Why Honda Ridgelines Aren’t Selling as Fast as Rivals

They sell more slowly primarily because the Ridgeline prioritizes comfort and everyday usability over traditional truck capability, faces fresh and aggressive competition, starts at a higher price point with fewer low-cost trims and incentives, and lacks a modern hybrid option at a time when fuel economy and value dominate midsize pickup shopping. In today’s truck market—crowded with new body-on-frame competitors and buoyed by heavy discounts on conventional pickups—the Ridgeline’s niche, car-like formula is a tougher sell despite its strengths.

The market backdrop: a crowded, fast-moving midsize truck arena

The midsize pickup segment has been red-hot and newly refreshed. Toyota launched a redesigned Tacoma (including a fuel-sipping hybrid), Ford reworked the Ranger, and GM revamped the Colorado and Canyon with strong turbo engines and serious off-road variants. At the same time, elevated interest rates and rising incentives have shifted shoppers toward models with bigger discounts or better efficiency. Against that backdrop, the Ridgeline—an older platform with a 2024 refresh—has a harder time breaking through, even though it remains one of the most comfortable and user-friendly trucks to live with.

Product–market fit: what the Ridgeline does well—and what many truck buyers still want

Unibody construction versus traditional truck expectations

The Ridgeline rides on a unibody platform shared with Honda’s Pilot/Passport. That makes it exceptionally quiet and refined on-road, but it runs counter to pickup orthodoxy: many buyers still equate body-on-frame construction with durability, work capability, and “truck cred.” The perception hurdle is real—even if, for many lifestyles, the Ridgeline’s structure is a practical advantage.

Capability gaps that matter in spec-sheet battles

While the Ridgeline is capable for weekend projects and light towing, it lags in headline numbers that anchor showroom comparisons. Towing tops out at around 5,000 pounds, the bed is only one size, and there’s no low-range transfer case or locking differential. Off-road-focused trims from rivals promise higher clearance, beefier tires, and more hardware. For buyers who shop by maximums—tow, payload, approach/departure angles—the Ridgeline’s strengths can be overshadowed.

Powertrain and efficiency: solid, but behind new benchmarks

Honda’s smooth V6 and standard all-wheel drive remain pleasant, but competitors have moved the goal posts. New turbocharged four-cylinders deliver strong torque and better tow ratings, and Toyota’s hybrid Tacoma adds fuel economy that the Ridgeline can’t match. With gas prices and monthly payments top-of-mind, efficiency and torque-per-dollar are driving decisions.

Pricing, trims, and incentives

The way the Ridgeline is packaged and priced also narrows its audience. Here are the key dynamics that influence how it stacks up at the dealership.

• Higher entry point: The Ridgeline starts well-equipped and with standard AWD, but that means a higher base price than stripped, rear-drive work-truck trims offered by rivals.
• Fewer bargain configurations: There’s no truly low-cost or fleet-focused model, which limits appeal to price-sensitive buyers and commercial fleets.
• Incentive pressure: Detroit and some competitors often use larger rebates, financing deals, or lease support—sometimes on full-size trucks—pulling shoppers away when monthly payments are close.
• Value perception: Even when transaction prices converge, a spec sheet with bigger tow numbers or overt off-road hardware can look like “more truck for the money” to many buyers.

Taken together, these factors mean the Ridgeline can feel expensive next to aggressively discounted rivals, even if its standard features and refinement are strong.

Perception and marketing: the image gap

Truck purchases are as emotional as they are rational. The Ridgeline’s value story—car-like comfort, clever packaging—doesn’t always resonate in a segment where “rugged” imagery and customization reign. Still, the model has real strengths that current owners prize.

The following list highlights Ridgeline advantages that often get overlooked in capability-focused comparisons.

• Exceptional ride and handling for a pickup, thanks to the unibody platform and independent rear suspension.
• Unique utility features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate that genuinely add day-to-day versatility.
• Quiet cabin with user-friendly tech after its recent interior update, plus standard AWD confidence.
• Strong reliability and safety reputation, traits that matter for long-term ownership.

These are compelling qualities for suburban and lifestyle buyers—but they can be drowned out by louder messages around tow ratings, off-road chops, and accessory ecosystems that rivals emphasize.

Sales performance in context

The Ridgeline is not a failure; it’s a niche player. In the U.S., it typically sells in the tens of thousands annually, far below the Tacoma, which often reaches into the hundreds of thousands. That gap reflects segment norms—brand loyalty to traditional trucks, a flood of newly redesigned competitors, and the Ridgeline’s intentionally different approach. Inventory dynamics have also shifted: after the supply shortages of 2021–2022, more normal stock levels in 2024–2025 mean shoppers can cross-shop widely, and niche models can linger longer on lots when incentives are modest.

What could change the trajectory

Honda has options if it wants to broaden the Ridgeline’s appeal without abandoning its core strengths. The items below outline moves that could boost interest.

• Add a hybrid or more efficient, torquey powertrain to improve fuel economy and towing confidence.
• Offer a more aggressive off-road package with added clearance and a locking rear differential to satisfy spec-driven shoppers.
• Introduce a lower-priced trim or targeted lease/finance programs to capture budget-conscious buyers and small fleets.
• Expand dealer-accessory ecosystems and lifestyle marketing to spotlight the in-bed trunk, tailgate versatility, and daily comfort.

Individually or together, these steps could help the Ridgeline stand out for what it does best while closing the gap on buyer expectations set by rivals.

Bottom line

Ridgelines aren’t “not selling”; they’re selling to a narrower slice of the market. In a midsize truck segment newly defined by big towing numbers, off-road trims, and aggressive incentives, the Ridgeline’s quieter virtues—comfort, clever utility, and reliability—don’t always win the showroom showdown. Unless or until Honda adds greater efficiency and capability or sharpens pricing, it will remain a strong but niche choice for buyers who value everyday usability over maximum brawn.

Summary

The Honda Ridgeline’s slower sales pace stems from a deliberate product formula that prioritizes comfort and practicality over traditional truck metrics, compounded by fierce new competition, fewer low-cost trims and incentives, and no hybrid option. It remains a refined, reliable, and cleverly packaged pickup, but in today’s market its strengths appeal to a niche rather than the mainstream midsize truck buyer.

Why are Ridgelines not selling?

Rather than a typical pickup truck. So the whole driving experience with the Ridgeline. Is far more enjoyable compared to trucks like the Chevy Colorado. And Ford Ranger.

When did Honda stop making Ridgeline?

Honda Ridgeline
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2005–early 2015 2016–present
Model years	2006–2014 2017–present
Assembly	Canada: Alliston, Ontario (HCM) (2004–2009) United States: Lincoln, Alabama (HMA) (2008–2015, 2016–present)

What is the most common problem with a Honda Ridgeline?

Top Honda Ridgeline Problems

• Software Update Will Fix Problem When Shifting into Fourth Gear.
• Tailgate Will Not Open Because Sensor Rod is Too Long.
• Noise and Judder on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown.
• Poor Connection in Antenna Harness May Cause Static When Going Over Bumps.
• Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing.

Will there be a 2025 Honda Ridgeline?

The price of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $41,600 and goes up to $48,200 depending on the trim and options. This segment of mid-size trucks has become saturated with traditional body-on-frame pickups that provide ample towing and serious off-roading capability.