20 MPG combined is the EPA estimate for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport, a figure that immediately tells you this isn’t a frugal compact SUV, nor is it a gas-guzzling full-size truck. Instead, it places the Ridgeline squarely in its own unique niche, a highly capable, comfortable unibody pickup designed for active lifestyles, where genuine utility meets car-like refinement. This isn’t the truck for the contractor hauling concrete daily, and Honda knows it. The buyer for the TrailSport often already owns a boat, a couple of dirt bikes, or an RV, hobbies that demand more than a traditional SUV can offer, but don’t necessitate the extreme capabilities (or fuel consumption) of a body-on-frame behemoth. For them, 20 MPG combined is a perfectly acceptable trade-off for the Ridgeline’s unparalleled blend of usability, comfort, and rugged capability, especially when factoring in the confidence of Honda’s proven AWD system and the TrailSport’s enhanced off-road prowess.

City and highway performance

Breaking down that 20 MPG, the 2025 Ridgeline AWD TrailSport 3.5L 6-cylinder achieves 18 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. In urban environments, the 3.5-liter V6, paired with Honda’s smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, delivers responsive acceleration without feeling jumpy. The 18 MPG city rating reflects the engine’s displacement and the vehicle’s 4,500-pound curb weight, along with the frequent stop-and-go driving typical of city commutes. Honda optimizes the transmission for efficiency in these conditions, but ultimately, moving a vehicle of this size and capability around town demands a certain amount of fuel. On the highway, the Ridgeline really stretches its legs. The 23 MPG highway figure is impressive for a truck this capable. The 9-speed transmission allows the engine to lope along at low RPMs at cruising speeds, effectively conserving fuel. This is where the unibody construction truly shines, offering aerodynamic advantages and a lighter overall package compared to traditional truck rivals, which directly translates into better highway economy for long hauls to the trailhead or campsite.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,200 for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, split between city and highway driving, using an average national fuel price. It’s a crucial data point for potential buyers, offering a concrete projection of what they can expect to spend at the pump over a year. While $2,200 might seem significant, it’s entirely competitive within its segment, and for many Ridgeline owners, it’s a small price to pay for the versatility and reliability that the Honda brand consistently delivers. Understanding this annual cost helps the active Ridgeline owner budget for their adventures, whether that involves towing a small camper or loading up mountain bikes for a weekend getaway. You can explore all Honda fuel economy data to see how other models compare.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the 2025 Ridgeline AWD TrailSport can expect to largely meet or slightly exceed the EPA estimates, particularly on highway cruises. Honda’s EPA numbers are generally quite accurate, and the Ridgeline’s powertrain is well-integrated and efficient for its class. Aggressive driving, frequent heavy towing (up to its 5,000-pound capacity), or consistent off-road excursions will naturally push consumption down. However, for the typical buyer who uses their Ridgeline as a daily driver during the week and an adventure vehicle on weekends, careful driving habits and adherence to maintenance schedules will likely yield results very close to the official 20 MPG combined. The TrailSport trim’s all-terrain tires, while excellent for grip, do introduce slightly more rolling resistance than standard street tires, which could shave a fraction of a MPG in certain conditions, but this is a minor factor in the overall picture.

How it compares

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline AWD TrailSport’s fuel economy figures look good when viewed against its primary competition. Take the popular Toyota Tacoma, for example, a 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road Double Cab with the 2.4L turbocharged i-FORCE engine and 4WD gets an EPA estimated 20 MPG combined (19 City / 23 Highway). This is remarkably similar to the Ridgeline, but the Tacoma is a traditional body-on-frame truck, offering different driving dynamics and a less refined ride. Ford’s Ranger, specifically the 2024 Ranger Lariat 4×4 with the 2.3L EcoBoost, manages 22 MPG combined (20 City / 24 Highway), putting it slightly ahead, but again, it’s a different driving experience. Chevy’s Colorado Z71 Crew Cab 4WD with the 2.7L Turbo is rated at 20 MPG combined (18 City / 23 Highway), directly matching the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline differentiates itself with its unibody construction, offering a smoother ride and more car-like handling not found in these traditional trucks, yet still delivering comparable or better fuel economy than some V6-powered full-size trucks. For instance, a 2024 Honda Pilot AWD, which shares some underpinnings with the Ridgeline, gets 21 MPG combined (19 City / 24 Highway), demonstrating the efficiency advantage of its platform. For more detailed comparisons, you can review RIDGELINE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To get the most out of your 2025 Ridgeline AWD TrailSport’s fuel economy, consider moderate acceleration. The 3.5L V6 is potent, but heavy-footed starts consume significantly more fuel than a gradual build-up of speed, especially in city driving. Remember, the 9-speed automatic is designed to find the optimal gear for efficiency, so let it do its job.

Maintain consistent highway speeds. Using cruise control on open roads is an excellent way to prevent unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which often leads to surging fuel consumption. The Ridgeline’s aerodynamic profile is optimized for highway cruising, so use it.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips or after significant temperature changes.

Avoid carrying excessive weight in the bed or cabin when not needed. While the Ridgeline has a strong payload capacity, every extra pound requires more energy to move. Removing unnecessary gear from the bed or rear seats can incrementally improve your MPG over time.

Adhere to Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections ensure the 3.5L V6 engine operates at peak efficiency. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more cleanly and effectively.