The 2023 Honda Ridgeline AWD with its 3.5L V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. This isn’t going to win any awards for using less gas, but fuel economy isn’t the main reason people buy a Ridgeline. Generally, owners are homeowners and weekend adventurers who like the truck’s car-like ride, secure all-wheel drive, and useful bed features like the in-bed trunk. These practical considerations are more important than fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Honda Ridgeline AWD will get 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This difference shows how the Ridgeline’s powertrain performs in different conditions. While the 3.5L V6 is refined and powerful, it performs best when cruising at a steady speed. Stop-and-go traffic in cities makes the engine work harder, which lowers fuel efficiency.

The nine-speed automatic transmission (S9) tries to keep the engine in its best range, but physics affect the MPG. Highway driving allows the Ridgeline to get into a more efficient rhythm, using its gearing to its advantage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline AWD at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. How you drive, the type of fuel you use, and where you live will change this cost. Drivers covering more than 15,000 miles per year will spend more on fuel. Regions with higher fuel costs will also increase the annual cost. You can see all Honda fuel economy data for other models and powertrains.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG often differs from EPA estimates, and the Ridgeline is no different. Many owners report getting close to the EPA’s 21 MPG combined rating, but they have to drive efficiently. Fuel economy will drop with aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and constant hauling or towing. However, consistent highway driving at moderate speeds can sometimes produce slightly better MPG than advertised. While the Ridgeline is comfortable and capable, remember that it’s still a mid-size truck with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

How it compares

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline’s 21 MPG combined fuel economy sits in a specific spot in the mid-size truck class. A comparable Toyota Tacoma 4×4 with the V6 engine gets around 19 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier with four-wheel drive usually gets around 20 MPG combined. The Chevrolet Colorado with its base 2.7L turbo engine and four-wheel drive is rated slightly higher, closer to 20-22 MPG combined. Ridgeline buyers often care more about the Honda’s better ride quality and unique features than fractions of MPG. Checking RIDGELINE MPG across all years may reveal which model year best suits specific needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep extra stuff out of the truck bed. The Ridgeline can carry cargo, but too much weight strains the engine and hurts fuel efficiency. Clean out unnecessary items regularly, especially before long trips.

When on the highway, use cruise control as much as possible. Keeping a consistent speed helps the transmission and engine run more efficiently by reducing unnecessary shifts and cutting down on fuel use. Gentle acceleration and watching traffic also help MPG.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Tires with too little air increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended specifications, found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a few PSI can make a difference, especially with the Ridgeline’s AWD system.

Don’t drive aggressively. Quick acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Watch traffic and drive smoothly, increasing or decreasing speed gradually. You’ll get better MPG from the Ridgeline’s smooth V6 engine by driving gently.

Think about using a fuel additive to clean fuel injectors and improve how well the engine burns fuel. Deposits can build up in the fuel system over time, and this reduces engine efficiency. A good fuel additive can help remove these deposits and bring back optimal performance, which might improve fuel economy, especially if you buy lower octane gas.