20 MPG combined for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport 3.5L 6-cyl isn’t going to set any efficiency records, nor is it intended to. This figure, broken down into 18 City and 23 Highway, firmly places the Ridgeline TrailSport in a pragmatic, capability-focused niche. It’s a truck designed for a specific kind of owner: one who values Honda’s well-earned reputation for reliability and refinement, but also demands a degree of off-road aptitude and utility that other vehicles in the unibody truck segment might only hint at. This isn’t a truck for hauling heavy loads across state lines, nor is it a dedicated rock crawler. It’s the truck for the weekend adventurer, the homeowner with projects, the active family who frequently tows ATVs, kayaks, or a modest camper. The TrailSport badge signifies a commitment to more rugged terrain, and the fuel economy reflects the reliable powertrain and all-wheel-drive system engineered to deliver on that promise, allowing adventurers to comfortably access trailheads and campsites often inaccessible to lesser vehicles.

City and highway performance

The 18 MPG city rating for the Ridgeline TrailSport is exactly what we’d expect from a mid-size truck with a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 driving all four wheels through a conventional automatic transmission. In stop-and-go traffic, the laws of physics are unforgiving, the TrailSport’s nearly 4,500-pound curb weight and traditional torque converter mean energy expended getting moving is substantial. However, Ridgeline owners don’t bemoan this penalty. They understand this is the trade-off for a smooth, torquey engine that delivers linear power without the complexity or quirks of a smaller turbocharged unit, especially when tackling hills or carrying a bed full of gear. The 23 MPG highway figure is impressive for its class. Honda’s nine-speed automatic transmission plays a significant role here, allowing the 3.5L V6 to cruise at remarkably low RPMs on the open road. This makes long hauls to a national park or remote cabin far less taxing on the fuel budget than its city performance might suggest, and noticeably quieter in the cabin. The TrailSport’s aerodynamic profile, for a truck, is also relatively slippery, contributing to that respectable highway number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport 3.5L 6-cyl. This figure is calculated based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming a mix of city and highway driving corresponding to the vehicle’s combined MPG rating, and using national average fuel prices. For the Ridgeline buyer, this $2,200 is a transparent, predictable cost of ownership. It’s a figure that aligns with expectations for a capable, all-wheel-drive truck. Owners understand that enhancing the vehicle’s off-road prowess with the TrailSport trim and its corresponding drivetrain adjustments means foregoing the absolute lowest fuel bills. This estimated annual cost is factored into their budget for a vehicle that capably serves as both a daily driver and an adventure rig, without springing any significant surprises at the pump. More information on estimated costs and all Honda fuel economy data can be found on our site.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, most 2026 Ridgeline TrailSport owners will find their fuel economy numbers closely track the EPA estimates, assuming responsible driving habits. The 3.5L V6 is a tried-and-true Honda powerplant, known for its consistent performance. However, pushing the TrailSport’s capabilities, such as frequent towing, extended off-road excursions, or consistently heavy-footed acceleration, will inevitably see those numbers dip. Aggressive off-road tires, which some TrailSport owners will undoubtedly upgrade to, also introduce additional rolling resistance, impacting MPG. Conversely, those who primarily use their Ridgeline for highway cruising with an empty bed can expect to regularly see numbers at or even slightly above the stated 23 MPG highway. The Ridgeline’s mission is not about squeezing every last mile from a gallon, but rather about providing a reliably strong, smooth, and capable driving experience that handles diverse conditions. For more on the Ridgeline’s efficiency across years, check out our RIDGELINE MPG across all years page.

How it compares

Direct comparisons for the Ridgeline TrailSport are interesting because its unibody construction truly sets it apart. Let’s look at some key rivals. A body-on-frame truck like the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road (V6, Auto) typically delivers around 19 MPG combined (18 City, 22 Highway). While the Tacoma might offer superior articulation for hardcore off-roading, its fuel economy is comparable, sometimes even slightly less efficient in the city due to greater weight and less refined on-road dynamics. The Hyundai Santa Cruz (2.5L Turbo AWD) provides a different perspective, it’s more car-like and sees closer to 22 MPG combined (20 City, 27 Highway). However, the Santa Cruz, while capable, simply doesn’t offer the same bed capacity or the TrailSport’s enhanced ground clearance and off-road tuning. For those considering a more traditional mid-size SUV with similar capabilities, a vehicle like the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport (also 3.5L V6 AWD) typically achieves 20 MPG combined (18 City, 23 Highway), virtually identical to the Ridgeline, underscoring the common powertrain and platform. This illustrates that the Ridgeline TrailSport’s fuel economy is entirely competitive within its unique segment, balancing truck utility and off-road readiness with SUV-like refinement, without a significant fuel economy penalty compared to either.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining consistent tire pressure is critical for the Ridgeline TrailSport. With its larger, more aggressive tires, even a slight under-inflation can significantly increase rolling resistance, directly impacting your highway and city MPG. Check them at least once a month, especially before longer trips or when the ambient temperature changes drastically.

Because the 3.5L V6 delivers a hearty 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, it&#8217s easy to be heavy-footed. Practicing smooth acceleration and anticipating stops will improve your city MPG more than any other habit. Let the transmission do its job, it&#8217s designed to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range.

Limit unnecessary weight. While the Ridgeline has a generous payload capacity, carrying tools, recovery gear, or other heavy items that aren’t needed for a particular trip will incrementally decrease fuel efficiency. Every extra pound requires more energy to move, especially from a standstill.

Use the cruise control on the highway. The nine-speed automatic excels at maintaining a steady speed at low RPMs, and cruise control helps prevent surges and drops in speed that waste fuel. This is particularly effective on flat or gently rolling terrain.

When towing, understand that your fuel economy will drop significantly. Plan your route to avoid excessive grades and hard acceleration, and ensure your trailer is properly maintained and has correctly inflated tires to minimize drag and improve safety.