Ever felt the thrill of hitting the open road with your boat, camper, or trailer in tow, ready for an adventure? The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is your ticket to that freedom, blending rugged capability with the smooth ride of a crossover. But how much can this midsize pickup really handle? Whether you’re hauling jet skis for a weekend escape or towing a small camper for a family getaway, the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity is a game-changer. Let’s dive into the details of its towing prowess, payload limits, and real-world performance—plus, we’ll tackle common concerns and answer your burning questions.
What Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a standout in the midsize pickup class. This consistent towing power spans all trim levels—Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition—ensuring you don’t sacrifice capability for luxury or off-road features. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Ridgeline is built to pull with confidence.
But what does 5,000 pounds mean for you? Picture towing a pair of jet skis, a small travel trailer, or even a 20-foot camper without breaking a sweat. The Ridgeline’s unibody construction and intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system provide stability and traction, whether you’re navigating highways or winding backroads.
Towing Capacity by Trim Level
Every 2025 Ridgeline trim delivers the same robust towing capacity, but here’s a quick breakdown for clarity:
- Sport: 5,000 pounds
- RTL: 5,000 pounds
- TrailSport: 5,000 pounds
- Black Edition: 5,000 pounds
Unlike some competitors, the Ridgeline doesn’t require you to upgrade to a higher trim for maximum towing power. Each model comes standard with a Class III trailer hitch and a 7-pin connector, so you’re ready to hit the road right off the lot.
Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity by Year: A Historical Glance
Curious about how the Ridgeline’s towing capacity has evolved? Here’s a snapshot of its towing capabilities across recent model years for AWD models:
- 2025–2021: 5,000 pounds
- 2020 (2WD): 3,500 pounds
- 2019–2017 (AWD): 5,000 pounds
- 2019–2017 (2WD): 3,500 pounds
- 2006–2014 (Gen 1): 5,000 pounds
The consistency in towing capacity for AWD models reflects Honda’s commitment to reliability. However, 2WD models from earlier years were limited to 3,500 pounds, so if you’re eyeing a used Ridgeline, AWD is the way to go for maximum towing potential.
Payload Capacity: Carrying the Load
Towing isn’t the whole story—payload capacity matters just as much. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline payload capacity ranges from 1,509 to 1,583 pounds, depending on the trim:
- Sport: 1,583 pounds
- RTL: 1,544 pounds
- TrailSport: 1,521 pounds
- Black Edition: 1,509 pounds
Payload includes everything in the truck: passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight (typically 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight). For example, a 4,000-pound trailer might have a tongue weight of 400–600 pounds, eating into your payload before you add gear or passengers. This is where careful planning comes in—overloading can strain the suspension and compromise safety.
Real-World Example
Imagine you’re towing a 4,200-pound camper with a 540-pound tongue weight. Add a family of four (about 600 pounds) and 300 pounds of camping gear. That’s 1,440 pounds of payload—pushing the Black Edition’s limit and leaving little room for extras. Always check your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to stay within safe limits.
What Can the Honda Ridgeline Tow?
With a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Ridgeline is versatile enough to handle a variety of loads. Here’s what you can tow:
- Boats: Small fishing boats or personal watercraft
- Trailers: Motorcycle, utility, or enclosed trailers
- Campers: Pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, or small A-frame campers
- ATVs or Jet Skis: Perfect for weekend adventures
- Horse Trailers: A small four-horse trailer
Pro tip: Always account for cargo weight inside the trailer, as it counts toward the 5,000-pound limit. A 20-foot toy hauler or a fully loaded 6×12 trailer is well within the Ridgeline’s capabilities, but exceeding the limit risks safety and performance.
Honda Ridgeline Towing Problems: What to Watch For
The Ridgeline’s unibody design makes it a smooth operator, but it’s not without quirks when towing heavy loads. Here are common issues owners report and how to address them:
- Rear-End Sag: The soft rear springs can drop 1.5–3 inches under heavy tongue weight (e.g., 500 pounds). Aftermarket airbags or helper springs like SumoSprings can level the ride.
- Transmission Struggles: The 9-speed ZF transmission (2020–2025) may exhibit jerky shifts or hesitation under load. Regular transmission fluid changes and avoiding extreme heat can help.
- Trailer Sway: Crosswinds or uneven loads can cause sway. A weight distribution hitch with sway control (despite Honda’s caution against it) can improve stability.
- Brake Fade: On steep grades, stock brakes may fade without trailer brakes. Installing a trailer brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy is a must for trailers over 1,000 pounds.
- Wiring Issues: The factory harness’s thin ground wires can cause brake light malfunctions. Upgrading to 10–12-gauge wiring ensures reliability.
These challenges don’t make the Ridgeline a poor choice—it’s just not a heavy-duty truck like a Ford F-150. It shines for light-duty towing, but pushing the limits requires preparation.
Towing Accessories to Maximize Performance
The 2025 Ridgeline comes equipped with a Class III trailer hitch and 7-pin connector, but optional accessories can enhance your towing experience:
- Trailer Hitch Towing Kit ($240): Includes a 7-pin connector, ball mount, locking pin, and plug cover.
- Weight Distribution Hitch: Balances load for better handling.
- Trailer Brake Controller: Essential for trailers over 1,000 pounds.
- Bed Extender: Increases cargo space for longer items.
- Towing Mirrors: Improves visibility around trailers.
Packages like the Function+ or Utility+ add-ons include cargo nets, roof rails, and running boards for extra versatility.
Honda Ridgeline MPG: Efficiency on the Move
Towing impacts fuel economy, and the Ridgeline is no exception. With an EPA-estimated 18/24/21 MPG (city/highway/combined) for most trims (TrailSport: 18/23/21), you’ll get decent efficiency for a midsize truck. However, towing a 4,000-pound trailer can drop MPG to as low as 9, especially in hilly terrain. With a 19.5-gallon tank, expect a range of under 200 miles when towing heavily, so plan your fuel stops carefully.
Honda Ridgeline Price: Is It Worth It?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at around $39,000 for the Sport trim, with the Black Edition topping out near $47,000. While pricier than some competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline’s standard AWD, towing-ready setup, and car-like ride justify the cost for many buyers. For detailed pricing, check with your local Honda dealer or explore lease deals at Napleton Honda of Morton Grove.
People Also Ask: Your Top Questions Answered
Can the Honda Ridgeline Tow a Camper?
Yes, the Ridgeline can tow campers up to 5,000 pounds, such as pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, or small A-frame campers. Ensure the total weight, including cargo, stays within limits.
Do I Need a Special License to Tow with the Ridgeline?
In most states, no special license is required for towing up to 5,000 pounds. However, check local regulations, as some areas may have specific requirements for heavier loads.
How Does the Ridgeline Compare to Competitors?
The Ridgeline’s 5,000-pound towing capacity is solid but falls short of competitors like the 2025 Ford Ranger (7,500 pounds) or Chevy Colorado (7,700 pounds). Its unibody design prioritizes comfort over heavy-duty hauling, making it ideal for light-duty tasks.
Is the Honda Ridgeline Good for Towing?
Absolutely, for light-duty towing. Its 5,000-pound capacity, standard AWD, and safety features like Honda Sensing® (with Adaptive Cruise Control and Trailer Stability Assist) make it a reliable choice for boats, jet skis, or small trailers.
Tips for Safe and Effective Towing
Want to make the most of your Ridgeline’s towing capacity? Follow these tips:
- Check Your Weights: Always verify your trailer’s weight, tongue weight, and payload against the Ridgeline’s GVWR (6,019 pounds) and GCWR (9,986 pounds).
- Use Proper Gear: Invest in a trailer brake controller and weight distribution hitch for heavier loads.
- Maintain Your Truck: Regular maintenance, especially for the transmission and cooling systems, prevents towing-related issues.
- Drive Smart: Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, and use Tow/Haul mode for better transmission performance.
Why Choose the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline isn’t just a truck—it’s a lifestyle enabler. Whether you’re towing a boat to the lake or hauling gear for a weekend camping trip, its 5,000-pound towing capacity and versatile payload make it a top contender. Its unibody design delivers a smoother ride than body-on-frame competitors, and features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate add unmatched practicality. Sure, it’s not built for heavy-duty towing, but for most adventures, it’s more than enough.
Ready to explore the Ridgeline for yourself? Check out the latest models for sale at Bravo Honda or compare it to other versatile vehicles like the 2026 Chevrolet Bolt EV for a different take on adventure-ready rides.
What’s your next towing adventure? Share your plans in the comments, and let’s get the conversation rolling!
Soban Arshad is a car lover and founder of RoadLancer.com, sharing news, reviews, and trends from the automotive world.