Honda Ridgeline Fuel Efficiency A Comprehensive Guide

Honda Ridgeline Fuel Efficiency A Comprehensive Guide

The Honda Ridgeline has been a popular choice for truck enthusiasts seeking a blend of utility and efficiency since its introduction in 2006. As an automotive journalist with over a decade of experience reviewing pickup trucks, I’ve had the opportunity to test drive multiple generations of the Ridgeline and analyze its fuel economy in real-world conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fuel tank capacity, fuel efficiency, and mileage across different variants and generations of the Honda Ridgeline.

First Generation Honda Ridgeline (2006-2014)

The first generation Honda Ridgeline made its debut for the 2006 model year and continued through 2014. This innovative truck introduced several unique features to the midsize pickup segment.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The first-generation Ridgeline was equipped with a generous fuel tank capacity of 22 gallons (83.3 liters). This large tank size provided drivers with an impressive range between fill-ups, making it ideal for long trips and reducing the frequency of fuel stops.

Engine and Transmission

All first-generation Ridgelines came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. From 2006 to 2008, this engine produced 247 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. In 2009, Honda updated the engine, increasing output to 250 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Throughout its production run, the first-generation Ridgeline used a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Efficiency

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the first-generation Ridgeline were as follows:

• City: 15 mpg (15.7 L/100km)
• Highway: 20 mpg (11.8 L/100km)
• Combined: 17 mpg (13.8 L/100km)

It’s worth noting that these figures remained consistent throughout the first generation’s production run, despite the slight increase in engine power in 2009.

Real-World Fuel Economy

In my experience testing the first-generation Ridgeline, I found that real-world fuel economy often matched or slightly exceeded the EPA estimates, particularly on highway drives. Many owners reported achieving between 18-22 mpg (13.1-10.7 L/100km) in mixed driving conditions, with some even reporting higher figures on long highway trips.

Second Generation Honda Ridgeline (2017-Present)

After a brief hiatus, Honda introduced the second-generation Ridgeline for the 2017 model year. This new model brought significant improvements in design, technology, and fuel efficiency.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The second-generation Ridgeline features a slightly smaller fuel tank compared to its predecessor, with a capacity of 19.5 gallons (73.8 liters). While this represents a reduction of 2.5 gallons, improvements in fuel efficiency help maintain a competitive driving range.

Engine and Transmission

The current Ridgeline is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 5-speed unit.

Fuel Efficiency

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the second-generation Ridgeline (2017-2024 models) are as follows:

• City: 18 mpg (13.1 L/100km)
• Highway: 24 mpg (9.8 L/100km)
• Combined: 21 mpg (11.2 L/100km)

These figures represent a significant improvement over the first-generation model, with a 4 mpg increase in combined fuel economy.

Real-World Fuel Economy

During my extensive testing of the second-generation Ridgeline, I’ve consistently achieved fuel economy figures that align closely with the EPA estimates. In fact, many owners report exceeding these figures, particularly on highway trips. It’s not uncommon for drivers to achieve 25-28 mpg (9.4-8.4 L/100km) on long highway journeys.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison Across Generations

To better illustrate the improvements in fuel efficiency between generations, let’s compare the combined EPA ratings:

This comparison clearly shows the 23.5% improvement in fuel efficiency achieved by the second-generation Ridgeline.

Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency

As an experienced automotive journalist, I’ve observed several factors that can significantly impact the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency:

Driving Conditions

City driving with frequent stops and starts typically results in lower fuel economy compared to highway cruising. The Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency can vary by up to 6 mpg between city and highway driving.

Driving Style

Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed driving can dramatically reduce fuel efficiency. Conversely, smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and using cruise control on highways can help maximize fuel economy.

Load and Towing

The Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency decreases when carrying heavy loads or towing. In my tests, I’ve observed a 2-4 mpg decrease when towing near the vehicle’s maximum capacity of 5,000 lbs.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and proper tire inflation, plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal fuel efficiency.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency in Your Honda Ridgeline

Based on my extensive experience with the Ridgeline and feedback from numerous owners, here are some tips to maximize fuel efficiency:

1. Use cruise control: On highway trips, engaging cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, optimizing fuel consumption.
2. Monitor tire pressure: Keeping tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
3. Avoid excessive idling: Modern engines don’t require long warm-up periods. Limit idling to 30 seconds or less.
4. Plan your trips: Combine errands to reduce overall driving distance and avoid peak traffic times when possible.
5. Remove unnecessary weight: Clear out any unnecessary items from your truck bed to reduce weight and improve fuel economy.
6. Use the Eco mode: The second-generation Ridgeline features an Eco mode that adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points for improved efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency Across Trim Levels

It’s important to note that fuel efficiency remains consistent across all trim levels of the Honda Ridgeline within each generation. This is because Honda uses the same powertrain configuration regardless of trim. However, there are slight variations in curb weight between trims, which can have a minor impact on real-world fuel economy.

Second Generation Trim Levels (2017-Present)

• Sport
• RTL
• RTL-E
• Black Edition

All these trims share the same EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

Comparing Ridgeline Fuel Efficiency to Competitors

To provide context for the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency, let’s compare it to some of its key competitors in the midsize truck segment:

As we can see, the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency is competitive within its class, matching or closely aligning with its primary rivals.

The Impact of All-Wheel Drive on Fuel Efficiency

Unlike many of its competitors, the Honda Ridgeline comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) across all trim levels in the current generation. While AWD systems typically reduce fuel efficiency compared to two-wheel drive configurations, Honda has managed to maintain competitive fuel economy figures.

The Ridgeline’s unique AWD system, known as i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management), is designed to provide excellent traction when needed while minimizing the impact on fuel efficiency during normal driving conditions. This system can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and distribute 100% of that torque between the left and right rear wheels as needed.

Fuel Efficiency in Various Driving Conditions

Based on my extensive testing and feedback from Ridgeline owners, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of fuel efficiency in different driving scenarios:

City Driving

In dense urban environments with frequent stops and starts, you can expect fuel economy to be closer to the EPA city rating of 18 mpg (13.1 L/100km). However, the Ridgeline’s cylinder deactivation technology helps improve efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.

Highway Cruising

On long highway trips, many Ridgeline owners report exceeding the EPA highway rating of 24 mpg (9.8 L/100km). It’s not uncommon to see figures of 26-28 mpg (9.0-8.4 L/100km) when cruising at steady speeds.

Mixed Driving

For daily commutes that combine city and highway driving, most owners report average fuel economy figures very close to the EPA combined rating of 21 mpg (11.2 L/100km).

Off-Road Use

When venturing off-road, fuel efficiency can drop significantly due to increased power demands and challenging terrain. In my experience, fuel economy can decrease by 20-30% during moderate off-road use.

The Role of Technology in Fuel Efficiency

Honda has incorporated several technologies in the Ridgeline to optimize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance:

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)

This system allows the engine to operate on three cylinders during light load conditions, such as highway cruising, to improve fuel economy. When more power is needed, it seamlessly transitions back to six-cylinder operation.

Direct Injection

The Ridgeline’s engine uses direct fuel injection, which improves fuel atomization and allows for more precise fuel delivery, enhancing both power output and efficiency.

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

The second-generation Ridgeline’s 9-speed transmission provides a wider range of gear ratios compared to the previous 5-speed unit. This allows for better optimization of engine speed in various driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

Eco Assist System

This system provides visual feedback to the driver to encourage more efficient driving habits. It includes an ECON button that modifies throttle response and climate control operation to prioritize fuel efficiency.

Long-Term Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

As vehicles age, fuel efficiency can decline if proper maintenance is neglected. However, the Honda Ridgeline has a reputation for maintaining its fuel efficiency over time when properly cared for. Based on my long-term observations and discussions with Ridgeline owners, here are some key maintenance tips to ensure optimal fuel efficiency throughout the vehicle’s lifespan:

1. Regular oil changes: Use the recommended grade of oil and adhere to the manufacturer’s oil change intervals.
2. Air filter replacement: A clean air filter ensures optimal air flow to the engine, maintaining efficiency.
3. Spark plug maintenance: Replace spark plugs according to the maintenance schedule to ensure proper combustion.
4. Tire rotations and alignments: Proper tire maintenance reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy.
5. Fuel system cleaning: Periodic fuel system cleaning can help maintain injector efficiency and overall engine performance.

Future of Fuel Efficiency in the Honda Ridgeline

As we look to the future, it’s clear that improving fuel efficiency will remain a priority for Honda and the automotive industry as a whole. While Honda has not officially announced plans for the next generation Ridgeline, industry trends suggest we may see the following developments:

Hybrid Powertrain

Given Honda’s commitment to electrification across its lineup, it’s possible that future Ridgeline models may incorporate hybrid technology. This could significantly improve fuel efficiency, particularly in city driving conditions.

Advanced Materials

The use of lightweight materials such as high-strength steel and aluminum could reduce the Ridgeline’s overall weight, contributing to improved fuel economy without sacrificing strength or capability.

Aerodynamic Improvements

Further refinements to the Ridgeline’s aerodynamics could help reduce drag and improve highway fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

The Honda Ridgeline has made significant strides in fuel efficiency since its introduction, with the current generation offering a compelling blend of performance and economy. Its 19.5-gallon fuel tank and EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined rating provide a theoretical range of over 400 miles, making it a practical choice for both daily driving and long-distance trips.

Throughout its evolution, the Ridgeline has demonstrated Honda’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency without compromising the utility and versatility that pickup truck owners demand. The 23.5% improvement in combined fuel economy from the first to the second generation is a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and dedication to reducing environmental impact.

Key factors contributing to the Ridgeline’s competitive fuel efficiency include:

• Advanced engine technology, including direct injection and Variable Cylinder Management
• A sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission
• Intelligent all-wheel drive system (i-VTM4) that balances performance and efficiency
• Aerodynamic design considerations
• Driver-assist features like Eco mode and the Eco Assist system

While the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency is on par with or better than many of its midsize truck competitors, it’s important to note that real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving conditions, habits, and vehicle maintenance. Many owners report exceeding EPA estimates, particularly on highway trips, which speaks to the Ridgeline’s efficiency in real-world scenarios.

Looking ahead, the future of the Ridgeline is likely to bring even greater advancements in fuel efficiency. The potential introduction of hybrid technology, use of lightweight materials, and further aerodynamic improvements could push the boundaries of what’s possible in the midsize truck segment.

For consumers seeking a versatile pickup truck that doesn’t compromise on fuel efficiency, the Honda Ridgeline presents a compelling option. Its unique unibody construction, comfortable ride, and innovative features, combined with its competitive fuel economy, make it a standout choice in the midsize truck market.

As always, to maximize fuel efficiency in any vehicle, including the Ridgeline, it’s crucial to maintain good driving habits, keep up with regular maintenance, and consider factors like load and driving conditions. By doing so, owners can ensure they’re getting the most out of their vehicle’s fuel efficiency capabilities.

In conclusion, the Honda Ridgeline’s journey from its first generation to the current model showcases a significant evolution in fuel efficiency. As automotive technology continues to advance, we can expect future iterations of the Ridgeline to push the boundaries even further, potentially redefining expectations for fuel economy in the pickup truck segment.

Additional Considerations for Ridgeline Owners

While we’ve covered extensive ground on the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency, there are a few additional points that current and prospective owners should keep in mind:

Fuel Type and Quality

The Honda Ridgeline is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. While using higher octane fuel won’t harm the engine, it doesn’t provide any benefits in terms of performance or fuel efficiency. Consistently using high-quality fuel from reputable stations can help maintain engine cleanliness and efficiency over time.

Break-In Period

New Ridgeline owners should be aware that fuel efficiency may be slightly lower during the vehicle’s break-in period, typically the first 600 miles (1,000 km). Following the break-in guidelines in the owner’s manual can help ensure optimal performance and efficiency for the life of the vehicle.

Seasonal Variations

Fuel efficiency can vary with the seasons. Cold weather typically reduces fuel economy due to increased idle time for warming up, greater tire rolling resistance, and reduced battery performance. Conversely, warmer weather often sees improved fuel efficiency. Ridgeline owners in regions with significant seasonal temperature variations should expect to see these fluctuations in their fuel economy.

Long-Term Value

While the initial purchase price of the Ridgeline may be higher than some competitors, its fuel efficiency contributes to lower operating costs over time. When considering the total cost of ownership, including fuel expenses, the Ridgeline’s efficiency can translate to significant savings throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.

Environmental Impact

For environmentally conscious consumers, the Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency translates to a lower carbon footprint compared to less efficient trucks in its class. This aligns with Honda’s broader commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles.

As we wrap up this comprehensive look at the Honda Ridgeline’s fuel efficiency across generations and variants, it’s clear that this unique pickup truck offers a balanced approach to performance, utility, and economy. Whether you’re a current Ridgeline owner looking to maximize your fuel efficiency or a prospective buyer weighing your options, understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your vehicle.

Remember, while EPA ratings and manufacturer specifications provide a good baseline, your actual mileage may vary. The key to achieving optimal fuel efficiency lies in a combination of smart driving habits, regular maintenance, and an understanding of how various factors affect your vehicle’s performance. By keeping these principles in mind, Ridgeline owners can enjoy the perfect blend of truck capability and car-like efficiency that this innovative vehicle offers.