The Honda Ridgeline with the 3.5-liter V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is the maximum trailer weight the vehicle is designed to handle with the factory towing package and the necessary safety equipment installed. Real-world towing depends on year, trim, and whether the towing package is present.
In this article, we break down what that 5,000-pound figure means, how Honda defines "properly equipped," and what drivers should consider when planning to tow with a Ridgeline.
Engine and drivetrain basics that influence towing
Powering the Ridgeline is a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers competitive torque for payloads and trailers. In modern Ridgelines, this engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and is offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. When combined with the appropriate towing package, these elements support the official 5,000-pound towing limit.
Key figures that matter for towing
Below are the core specifications that most influence the Ridgeline’s towing capability. This list helps explain why the 5,000-pound limit exists and how it applies in practice.
- Max towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds (when properly equipped)
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: available in FWD or AWD
- Towing package: typically required to reach the 5,000-pound rating
In practice, your actual towing capability depends on the specific configuration of your Ridgeline, including whether the towing package is installed and the trailer’s characteristics. Always verify your vehicle’s exact rating in the owner's manual and on the Monroney sticker.
What "properly equipped" means for a 5,000-pound tow
To reach the 5,000-pound maximum, the Ridgeline must be equipped with the factory or equivalent towing package and the necessary safety components. This generally includes a suitable hitch and trailer wiring, plus cooling upgrades to handle extended towing sessions. Without these components, the rating is lower.
- Class III hitch receiver
- Trailer wiring harness (4- or 7-pin, as specified)
- Cooling upgrades such as an upgraded transmission cooler and, in some cases, an engine oil cooler
- Proper tongue weight distribution (roughly 10-15% of trailer weight)
- Followed manufacturer guidelines for payload and gross vehicle weight ratings
With the appropriate towing hardware and adherence to weight limits, the Ridgeline can achieve the 5,000-pound rating across many model years. Always confirm the exact specification for your VIN.
Model-year consistency and caveats
Honda has maintained a 5,000-pound towing capacity for Ridgeline models that are properly equipped across the primary generations (the second-generation Ridgeline introduced in 2017 and continuing through recent years). However, actual capacity can vary if a vehicle lacks the towing package or has other equipment that affects weight, so owners should verify their exact rating for their specific trim and year.
Towing safely: practical tips for Ridgeline owners
Given the 5,000-pound ceiling, practical towing safety remains essential. Here are guidelines to help ensure safe, responsible towing with a Ridgeline.
- Stay within the stated maximum trailer weight and ensure tongue weight is properly distributed
- Use the correct hitch and trailer wiring for your setup
- Inspect trailer brakes and lighting, and use a braking system as required by law or by your trailer’s weight
- Keep speeds moderate and allow for longer stopping distances when towing
- Regularly service cooling systems, brakes, tires, and suspension
In short, the Ridgeline’s 3.5 L V6 provides a robust 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped, and this figure remains the benchmark across modern models. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle and follow safe towing practices.
Summary
For the Honda Ridgeline equipped with the 3.5 L V6, the official towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds. This rating applies when the towing package and required equipment are installed and used in accordance with Honda’s guidelines. Always confirm your specific VIN and model year to ensure accuracy, and prioritize safe towing practices.