunk. If you rinse the bed with a garden hose after hauling gravel, dirt, or construction debris, water flows out through drain holes without accumulating in the trunk.

You can even fill the trunk with ice and use it as a giant cooler during parties or outdoor events. The drainage system allows meltwater to flow out naturally. This versatility transforms a simple storage space into a multifunctional tool.

Comparison with Traditional Solutions

How does the In-Bed Trunk compare to other classic solutions?

The In-Bed Trunk offers capacity comparable to or greater than traditional toolboxes while not reducing the useful cargo space of the bed. Furthermore, its hidden position and locking system offer superior security.

Practical Use in Quebec Winters

The Quebec winter imposes specific challenges on pickup truck owners. The Ridgeline’s In-Bed Trunk offers truly practical and targeted solutions:

• Snow removal equipment: Store a folding shovel, emergency snow brush, and de-icing salt without cluttering the cabin.

• Liquids that shouldn't freeze: The trunk is more insulated than the open bed, offering better protection for washer fluid or de-icing products.

• Emergency gear: Keep emergency blankets, warm spare clothes, and supplies dry and easily accessible.

• Road salt protection: The watertight trunk protects your tools and equipment from exposure to corrosive road salt that accumulates in the bed during winter.

The Verdict: A Gimmick or Essential Equipment?

After examining the capacity, security, and practical utility of the In-Bed Trunk, the verdict is clear: this feature is much more than a simple marketing gimmick.

For Terrebonne residents who use their pickup for renovation projects, hauling groceries, outdoor leisure, or simply to enjoy secure storage space, the In-Bed Trunk offers real, daily value.

It solves concrete problems: theft protection, weather-proof storage, and maximization of cargo space. These benefits are not theoretical; they manifest every time you load groceries in the rain, leave your truck parked with tools inside, or need to simultaneously transport loose materials in the bed and valuable items securely.

The In-Bed Trunk transforms the Ridgeline from an ordinary pickup into an exceptionally versatile vehicle that adapts to the Quebec lifestyle. It’s not just an interesting feature to show your friends; it is a practical tool you will use regularly.

Discover the 2026 Honda Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk at Lallier Honda 640 in Lachenaie. See for yourself how this unique feature can simplify your daily life and protect your most valuable possessions.