The 2017 Honda Ridgeline FWD with its 3.5L V6 gets 22 MPG combined, a figure that is acceptable for a mid-size pickup that blends truck capability with car-like refinement. This is a truck for weekend projects, mulch runs, and the occasional furniture haul, not for towing heavy equipment across state lines. Ridgeline buyers prioritize a comfortable ride and secure handling. For them, the fuel economy is a reasonable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway reflect the Ridgeline’s driving performance. The 19 MPG city rating shows the fuel cost of stop-and-go traffic, where the Ridgeline’s weight and a gasoline engine affect efficiency. The 26 MPG highway figure showcases where the Ridgeline excels. Its aerodynamic shape and the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission allow the engine to cruise efficiently at higher speeds. This makes it a comfortable highway vehicle, even when loaded with passengers and cargo.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline FWD at $2,000. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assuming national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you typically drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. This serves as a useful benchmark for comparing the Ridgeline to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized baseline, expect to see some variation in real-world fuel economy.

Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips in cold weather, and consistent heavy loads will negatively impact your MPG. A driver who uses the Ridgeline’s comfortable highway cruising capabilities and practices smooth driving techniques might see figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates.

Monitor your fuel economy over time to get a more accurate understanding of what your specific Ridgeline achieves in your typical driving conditions. Consider using a fuel tracking app to record your fill-ups and calculate your actual MPG.

How it compares

The 2017 Ridgeline’s fuel economy is competitive. A comparable Toyota Tacoma with a V6 and automatic transmission typically achieves around 18 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Chevrolet Colorado’s V6 fares similarly, hovering around 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. These differences can add up over the course of a year.

If fuel efficiency is important, there are other mid-size trucks that exceed the Ridgeline’s MPG numbers, though often at the expense of ride quality and interior refinement. Be sure to browse all Honda fuel economy data to understand how the Ridgeline compares across the Honda lineup. You can study RIDGELINE MPG across all years to know how its engine evolved between generations.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Ridgeline is not intended for high-performance driving. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will minimize fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the bed adds weight and reduces fuel efficiency. Only carry what you need, and remove any unnecessary items from the cab and bed of the truck. Consider removing the bed cover when you think you won’t need it.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway helps to optimize fuel economy. Cruise control minimizes fluctuations in speed, resulting in a smoother ride.

Consider the impact of aftermarket modifications. Larger tires, lift kits, and other modifications may look good, but they can negatively impact fuel economy by increasing weight, altering aerodynamics, and changing the vehicle’s gearing. Evaluate the potential impact on MPG before making any such modifications.