Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Honda Ridgeline in Hayward, CA

Key Features of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline

i-VTM4® AWD System

Every 2026 Ridgeline is equipped with the i-VTM4® all-wheel-drive system. Unlike conventional systems that simply react to slip, i-VTM4® can proactively distribute torque not only front to rear, but side to side across the rear axle. That torque-vectoring strategy enhances grip exiting corners, increases stability on rain-slick roads, and adds confidence when you are towing on uneven surfaces. It also integrates seamlessly with Intelligent Traction Management, so when you select Snow, Sand, or Mud, the system adjusts throttle mapping and torque distribution to help you keep moving. Put simply, i-VTM4® helps the Ridgeline feel surefooted where other trucks can feel jumpy or unsettled.

Dual-Action Tailgate

The Ridgeline’s Dual-Action Tailgate is an engineering highlight. Open it down like a traditional tailgate for bed loading, or swing it to the side to stand closer to the bed floor and access the In-Bed Trunk® without reaching over. At a campsite, the side-swing action turns setup into a one-person job. In the driveway, it shortens the reach for unloading bags of soil or pavers. Pair it with the available truck-bed power outlet to power small tools or game-day screens, and the tailgate quickly becomes your most-used feature on weekends.

Lockable In-Bed Trunk®

Exclusive to this truck, the lockable In-Bed Trunk® gives you a hidden, weather-tight storage space under the bed floor. At 7.3 cubic feet, it swallows valuables, power tools, or grocery runs you want out of sight. The integrated drain plug lets you use it as an ice chest for tailgates or keep wet gear contained after a coastal day. Because the trunk sits below the bed, you retain a flat cargo floor above it—so there is no penalty in bed utility. Add In-Bed Trunk® cargo dividers and you can keep small items secured and organized, even after a spirited drive over the ridgeline toward Castro Valley.

280-hp V-6 Engine

The Ridgeline’s direct-injection V-6 delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, working with a refined 9-speed automatic transmission for smooth acceleration and effortless highway passing. The broad torque curve helps when launching a trailer or climbing steep grades on I-580. Paired with a standard integrated tow hitch and a 7-pin connector, the Ridgeline confidently tows up to 5,000 pounds. The drivetrain tuning prioritizes seamless shifts and quiet operation, so your cabin stays calm even when the bed is loaded or the road gets choppy.

9-Inch Display Audio Touch-Screen

Front and center is an intuitive 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. Touch, pinch, and swipe to manage navigation, music, and calls, or opt for the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ for 3-D renderings and lane guidance beyond cell coverage. Tech-forward touches continue with Smart Entry and Walk Away Auto Lock®, an available wireless phone charger, and a premium audio system available on upper trims. Add the available blind spot information system (BSI) with cross traffic monitor for helpful alerts during lane changes and backing maneuvers in busy lots around I-880.