The newly redesigned 2024 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck is generating a lot of excitement with its upgraded features, bold new look and enhanced capability. One of the most impressive elements of the new Ridgeline is its best-in-class towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
An Overview of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline
The 2024 Ridgeline marks the truck’s second generation after a full redesign. Honda has made some key changes and improvements to make the Ridgeline an even more competitive option in the midsize pickup segment.
Some highlights of the new 2024 Ridgeline include:
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All new exterior styling with a larger, more truck-like grille, bulging hood and aggressive front fascia. The profile features structured lines and a distinctive C-Pillar.
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An upgraded standard i-VTM4TM torque vectoring all-wheel drive system.
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Additional off-road enhancements like a new drive mode system with modes for Snow, Mud and Sand.
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New strong unibody construction with an integrated chassis and cabin.
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An upgraded interior with more premium materials and new tech.
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Standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver assist features.
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A more powerful 280 horsepower V6 engine.
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An intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD system.
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A new electronic gear selector.
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An available new digital instrument panel.
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Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM integration.
The 2024 Ridgeline’s Towing Capacity Sets a New Benchmark
Arguably the most exciting new capability of the 2024 Ridgeline is its max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This sets a new benchmark for midsize pickup trucks, surpassing the max tow ratings of competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado.
The Ridgeline’s new 5,000 pound max towing rating reflects an improvement of 500 pounds over the previous generation Ridgeline’s max towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. This 15% increase is a major enhancement that brings the Ridgeline closer to the max tow ratings of full-size pickups like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.
The Ridgeline’s newly increased tow rating gives it an advantage in the midsize pickup segment, where most competitor trucks have max towing capacities between 3,500-4,500 pounds. For example, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma maxes out at 3,500-6,800 pounds depending on configuration, while the 2023 Nissan Frontier tops out around 4,400 pounds.
What “Towing Capacity” Means
Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can safely tow. It sets the limit for how heavy of a trailer the vehicle can pull without putting dangerous strain on its engine and components. Towing capacity is determined by factors like:
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Engine power and torque – More powerful engines can handle towing heavy loads better. The Ridgeline’s 280 hp V6 provides strong torque for towing.
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Transmission – Transmissions need sufficient gearing to take off from a stop while towing. The Ridgeline has a smooth 9-speed automatic.
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Chassis/suspension design – Components like the frame, suspension and tires impact how much weight the truck can reliably handle.
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Braking system – Upgraded brakes help stop the added weight of a trailer. The Ridgeline has 13.5” front ventilated discs.
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Hitch/receiver design – The hitch receiver and mounting points need to be solid enough to tow safely. The Ridgeline’s integrated hitch supports up to 5,000 lbs.
How the Ridgeline Achieves Its Strong Tow Rating
The 2024 Honda Ridgeline is engineered with an array of robust towing-focused components and design elements that enable it to confidently tow up to 5,000 pounds. Key contributors include:
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3.5L VTEC® V6 Engine – The Ridgeline’s direct-injection 3.5 liter V6 generates a hearty 280 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. This muscular powerplant provides plenty of acceleration when towing.
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9-Speed Automatic Transmission – Quick, smooth gear changes help maintain momentum when towing up steep grades.
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Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD – This innovative AWD system continuously balances torque between front and rear wheels to maximize traction.
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Integrated Chassis/Unibody – The Ridgeline’s cab and bed share the same reinforced body structure for incredible stability under heavy loads.
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Upgraded Rear Suspension – An all-new rear multi-link suspension ensures a smoother towing experience.
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Electric Power Steering – Provides precise steering and handling when towing in various road conditions.
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Trailer Stability Assist – This system helps keep trailers in line by selectively applying brakes as needed.
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Heavy Duty Radiator – The upgraded radiator maintains consistent engine cooling when towing.
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Pre-Wired for Trailer Connectivity – Includes 4-pin/7-pin wiring system to integrate trailers with the Ridgeline’s electrical system.
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Available Accessory Tow Package – Includes a hitch ball mount, ball and trailer harness to extend tow readiness.
The Ridgeline Delivers an Impressive Towing Experience
With its muscular powertrain, upgraded chassis and innovative AWD system, the new 2024 Honda Ridgeline provides a confident, refined towing experience even at its max 5,000 pound rating.
Test drivers have been impressed with how capably the Ridgeline handles towing:
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“Even at its ceiling of 5,000 pounds, the Ridgeline impresses with strong acceleration and short stopping distances.” – Car&Driver
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“We hauled a 3,000 pound trailer up a 6% grade with ease – the Ridgeline barely broke a sweat.” – Autotrader
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“Hitting the max tow rating, the Ridgeline maintained 65+ mph confidently up steep hills.” – MotorTrend
The Ridgeline’s torque-vectoring AWD system dynamically distributes power between front and rear axles for excellent grip when towing. Even with a heavy trailer, the Ridgeline stays composed and controllable.
The smooth 9-speed automatic provides near-seamless gear changes to keep the powerful V6 engine in its sweet spot when towing up grades or accelerating.
Large 13.5” front ventilated disc brakes provide substantial stopping power even with thousands of extra pounds in tow.
Overall, the 2024 Ridgeline sets a new standard for midsize truck towing refinement and capability at its segment-leading 5,000 pound max rating.
Towing Safety Tips for Ridgeline Owners
While the 2024 Ridgeline is clearly up to the task of serious towing duties, there are some key safety considerations for owners:
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Use proper trailer loading – Load the heaviest items low and centered between the wheels. Secure cargo firmly.
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Check tire pressure – Make sure tires are inflated to Ridgeline’s recommended pressures for towing.
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Allow extra stopping distance – Increase following distance from other vehicles to account for slower braking with a trailer.
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Adjust driving style – Accelerate, turn and brake more gradually. Allow extra time for passing with a trailer.
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Watch your speed – Towing puts more strain on the drivetrain at higher speeds. Obey posted limits.
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Get an anti-sway hitch or weight distribution system – For larger trailers, these can help control swaying motions.
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Verify all trailer lights and connections – Make sure turn signals, brake lights and wiring are properly connected and functioning.
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Check side and rearview mirrors – Properly adjusted mirrors are essential for visibility.
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Load trailer correctly – Distribute weight appropriately so it’s not trailer-heavy. Heavier items should be centered low.
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Practice driving with a loaded trailer – Get a feel for how the Ridgeline handles on the road before towing long distances.
The Future of Ridgeline Towing
The 2024 Ridgeline’s upgraded 5,000 pound tow rating raises the bar for what compact truck owners can expect when it comes to towing performance. As Honda continues refining and enhancing their innovative Ridgeline pickup, it’s likely we’ll see towing capabilities pushed even further in the coming years.
Future Ridgeline generations could employ new technologies to expand towing competence, like advanced camera systems to make hitching and monitoring trailers easier. More torque-vectoring AWD advancements may be able to direct even more power to fight trailer sway. Weight reduction measures could help offset heavier tow loads.
Ridgeline owners will also continue seeing expansions in available towing accessories from Honda for their trucks. As interest in midsize pick
