Honda is doing everything to keep its truck competitive. Well, not exactly everything, since a ladder frame would be the best upgrade. That is not an option, since the market for unibody trucks is showing a potential thanks to new arrivals. Instead, the company is expanding the pickup’s squad and the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport is going to be the most interesting package in the family.
The new off-road bundle is making truck more exciting to drive. Nevertheless, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport is not going to be a threat to the Toyota Tacoma TRD or Ford Ranger Raptor. Still, after a unique on-road driving experience, Honda is going to offer something different for off-road. The gear is ready and already drawing attention.
It seems like the company is waiting for the next-gen truck to arrive next year to make the Ridgeline Trailsport official. The package is already available on the Pilot SUV. Two vehicles are sharing the same platform, so the off-road trim for the truck should be pretty similar. Also, a hybrid pickup is a possible upgrade for the engine room.
2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport Accessories
The truck is going to get a unique set of wheels with all-terrain tires. Even if the Pilot didn’t show us that, those are standard upgrades for every off-road truck. Of course, the AWD as well. The new suspension setup lifts the truck so it can go over obstacles more easily. Just in case, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport is getting skid plates for underbody protection. The company developed the new off-road stability assist. It can be even better for the 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport. A 360-degree camera and upgraded trailer hitch are helpful if you plan towing with the pickup. The bad thing is that the Trailsport package is not getting a special engine with extra power and increased towing capacity.
The package makes the pickup eye-catching and more comfortable as well. Unique grille and bumper join wheels to deliver a distinctive look. Inside, you can find a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and front seats, and advanced options for the multimedia system (wireless charger, extra USB ports, larger infotainment screen…).
Next-Gen Truck
The company already added the Trailsport package to the Pilot. We expected it on the truck immediately, but it seems like Honda is waiting for the next-gen truck for a complete upgrade. We can already find test mules on the roads. The release date is close, and it was about the time for the all-new Ridgeline. The current version is from 2016.
Anyway, the Japanese truckmaker is not willing yet to make a huge step up and move the pickup on the ladder frame. The Ridgeline was the only midsize truck with a unibody architecture, which was the reason for slow sales. Now Honda saw other companies building unibody pickups. However, those are smaller, compact trucks – Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. In the future, there will be more similar vehicles, which gives the right to Honda to keep the same architecture for the Ridgeline.
2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport Specs
Unfortunately, there are no changes under the hood of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport compared to the standard version and compared to old models. The next-gen truck is using the same V6 powertrain that put Honda back on the map in this segment. A 3.5-liter mill is reliable. However, when it comes to efficiency, which is highly valued nowadays, a truck’s reputation drops rapidly. Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado are not returning better mileage, but the towing capacity is significantly higher. On the other hand, the Ford Maverick with unibody platform can do 35 mpg.
Well, this is because of a hybrid system. The next-gen Ridgeline might get a hybrid, but only if Pilot gets it first. The SUV is more important. However, it gives us a sneak peek at the new truck and the off-road package. Even a plug-in system is possible, per some sources.
Competition
Since the 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport is an off-road package, we must check alternatives in the US market. Toyota Tacoma TRD and Chevy Colorado ZR2 are the best 4×4 configurations out there. It is the general opinion. Now we are waiting to see how buyers are going to accept the Ford Ranger Raptor. On the F-150, it destroys the competition. The Jeep Gladiator is a truck version of Wrangler, the most famous off-road SUV. Still, fans like it more than the pickup. Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is the most underrated 4×4 package in this segment. It is worth of a try.
The Ridgeline Trailsport is going to offer a unique driving experience with a unibody concept. Still, this architecture is better for roads because of its cornering and maneuvering skills. Anyway, we will probably give the Trailsport truck a shot. The same trim levels on two vehicles cost similar, so the 4×4 package might be around $50,000. Still, the next-gen truck is not just updating the styling, but also the pricing.
