The 2025 Ridgeline comes in five trim levels with one engine choice and two transmission options

Honda offers the 2025 Ridgeline in Sport, EX, EX-L, RTL, and RTL-E trims. All models use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (Sport and EX only) or a 9-speed automatic transmission (all trims). The engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque across every configuration. Your choice of trim determines standard features, interior materials, technology, and price — not engine power or capability.

The transmission choice matters most if you plan to tow or drive in stop-and-go traffic. The 9-speed automatic is standard on EX-L and above, and it's the only option if you want all-wheel drive. The 6-speed manual is available only on the two base trims and comes with rear-wheel drive only. Most buyers choose the automatic because it improves fuel economy and reduces driver fatigue, but the manual is still an option if you prefer it.

Key Takeaways

  • All 2025 Ridgelines have the same V6 engine; trim level controls features and price, not power.
  • The 6-speed manual transmission is available only on Sport and EX trims with rear-wheel drive; the 9-speed automatic is standard on EX-L and above and required for all-wheel drive.
  • Sport and EX trims are the entry points; EX-L adds leather and a power moonroof; RTL and RTL-E add luxury features like a panoramic roof and premium audio.
  • All-wheel drive is available on every trim but adds cost and reduces fuel economy compared to rear-wheel drive.
  • Honda's Honda Sensing suite of driver information features comes standard on all 2025 Ridgelines.

Sport and EX: The Base and Mid-Base Trims

The Sport is the entry-level Ridgeline and comes standard with the 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. It includes cloth upholstery, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation). The Sport does not include a power moonroof, leather, or a power tailgate.

The EX adds a 9-speed automatic transmission as standard (though the manual is still available), power windows and locks, a power tailgate, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The EX also gets a power moonroof, heated front seats, and a multi-angle rearview camera. If you want the manual transmission, you must choose the EX; the Sport manual is the cheapest way into a new Ridgeline, but the EX automatic is where most buyers land because the automatic's fuel economy and convenience justify the cost difference.

EX-L: Where Leather and Comfort Features Begin

The EX-L is the first trim to include leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof (standard), and a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also adds a power driver's seat with lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, and a proximity key with push-button start. The 9-speed automatic is the only transmission available on EX-L and above.

The EX-L is where the Ridgeline shifts from a work truck with comfort features to a truck that prioritizes the driving experience. If you spend significant time in the cab or tow regularly, the power seat and heated steering wheel reduce fatigue. All-wheel drive becomes a more practical choice at this trim level because the interior quality justifies the added cost.

RTL and RTL-E: Premium Trims with Luxury Features

The RTL adds a panoramic moonroof (larger than the standard power moonroof), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium audio system (10 speakers), and a hands-free power tailgate. The interior gets upgraded trim materials and ambient lighting. Navigation is available as an add-on package but does not come standard.

The RTL-E is the top trim and includes everything in the RTL plus a built-in navigation system, a 16-speaker premium audio system (Bose), a wireless charging pad for phones, and a panoramic moonroof with a sunshade. The RTL-E is the only trim where navigation comes integrated rather than as an aftermarket addition. If you want the largest screen, the most premium audio, and the most technology, the RTL-E is the destination — but the RTL offers most of the same luxury features at a lower price.

Transmission and Drivetrain Combinations

The 6-speed manual transmission is available only on Sport and EX trims with rear-wheel drive. It has no all-wheel drive option. The manual is lighter and slightly cheaper than the automatic, and some buyers prefer the control it offers, but it is becoming rare in the truck market.

The 9-speed automatic is standard on EX-L, RTL, and RTL-E, and it is optional on the EX. It is the only transmission available with all-wheel drive. The automatic improves fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 miles per gallon compared to the manual in real-world driving, and it reduces driver fatigue in traffic. All-wheel drive is available on every trim and adds approximately 3 to 4 miles per gallon penalty compared to rear-wheel drive, depending on driving conditions.

Color, Wheel, and Interior Options

Honda offers the 2025 Ridgeline in nine exterior colors: Sonic Gray Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Modern Steel Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Autumn Bronze Metallic, and Lunar Silver Metallic. Most colors are available on all trims, though some regional availability varies.

Wheel options range from 18-inch steel wheels on the Sport to 20-inch alloy wheels on the RTL-E. Mid-range trims offer 18-inch and 19-inch alloy options. Interior colors are typically black or a light gray depending on trim level; leather color options are limited to black on most trims. These choices affect appearance and ride quality slightly (larger wheels reduce ride comfort but improve handling), but they do not affect performance or capability.

Technology and Driver information Packages

Honda Sensing comes standard on all 2025 Ridgelines and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. You cannot remove these features or downgrade them.

Navigation is available as an add-on package on EX, EX-L, and RTL trims; it comes integrated on the RTL-E. A wireless charging pad is standard on RTL-E and available on RTL. Heated and ventilated seats are available on EX-L and above. The infotainment system upgrades from 5 inches (Sport) to 8 inches (EX) to 10.2 inches (EX-L) to 12.3 inches (RTL/RTL-E), and screen size affects how straightforward the system is to use while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get all-wheel drive with the manual transmission?

No. All-wheel drive is only available with the 9-speed automatic transmission. If you want all-wheel drive, you must choose the EX with the automatic, or any EX-L, RTL, or RTL-E trim. The manual transmission is rear-wheel drive only.

What is the difference between the RTL and RTL-E?

The RTL-E adds a built-in navigation system, a 16-speaker Bose audio system (versus 10 speakers on RTL), and a wireless phone charging pad. Both have the panoramic moonroof and 12.3-inch digital cluster. If you want integrated navigation and premium audio, choose RTL-E; if you want to save money and use your phone for navigation, the RTL is sufficient.

Is the power moonroof worth the cost?

The power moonroof comes standard on EX-L and above, so you cannot avoid it at those trims. On the EX, it is included as part of the trim upgrade. The panoramic moonroof on RTL and RTL-E is larger and more expensive to replace if damaged, but it improves the sense of space inside the cab. Whether it is worth the cost depends on how much you value natural light and whether you live in a hot climate.

Which trim offers the best value?

The EX with the 9-speed automatic offers the most features for the money: a power tailgate, power moonroof, heated seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen at a price significantly lower than EX-L. If you want leather and a larger screen, the EX-L is the next step up. The RTL and RTL-E are for buyers who prioritize luxury features and premium audio.

Do all 2025 Ridgelines have the same towing capacity?

Yes. All 2025 Ridgelines can tow up to 5,000 pounds regardless of trim level or transmission choice. The 9-speed automatic is smoother for towing, but the 6-speed manual is capable of the same maximum. Payload capacity is also the same across all trims at approximately 1,500 pounds.