Car Reviews
2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Review: A Midsize Truck That Stands Out
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport is Honda’s answer to drivers who want a rugged, capable truck with the refinement and comfort Honda is known for. Over the years, I’ve driven the Ridgeline multiple times, but this is my first weeklong review, and it has been an eye-opener. As a fan of smaller trucks, I’ve always pulled for the Ridgeline to succeed, and the TrailSport trim takes it a step further, adding off-road capability and bold styling to the mix. Let’s dive into the details.
Exterior: Rugged and Refined
The Ridgeline has come a long way in terms of design. I wasn’t a fan of the earlier generations, but the second-generation redesign really changed my perspective. Now, with the TrailSport trim, the Ridgeline looks better than ever. It strikes a perfect balance between compact and rugged, with just enough toughness to make it feel off-road-ready without going overboard.
TrailSport-specific features like the 18-inch Pewter wheels wrapped in General Grabber™ A/T Sport all-terrain tires enhance its beefy, planted stance. The Diffused Sky Blue Pearl paint exclusive to Honda’s TrailSport lineup adds a fresh, adventurous vibe, though it might not be the color I’d choose if I were buying. The dual exhaust at the rear adds a sporty touch that’s unusual for a midsize truck but fits the Ridgeline’s crossover-like personality.
Interior: Comfortable and Functional
Honda knows how to make a cabin feel welcoming, and the TrailSport is no exception. The interior materials are high-quality and comfortable, striking a great balance between rugged and refined. The 9-inch infotainment screen is sharp and responsive, and the 7-inch digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable driving information. Both systems integrate seamlessly with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, making connectivity easy and intuitive.
Practical touches like the redesigned center console with expanded storage—large enough to fit a full-size tablet—and the dual smartphone tray add to the functionality. Exclusive TrailSport accents, such as orange contrast stitching and embroidered logos, give the cabin a unique, rugged flair without compromising on comfort.
Bed: Versatility Defined
The Ridgeline’s bed remains one of its standout features. Measuring 64 inches in length and 50 inches wide between the wheel wells, it offers plenty of space for hauling gear, tools, or outdoor equipment. The Dual-Action Tailgate is a game-changer, allowing it to swing open like a door or fold down traditionally, making loading and unloading easier. Beneath the bed floor, the In-Bed Trunk® provides 7.3 cubic feet of lockable, weatherproof storage, perfect for groceries, tools, or even ice and drinks for a tailgate party. These practical features make the Ridgeline an excellent choice for adventurous lifestyles.
Performance: Smooth Power with a Quirky Steering Feel
Under the hood, the Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain is smooth and responsive, offering plenty of grunt for everyday driving or tackling light off-road trails. The i-VTM4® torque-vectoring AWD system and four-mode Intelligent Traction Management (Normal, Snow, Sand, Mud) ensure solid performance across various terrains.
However, the steering feel is where the Ridgeline falls slightly short. Unlike other Honda vehicles with precise and engaging steering, the Ridgeline’s feels light and disconnected, almost as if Honda assumes that’s what truck drivers prefer. That said, after a few days of driving, the steering becomes something you stop noticing, and the truck’s overall smooth ride and best-in-class handling make up for it.
Fuel Economy: Efficient for Its Class
The Ridgeline TrailSport offers respectable fuel efficiency for a midsize truck with off-road aspirations. EPA ratings are 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. These figures are competitive, especially considering the added weight of off-road enhancements like all-terrain tires and underbody protection.
Final Thoughts: A Truck Worth Considering
After a week with the 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport, I’m thoroughly impressed by its versatility and refinement. It blends rugged off-road capability with Honda’s signature comfort and practicality, making it a standout in the midsize truck segment. While it may not appeal to hardcore truck traditionalists, it’s an excellent option for those who need a truck that’s equally at home on the trail as it is on the highway or in the driveway.
If you’re looking for a midsize truck that prioritizes comfort, innovation, and usability without sacrificing off-road capability, the Ridgeline TrailSport is worth a test drive. It’s a unique offering that proves you don’t have to compromise to get the best of both worlds.
