The 2022 Honda Ridgeline AWD with its 3.5L V6 achieves 21 MPG combined. This isn’t a hypermiler, but it’s acceptable for a supremely practical, comfortable, adventure-ready pickup that prioritizes on-road refinement. Ridgeline buyers aren’t chasing the absolute best fuel economy in the mid-size truck segment. Instead they want car-like driving dynamics, secure all-wheel drive, and a unique blend of capability that traditional body-on-frame trucks can’t match.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for the 2022 Honda Ridgeline AWD. The city figure reflects the cost of hauling around a 4,500-pound vehicle through stop-and-go traffic, where the V6 engine works harder and the nine-speed automatic cycles frequently. While not class-leading, the highway MPG is respectable for a vehicle of its size and capability. The Ridgeline’s relatively aerodynamic design and efficient transmission contribute to the highway number, making it a decent companion for longer road trips, especially when compared to a more utilitarian truck.

Annual fuel cost

The official EPA estimate for annual fuel cost for the 2022 Honda Ridgeline AWD is $2,100. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This number is an estimate. Your personal fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, or living in an area with high fuel costs will obviously increase your annual expenditure. However, $2,100 provides a useful baseline for comparing the Ridgeline’s running costs against other similar vehicles. For example, drivers can examine all Honda fuel economy data to compare across the entire model range.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA’s 21 MPG combined is a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see figures ranging from the high teens to the low twenties in mixed driving conditions. Achieving the 24 MPG highway figure is possible on longer trips, particularly if you maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive acceleration. Those who frequently tow or haul heavy loads will see significantly lower MPG. Factors like tire pressure, weather conditions, and the amount of weight you’re carrying also affect fuel consumption. The RIDGELINE MPG across all years shows that ratings have remained relatively stable, indicating consistent engineering around fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2022 Honda Ridgeline AWD is comparable to some of its competitors, but it’s not necessarily a standout. A Toyota Tacoma 4×4 with the V6 engine typically achieves around 19 MPG combined, while a Chevrolet Colorado 4WD with the V6 hovers around 20 MPG. The Nissan Frontier 4×4 with its new V6 also lands close to 20 MPG combined. The Jeep Gladiator, known for its off-road prowess, often gets even lower MPG figures in real-world driving, closer to 17-18 MPG combined in Rubicon trims. The Ridgeline’s slightly higher MPG is a factor for those who prioritize on-road comfort and daily usability over extreme trail capability.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Adopt smooth driving habits. The Ridgeline’s nine-speed automatic transmission works best when you allow it to shift smoothly and predictably. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in the bed significantly reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the Ridgeline’s bed or cabin to lighten the load and improve MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can significantly improve your highway MPG, especially on long trips and flatter terrain.