Is the Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck for Towing? A Comprehensive Guide for Cleveland Heights and Beyond

September 24th, 2025 by

Is the Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck for Towing? A Comprehensive Guide for Cleveland Heights and Beyond

When it comes to selecting a versatile truck that balances everyday usability with solid towing capabilities, the Honda Ridgeline stands out as a strong contender. If you’re in Cleveland Heights, OH, or nearby areas like Parma Heights and North Royalton, understanding how well the Ridgeline performs in towing can help you make an informed choice. Whether you’re hauling a camper to Maple Heights or pulling a boat near Westlake, knowing the Ridgeline’s strengths, limitations, and how it compares to other Honda models like the Pilot is crucial.

For personalized assistance or to explore our inventory, call us at 216-868-4785 or visit us at 2953 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

Table of Contents

Overview of the Honda Ridgeline’s Towing Capabilities

The Honda Ridgeline is engineered to provide a balance between truck functionality and everyday comfort. One of its key attributes for buyers in Cleveland Heights and surrounding communities is its reliable towing capacity. The 2024 and 2025 Ridgeline models can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a strong choice for those who need to pull small boats, campers, or utility trailers.

This towing capacity is supported by a standard Class III trailer hitch and a seven-pin wiring connector, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of trailers. Its unibody design contributes to a smooth ride and better handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, which is especially appreciated on long hauls or uneven terrain frequently encountered around Westlake or Maple Heights.

Key towing features include:

  • A 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
  • Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced traction in varying conditions
  • Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®) AWD system for optimized torque distribution
  • Towing modes such as Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud to adapt to diverse road conditions

For residents of Parma Heights, the Ridgeline’s towing capacity is well-suited for hauling gear for weekend camping trips or moving small cargo trailers, combining versatility with driver-friendly features.

If you’re ready to explore the Ridgeline’s towing prowess, browse our New Vehicles or Pre-Owned Vehicles inventory today.

Does the Ridgeline Tow Better Than the Honda Pilot?

Comparing the Ridgeline with the Honda Pilot—a midsize SUV popular in neighborhoods like North Royalton—provides insight into which vehicle better meets towing needs. Both vehicles share the same potent 3.5-liter V6 engine, but their towing capabilities diverge due to design and drivetrain differences.

The Ridgeline features standard AWD and a dedicated Class III hitch, allowing a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. In contrast, the Pilot, primarily a front-wheel-drive SUV, offers a base towing capacity of around 3,500 pounds. However, when equipped with optional AWD and towing packages, the Pilot’s capacity can match the Ridgeline’s 5,000 pounds.

Handling dynamics also differ:

  • The Ridgeline’s truck chassis and suspension are tuned for towing stability and payload management, which is advantageous for residents towing trailers from Cleveland Heights to Maple Heights.
  • The Pilot’s SUV platform prioritizes passenger comfort and cargo space but may feel less composed with heavier towing loads.
  • The Ridgeline offers specific drive modes tailored for trailering, including Snow and Mud, that enhance safety and control.

For those prioritizing towing alongside traditional truck capabilities, the Ridgeline’s design and trailering features generally outperform the Pilot. Meanwhile, families in Westlake or Parma Heights who need occasional towing combined with spacious seating may find the Pilot adequate.

Towing Campers with the Honda Ridgeline: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to tow a camper around Cleveland Heights or take an adventurous trip to North Royalton, the Ridgeline’s towing capacity makes it a viable option for small to midsize campers, including hybrid and teardrop styles.

Important considerations include:

  • Always verify the gross trailer weight, ensuring it stays under the 5,000-pound maximum towing limit. This includes the camper’s dry weight plus cargo, water, and supplies.
  • The tongue weight—the downward force the camper exerts on the hitch—must be within the Ridgeline’s payload capacity. Overloading can cause handling issues and suspension strain.
  • Installing a trailer brake controller is highly recommended for safety and is essential when towing heavier campers. It allows synchronized braking between the truck and trailer.
  • Consider using a sway control device for additional stability, especially in windy conditions or on highway routes common near Maple Heights.

It’s wise to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed towing guidelines specific to your Ridgeline model year. Additionally, limiting speeds to below 65 mph while towing can improve control and reduce stress on the vehicle.

For all your service needs related to towing equipment and vehicle upkeep, our Service Department stands ready to assist.

Can a Honda Ridgeline Tow a Boat? Real-World Considerations

For boating enthusiasts in areas like Westlake and Maple Heights, the Ridgeline’s capability to tow small boats is a practical advantage. The key is ensuring the total weight of the boat, trailer, and gear does not exceed the 5,000-pound threshold.

Factors to keep in mind include:

  • Calculate the combined weight of the boat, trailer, fuel, and any onboard equipment.
  • The trailer’s tongue weight should ideally be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight to maintain proper balance.
  • Pay attention to the truck’s payload capacity, which limits how much additional weight (including passengers and cargo) can be carried alongside the tongue weight.
  • Since the Ridgeline does not come with a built-in trailer brake controller, installing one is crucial for safe towing and braking performance.

Residents of Cleveland Heights can benefit from our dealership’s Parts Department for high-quality replacement parts or accessories related to towing, such as brake controllers and sway bars.

Fuel Efficiency of the Honda Ridgeline While Towing

Towing naturally impacts fuel economy, and understanding the Ridgeline’s performance in this regard helps drivers in Cleveland Heights and nearby communities plan their trips better.

EPA ratings for the 2024 and 2025 Ridgeline models show:

  • Approximately 18 MPG in city driving
  • Around 24 MPG on highways
  • A combined rating near 21 MPG, with variations depending on trim and tire choices

The TrailSport model, equipped with all-terrain tires, has a slightly reduced highway rating of 23 MPG. Towing heavier loads will typically reduce mileage due to increased engine load and aerodynamic drag.

Factors affecting real-world mileage include:

  • Driving style: Smooth acceleration and consistent speeds help maximize MPG.
  • Terrain and traffic: Stop-and-go traffic or hilly landscapes common near Parma Heights can reduce fuel efficiency.
  • Vehicle maintenance: Proper tire inflation, regular oil changes, and service visits at our Service Department enhance performance.

Is the Honda Ridgeline Suitable for Towing a Fifth-Wheel Trailer?

For those in Cleveland Heights contemplating heavy-duty towing like fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailers, the Ridgeline is not designed for such tasks. Its maximum towing capacity and hitch design limit it to smaller trailers.

Honda Ridgeline is best suited for:

  • Small travel trailers
  • Fishing boat trailers
  • Compact campers such as hybrid or teardrop models

For towing fifth-wheel trailers, a heavier-duty truck with specialized hitch setups is recommended, as fifth-wheel towing requires substantial payload and hitch strength beyond the Ridgeline’s capability.

The Engine Power Behind the Honda Ridgeline’s Towing Ability

At the heart of the Ridgeline’s towing capacity is a sophisticated 3.5-liter, direct-injection V6 engine equipped with Honda’s i-VTEC technology and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®). This aluminum-alloy, 24-valve engine produces:

  • 280 horsepower @ 6000 RPM
  • 262 lb-ft of torque @ 4700 RPM

The engine’s design focuses on efficiency and power, featuring:

  • A 60-degree V-angle for reduced vibration and smoother operation
  • Direct fuel injection for enhanced combustion efficiency and power output
  • Lightweight components including aluminum block and heads for better acceleration and fuel economy
  • An idle-stop system that shuts off the engine during extended stops to save fuel, which can be disabled as needed

Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and the i-VTM4® AWD system, the Ridgeline offers responsive and stable towing performance ideal for both urban and rural driving conditions around Cleveland Heights and Maple Heights.

Maintaining Your Ridgeline and Exploring Trade-In Options

To keep your Ridgeline performing at peak towing capability, regular maintenance is vital. This includes tire inspection, brake servicing, fluid level checks, and timely replacement of parts such as air filters or spark plugs. Our Parts Department provides genuine Honda components designed for your vehicle’s needs.

If you’re considering upgrading or trading in a current vehicle for a Ridgeline, use our Value Your Trade tool to discover your vehicle’s worth. Whether you’re in North Royalton or Cleveland Heights, this resource helps simplify your transition to a capable towing truck.

For any maintenance or towing equipment installation, schedule an appointment conveniently through our Schedule Service portal.

Choosing a vehicle that meets your towing needs requires balancing power, capacity, safety, and convenience. The Honda Ridgeline excels in providing a reliable, comfortable, and capable towing experience, making it an excellent choice for Cleveland Heights drivers who want a versatile truck for daily tasks and weekend adventures.

Explore our extensive selection of New Vehicles and Pre-Owned Vehicles or contact us at 216-868-4785 to learn more.

© 2025 Honda of Cleveland Heights

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