New 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL Specs, Review & Towing Capacity – The mid-size pickup truck segment in the United States is more competitive than ever, but the Honda Ridgeline continues to carve out its own niche by prioritizing ride quality and clever packaging. As we look toward the 2027 model year, the Ridgeline RTL remains the “sweet spot” for many American buyers. It bridges the gap between the entry-level utility and the high-end luxury trims, offering a balanced approach for those who need a truck for weekend projects but want the comfort of a crossover for the daily commute.
What’s New for 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL
The 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL receives several targeted updates to keep it fresh against newer body-on-frame competitors. The most notable change involves an updated infotainment interface that is faster and more responsive than previous iterations. Additionally, Honda has introduced new exterior paint options and refreshed wheel designs specifically for the RTL trim. Mechanical refinements have also been made to the suspension tuning to further enhance the “unibody” advantage, providing an even smoother ride on potholed city streets and highways.
What make this trims special?
The RTL trim is often considered the most important version of the Ridgeline because it introduces genuine luxury features at a competitive price point. While the base trims focus on the essentials, the RTL adds leather-trimmed seating, a power-mounted moonroof, and acoustic windshield glass. It is special because it provides the “premium” truck experience—heated seats and power-adjustable seating—without the heavy price premium found on the Black Edition or the off-road-specific hardware of the TrailSport.
2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL Redesign
The 2027 redesign focuses on a more “truck-like” presence without sacrificing aerodynamics. The front fascia has been squared off slightly, featuring a more prominent grille and revised LED lighting signatures. For the RTL, the redesign includes exclusive 18-inch Pewter Gray alloy wheels and body-colored side mirrors that give it a more integrated, upscale look. The stamped “RIDGELINE” logo across the tailgate remains, but the rear bumper has been subtly reshaped to improve access to the dual-action tailgate and the famous In-Bed Trunk®.
What Difference This Trim and Others
Choosing the RTL over the Sport trim gains you a significant jump in interior quality, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Compared to the TrailSport, the RTL is more road-oriented; it lacks the all-terrain tires and underbody protection but offers a quieter, more fuel-efficient highway experience. While the Black Edition offers a “stealth” look with dark accents, the RTL utilizes classic chrome and metallic finishes, appealing to the traditional truck buyer who prefers a timeless aesthetic.
2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL Interior, Features & Tech
The interior of the 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL remains one of the most spacious and versatile in its class.
Cabin Comfort and Materials
The RTL features high-quality leather upholstery and soft-touch materials throughout the dashboard. The 10-way power driver’s seat includes power lumbar support and two-position memory, making it ideal for households with multiple drivers.
Advanced Connectivity
A new, larger 9-inch touchscreen comes standard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The center console has been redesigned with a larger wireless phone charger and improved cup holders to accommodate the oversized water bottles popular in the U.S. market.
Safety features & Driver Assistance
Honda continues to lead with its comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite, which is standard on the 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL.
Collision Prevention
The system includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Forward Collision Warning. For 2027, the sensor hardware has been upgraded to better detect cyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions.
Highway Assistance
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) work together to reduce driver fatigue during long interstate hauls. The RTL also includes a Blind Spot Information System with a Cross Traffic Monitor as a standard feature, which is essential for safely maneuvering a loaded bed.
2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL Performance & Specs
Underneath the hood, the 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL maintains its smooth and reliable powertrain.
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Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
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Transmission: A 9-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire and paddle shifters.
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Drivetrain: The i-VTM4® All-Wheel-Drive system is standard, offering torque-vectoring capabilities that improve handling in both snow and rain.
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Towing & Payload: It retains a 5,000-pound towing capacity and a payload capacity of approximately 1,500 pounds, which is more than enough for motorcycles, ATVs, or home improvement supplies.
2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL Pros & Cons
Pros
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Best-in-class ride comfort and handling.
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The In-Bed Trunk® provides secure, weatherproof storage not found in rivals.
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Spacious rear seating with under-seat storage that can fit a full-size bicycle.
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High resale value and a reputation for long-term reliability.
Cons
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Towing capacity is lower than some body-on-frame competitors like the Chevy Colorado.
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Ground clearance is modest for those looking for serious off-roading.
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Infotainment, while improved, is still more conservative than some tech-heavy rivals.
Should You Consider It?
The 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL is the ideal choice for the “everyday” truck owner. If you spend 90% of your time on paved roads but need the versatility of a truck bed for the other 10%, this vehicle is hard to beat. It is particularly well-suited for those transitioning out of an SUV who don’t want to give up a comfortable ride or easy parking maneuvers. It offers a “no-compromise” solution for the modern American lifestyle.
2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL Price & Release Date
The new Ridgeline RTL is expected to hit U.S. showrooms in late 2026. Pricing for the RTL trim is estimated to start at approximately $45,500. This keeps it positioned as a high-value mid-range option, sitting comfortably below the $50,000 mark while offering most of the luxury features found in the more expensive trims.
The 2027 Honda Ridgeline RTL proves that you don’t need a massive, stiff-riding truck to be productive. By focusing on the features that matter most—interior comfort, smart storage, and all-weather capability—the RTL remains a standout choice for American drivers. It is a refined, capable, and highly practical pickup that continues to challenge the traditional definitions of what a truck can be.
