Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity Specs & Chart

If versatility is the name of the game, then the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is on the highlight reel. Whether it's a camper, a boat, a trailer full of gear, or any number of adventure or work-related loads, this practical pickup truck can tow it. But practicality is why you selected a Honda Ridgeline to begin with. The advanced tech features, refined comfort, and efficient performance are all a bonus. 

Before you get out there and tow, knowing the tow rating Honda Ridgeline models come with is essential; the specific rating given should not be exceeded under any circumstance. Keep reading, and we'll look at the towing capacity and other factors that go into towing with your Ridgeline.

The Power to Get it Done

Whether from our new or used Honda Ridgeline inventory, a smooth and efficient, yet powerful and capable powertrain gives the oomph needed to tow. The new Ridgeline models have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is now standard, and it comes in the form of an advanced i-VTM4® AWD system for unstoppable all-terrain, all-weather confidence, and agility.

How Honda Ridgeline Towing Specs Are Calculated

Not limited to the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity, every vehicle, big or small, has a maximum amount of weight that its inner workings will be able to move. This is called the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR), and it refers to the overall weight that the vehicle can manage. GCVWR also includes the weight of the vehicle, so to calculate how much more can be loaded on, curb weight, and the average occupant weight must be subtracted from the GCVWR.

That's why adhering to the given towing capacity for Honda Ridgeline trucks is so important. Simply put, ignoring it risks everything from mechanical failure to occupant injury. This concept also applies to payload ratings, and your owner's manual will include the most precise maximum towing and payload capacity figures for your specific vehicle.

Necessary Equipment to Maximize Your Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity

You may hear the phrase "when properly equipped" used in reference to towing capacity ratings. This refers to specific vehicle configurations along with, often, an available towing package. This package is necessary towing equipment for most vehicles, offering a trailer hitch, a seven-pin connector for trailer wiring harnesses, and more. In most trucks, the available towing packages also include a transmission cooler in order to handle greater loads. But, none of this is available as an optional package for the Ridgeline.

That's because in every new Honda Ridgeline for sale, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, an integrated class III trailer hitch, and a seven-pin connector are included as standard equipment. To get towing, you just need to equip a trailer hitch ball and a seven-pin wiring harness. So, now that you know how the towing capacity is calculated and what's required to use it, let's look at the towing capacity of your specific Honda Ridgeline.

There you have it. No matter what trim your 2021 or 2022 Honda Ridgeline comes in, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.¹ For a tow-ready SUV, compare the towing capacity of the Honda Passport to the Honda Ridgeline, and you'll find similar capabilities as well.

What Weighs Under 5,000 Pounds?

With the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity, pounds as a measurement can seem rather abstract if you haven't experienced the tow life. First, ensure that your specific load is under the maximum towing capacity before heading out. That said, here are some general estimates for what a 5,000-pound towing capacity can handle:

• A medium to large pop-up camper
• Two to three motorcycles on a trailer
• A medium to large utility trailer
• A tow dolly carrying a small car
• A fishing boat

Honda Ridgeline Payload Capacity

Like the towing capacity of Honda Ridgeline trucks, the payload capacity offers plenty of versatility for any job. Unlike the towing capacity, it varies slightly by trim. All 2021 and 2022 Honda Ridgeline trims have a 5.3-foot-long bed offering 34 cubic feet of volume. The maximum payload weight capacity for that bed, per trim, is as follows:

• 2022 Honda Ridgeline Sport: up to 1,583 pounds
• 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL: up to 1,544 pounds
• 2022 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E: up to 1,509 pounds
• 2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: up to 1,509 pounds

Muller Honda is Your Ridgeline Towing Resource

Looking for a trailer hitch ball for your Ridgeline? Want to know more about the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity or towing with your Ridgeline in general? For any further towing questions or concerns, give us a call. We want to help you enjoy all that your Ridgeline offers. Contact us to get into a Ridgeline of your own, or discover the entire Honda lineup today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Honda Ridgeline tow?

The Honda Ridgeline towing capacity varies depending on the trim and the model year. For 2003 to 2015 models, the maximum towing capacity comes in at up to 5,000 pounds.¹ For the 2016 to 2019 models, towing capacity ranges from 3,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds,¹ depending on the trim. For the 2021 and 2022 models, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.¹

Is a Honda Ridgeline good for towing?

Yes. The Honda Ridgeline is a very good vehicle for towing. That's not only because it has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds,¹ but also because it makes long-distance hauling a breeze with its comfortable interior and refined ride. What's more, with most trucks, you'd have to choose an optional tow package to get the necessary heavy-duty transmission cooler, trailer hitch, and seven-pin connector. On a new Honda Ridgeline, all those towing features come standard.

Can a Honda Ridgeline tow a camper?

Yes, the Honda Ridgeline can tow several types of campers. Offering a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds,¹ the Ridgeline can tow medium to large pop-up campers and many kinds of travel trailers ranging from 20 feet to 23 feet long.