Honda Ridgeline 2026: 20 years of a pickup that always knew how to be different

Twenty years ago, Honda launched a pickup truck like no other. No body-on-frame chassis, no conventional cab, no right-angled bodywork. The Ridgeline proposed a fundamentally different approach to the segment, with its unibody architecture, its integrated trunk under the bed floor, and its sedan-worthy interior. Two decades later, the 2026 model confirms that this vision was right.

For drivers in Lanaudière who go camping at Lac Taureau, who tow a boat on the weekend, or who use their pickup as much in the city as on forest roads, the 2026 Ridgeline remains a proposition apart. And the TrailSport trim, with its exclusive Ash Green Metallic hue, arrives just in time for summer.

A 3.5-liter V6 in all versions

Regardless of the chosen trim, the 2026 Ridgeline is powered by a 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and the i-VTEC system, which develops 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters manages the i-VTM4 type all-wheel drive, which distributes torque variably between the four wheels according to needs.

The towing capacity is 2,267 kg (approximately 5,000 lb), and the payload capacity reaches 687 kg for the Sport version. These figures largely cover the needs for camping, a boat, or a snowmobile trailer. The intelligent traction management system offers Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud modes, allowing it to adapt to the gravel roads of the Terrebonne region in the spring.

The TrailSport variant: at the heart of the 20th anniversary

The TrailSport iteration of the 2026 Ridgeline constitutes the strong argument of this 20th anniversary. Its suspension tuned specifically for off-road driving, its all-terrain tires, and its exclusive rims form a package that stands out from conventional pickups. The Ash Green Metallic shade, also found on the Passport TrailSport and the CR-V TrailSport, gives this trim an immediately recognizable visual character.

On board, the TrailSport seats are upholstered in leather with orange stitching and the heated steering wheel is standard. Amber ambient lighting in the footwells and armrests creates an atmosphere that is both sporty and welcoming. Heated rear outboard seats complete an interior well-thought-out for families.

The In-Bed Trunk, a unique advantage

One of the Ridgeline's most practical innovations remains the lockable trunk integrated under the bed floor, with a capacity of 207 liters. This watertight compartment allows for storing fishing gear, hiking boots, or moisture-sensitive equipment out of sight and away from the elements. An advantage that body-on-frame pickups do not offer.

The bed measures 1,625 mm in length with the tailgate closed (2,108 mm with the tailgate down), with a width of 1,524 mm at the walls. It can accommodate a standard sheet of plywood laid flat. The tailgate opens in two modes: standard lowering or side-opening, which simplifies loading in the tight parking lots of Lachenaie or the shopping centers of Route 640.

Honda Sensing safety as standard

The 2026 Ridgeline integrates the Honda Sensing suite as standard in all versions. Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and trailer stability assist are included at no extra cost. The Agile Handling Assist technology, which coordinates propulsion and braking based on the driver's steering inputs, improves cornering precision.

Twenty years, the same vision

The Ridgeline was mocked at its debut by those who expected a conventional pickup. Twenty years later, it has built a loyal clientele composed of people who use their vehicle as much during the week as on the weekend, who appreciate versatility without the drawbacks of a ladder frame, and who do not want to drive a 6-meter pickup to go to the grocery store.

If this profile matches yours, the team at Lallier Honda 640 in Lachenaie is here to help you discover the 2026 Ridgeline TrailSport in detail. Come try it on the roads that lead you toward your summer adventures.