21 MPG combined is the official EPA figure for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline AWD equipped with its 3.5L V6. While not class-leading, this number reflects a practical compromise for buyers who need some truck capability but value everyday comfort and Honda’s reliability over maximum work performance. This isn’t a truck for hauling heavy loads every day; it’s for weekend home improvement projects, family camping trips, and navigating snowy roads with confidence.

City and highway performance

The Ridgeline’s fuel economy breaks down to 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic where the Ridgeline’s weight and six-speed automatic transmission are factors. On the open road, however, the Ridgeline does better. The 25 MPG highway figure is achievable, especially with a light load and consistent driving. The six-speed automatic, while perhaps older compared to rivals with eight, nine, or even ten speeds, works well with the engine’s power delivery and contributes to decent highway efficiency when the torque converter is locked.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline AWD is $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, but this number provides a benchmark to compare against other vehicles. Remember that aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, or frequently towing will increase fuel consumption and that annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy differs. Many Ridgeline owners report achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates under normal driving conditions, but results can change depending on circumstance. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and driving style are important. Those who drive primarily in the city or drive aggressively should expect lower MPG, and careful drivers on the highway can potentially exceed the EPA’s 25 MPG rating. The Ridgeline’s V6 engine provides power, which can tempt drivers to accelerate quickly, impacting fuel consumption. Paying attention to acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can improve real-world mileage.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size trucks with four-wheel drive, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline’s fuel economy is in the middle. A similarly equipped Toyota Tacoma with a V6 engine typically achieves around 19 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon with their V6 engines and four-wheel drive also get around the 19-20 MPG mark. The Ford Ranger, with its EcoBoost four-cylinder, tends to perform slightly better, achieving around 22 MPG combined. However, the Ridgeline is different because of its unibody construction and independent rear suspension, resulting in a smoother ride and better handling than its body-on-frame competitors. Some buyers accept this trade-off, even if it means a compromise in fuel economy. For those considering the RIDGELINE MPG across all years, this generation offers consistent performance.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistent tire pressure is critical for maximizing fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure specified on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. A tire pressure gauge can save you money at the pump.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines do not need to warm up for extended periods. If you anticipate stopping for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. This is relevant in urban environments where stop-and-go traffic is common.

Reduce your cargo weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed of the truck or the cabin. Extra weight adds strain to the engine and reduces fuel efficiency. Consider this when planning trips; packing light can make a difference.

Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are important. Avoid fast starts and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed. Aggressive driving habits reduce fuel economy. The Ridgeline’s responsive engine can be fun, but controlling yourself saves gas. Review all Honda fuel economy data to see how driving habits impact these figures.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control can help optimize fuel economy. It prevents you from speeding up or slowing down, which can waste fuel. Be sure to disable cruise control in rainy conditions.