EPA Fuel Economy: 23 MPG Combined

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline 3.5L V6 RTL delivers a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 23 miles per gallon, making it a competitive choice in the midsize pickup truck segment. This rating reflects a balanced performance between city and highway driving, with the truck achieving 20 MPG in city conditions and 27 MPG on the highway. For a V6-powered pickup truck, the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency demonstrates Honda’s engineering commitment to balancing power and economy in a vehicle designed for both work and everyday driving.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission works together to optimize fuel consumption across various driving conditions. The nine-speed transmission allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs during highway cruising, which directly contributes to the stronger highway rating. Modern transmission technology like this plays a crucial role in achieving competitive fuel economy numbers in larger vehicles, helping owners reduce their overall fuel expenses without sacrificing the towing capacity and payload that pickup truck owners require.

City vs Highway Performance

The difference between the Ridgeline’s city and highway ratings tells an important story about how this truck performs in different driving environments. The 20 MPG city rating reflects the challenges of stop-and-go traffic, frequent acceleration, and lower speeds that characterize urban driving. City environments demand more fuel because the engine cannot settle into efficient cruising patterns and must repeatedly accelerate from standstills, which consumes more gasoline per mile traveled.

In contrast, the 27 MPG highway rating demonstrates the efficiency gains possible during sustained, steady-speed driving. Highway driving allows the 3.5L V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission to reach optimal operating efficiency, with the engine running at consistent RPMs and the transmission locked into higher gears. This seven-mile-per-gallon improvement between city and highway is typical for V6 trucks and highlights why highway-heavy drivers often see better fuel economy than their predominantly urban-driving counterparts.

Annual Fuel Cost

Based on EPA estimates, you can calculate your annual fuel costs using the combined 23 MPG rating. Here’s the math with standard assumptions:

Annual Fuel Cost Calculation:
Annual mileage: 15,000 miles
Combined fuel economy: 23 MPG
Gallons needed per year: 15,000 ÷ 23 = 652 gallons
Current fuel price assumption: $3.50 per gallon
Annual fuel cost: 652 × $3.50 = $2,282

This estimate provides a baseline for budgeting fuel expenses. Keep in mind that actual costs will fluctuate based on regional fuel prices and your personal driving habits. Drivers who spend more time on highways may see slightly better annual costs due to the higher 27 MPG highway rating, while those with primarily city driving may see costs increase toward the 20 MPG city baseline.

Real-World MPG Expectations

EPA ratings represent standardized testing conditions, so real-world fuel economy typically falls within a reasonable range of these numbers. Most 2025 Ridgeline RTL owners can expect to see combined fuel economy between 21-24 MPG under normal driving conditions. Several factors influence whether you’ll achieve results closer to the EPA estimate or slightly below it.

Driving habits significantly impact actual fuel consumption. Aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, and rapid braking all reduce efficiency. To maximize your fuel economy, maintain steady speeds on highways, allow the engine to warm up before driving hard, and avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the truck bed. Tire pressure also matters—underinflated tires create additional rolling resistance, reducing MPG. Check your tire pressure monthly and maintain the PSI recommended on the driver’s door jamb. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures your 3.5L V6 operates at peak efficiency.

How It Compares

The 2025 Ridgeline’s 23 MPG combined rating places it competitively within the midsize pickup truck class. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado with its standard 2.7L turbo engine achieves approximately 21 MPG combined, slightly below the Ridgeline. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma with its 3.5L V6 engine delivers a comparable 21 MPG combined rating. The Ford Ranger, equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, achieves around 21 MPG combined. These comparisons show that the Ridgeline holds a modest efficiency advantage in this segment, particularly when highway driving is considered.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Maintain Consistent Highway Speeds: The Ridgeline achieves 27 MPG on the highway when speeds remain steady. Cruise control helps maintain constant velocity and improves efficiency on long drives.
• Keep Tires Properly Inflated: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check pressure monthly and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for optimal fuel economy.
• Reduce Excess Weight: Remove unnecessary items from the truck bed and cabin. Every 100 pounds of extra weight reduces fuel economy slightly in pickup trucks.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Clean air filters, fresh oil, and properly functioning fuel injectors all contribute to efficient engine operation. Follow Honda’s recommended service schedule.
• Avoid Excessive Idling: Modern engines use more fuel idling than restarting. Turn off the engine if you’ll be stationary for more than 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What fuel type does the 2025 Ridgeline RTL use?
A: The 2025 Honda Ridgeline 3.5L V6 RTL runs on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using higher octane fuel provides no benefit and wastes money.

Q: Is 23 MPG good for a full-size pickup truck?
A: Yes. The Ridgeline classifies as a midsize truck, and its 23 MPG combined rating is competitive within its class. Full-size trucks typically achieve 18-21 MPG combined, so the Ridgeline performs well.

Q: Will my actual MPG match the EPA estimate?
A: Your real-world fuel economy will likely fall within 1-2 MPG of the EPA rating depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and maintenance. Highway-focused drivers may see results closer to 25-27 MPG, while city drivers might see 19-21 MPG.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline 3.5L V6 RTL balances the power and capability expected from a pickup truck with respectable fuel efficiency for the class. With a 23 MPG combined rating and strategic driving habits, owners can manage fuel costs effectively while enjoying the truck’s versatile performance.