No. The Ridgeline has always used a V6 engine in every model year, and there has never been a V8 option for this pickup.
Below is a detailed look at the Ridgeline’s engine history, current specifications, and the engineering choices that kept a V8 off the table for Honda’s unibody pickup.
Engine history
Before listing the generations, note that a V8 was never offered in the Ridgeline, and the truck has consistently relied on a V6 powerplant.
- First generation (2006–2014): 3.5-liter V6 (Honda J35) producing roughly 247–250 horsepower and about 242–252 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission; available in both 2WD and 4WD formats. No V8 option existed.
- Second generation (2017–present): 3.5-liter V6 with around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission; available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim. No V8 option existed.
Across both generations, the Ridgeline shares its V6 family with other Honda models such as the Pilot and Odyssey, prioritizing smoothness, efficiency, and everyday usability over the brute strength of a V8.
Conclusion: The Ridgeline’s engine history shows a V6-only lineup across all models and years.
Current specs and driving character
Before listing the current engine and drivetrain details, here’s a snapshot of what buyers get with the existing V6 powertrain.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (Honda J35 family) with refinements over the years, including variable valve timing.
- Power: roughly 280 horsepower and about 262 lb-ft of torque (values vary slightly by model year and trim).
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission; shift tuning has evolved across generations.
- Drivetrain: available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on trim and configuration.
- Towing/payload: commonly rated around 5,000 pounds of towing capacity in many configurations, with payload figures matching the unibody pickup’s practical design.
These details illustrate that the Ridgeline remains a V6-powered midsize pickup with a focus on balanced on-road manners and versatile everyday utility rather than the high-torque, V8-equipped setups found in some full-size trucks.
Why Honda did not offer a V8
Engineering and market considerations
The Ridgeline uses a unibody construction shared with Honda’s SUVs, prioritizing ride comfort, handling, and efficiency over the raw torque and heft associated with a V8. A V8 would add weight, complexity, and higher fuel consumption, and market demand for midsize pickups has typically favored efficient V6 powertrains in this segment. Honda therefore focused on refining the V6 to deliver solid towing and everyday practicality while preserving the Ridgeline’s car-like ride quality.
Additionally, leveraging a common V6 family with other Honda models helps with parts availability, maintenance costs, and resale value. For buyers seeking V8-level torque, many buyers look to larger or full-size trucks, but the Ridgeline remains committed to its V6 design philosophy and lifestyle-oriented mission.
Summary
No version of the Honda Ridgeline offers a V8 engine. Since its introduction in 2006, the Ridgeline has relied on a 3.5-liter V6 across all generations, paired with a modern automatic transmission and available in either front- or all-wheel drive. The absence of a V8 aligns with Honda’s emphasis on efficiency, ride comfort, and versatile everyday utility in this midsize pickup segment.