2021 Honda Ridgeline: Specs, Trims, MPG, Towing & Bed

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline used one powertrain across all four U.S. trims: a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6, 9-speed automatic and standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive. Honda offered Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition. Every trim was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and included the dual-action tailgate, lockable 7.3-cu-ft In-Bed Trunk and five-passenger cabin.

This page has been rebuilt from Honda’s 2021 technical documentation because the previous AutoZonic version mixed older Ridgeline trims, six- and nine-speed transmissions, 2WD and AWD configurations, incorrect passenger counts and unrelated model-year pricing.

2021 Honda Ridgeline key specifications

Specification	2021 Ridgeline
Engine	3.5-liter direct-injection SOHC i-VTEC V6
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission	9-speed automatic with shift-by-wire and paddle shifters
Drive	i-VTM4 AWD standard on every trim
Seats	5
Towing capacity	5,000 lb
EPA rating	18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg
Fuel tank	19.5 gal
Fuel	Regular unleaded
In-Bed Trunk	7.3 cu ft
Open bed cargo volume	33.9 cu ft

2021 Ridgeline trims

Honda’s official 2021 trim walk was much simpler than the previous version of this page suggested:

• Sport — entry trim with the common 280-hp V6/AWD powertrain, 8-inch Display Audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Honda Sensing, dual-action tailgate and In-Bed Trunk.
• RTL — adds equipment including leather-trimmed heated front seats, moonroof and power sliding rear window.
• RTL-E — adds higher-level technology and utility equipment such as navigation, premium audio, truck-bed audio, wireless phone charging, front/rear parking sensors and a bed power outlet.
• Black Edition — shares much of the RTL-E equipment while adding Black Edition appearance and interior details.

RT and RTL-T were not 2021 trims. Honda discontinued both for the 2020 model year. Any 2021 listing that identifies a Ridgeline as RTL-T should be checked carefully against the VIN and factory build information.

What changed for 2021?

Honda significantly revised the exterior with a new hood, front fenders, grille, front fascia, LED fog lights, revised rear bumper and dual exhaust finishers. The more important mechanical/lineup change for shoppers was that the remaining 2WD Sport and RTL versions were dropped, making i-VTM4 AWD standard across the 2021 range.

Honda also expanded equipment on RTL and made a wireless phone charger available on RTL-E and Black Edition.

Engine and transmission

Every 2021 Ridgeline used the same 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 rated at 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. Every trim also used the same 9-speed automatic transmission. There was no six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or four-wheel-drive-low transfer case in the 2021 lineup.

The i-VTM4 AWD system can distribute torque between the front and rear axles and between the rear wheels. Intelligent Traction Management provides Snow, Sand and Mud settings in addition to normal driving.

MPG and fuel

Honda’s 2021 specification table gives the same EPA estimate for all four trims: 18 mpg city, 24 highway and 21 combined. The fuel tank capacity is 19.5 gallons and Honda lists regular unleaded as the required fuel.

Real-world consumption changes with speed, weather, tires, payload, towing and driving style. The EPA number is a standardized comparison figure rather than a guaranteed owner result.

Towing and payload

Honda rated every 2021 Ridgeline trim for up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Payload changes by trim because curb weight changes. Honda lists total payload from 1,583 lb for Sport down to 1,509 lb for RTL-E/Black Edition.

Do not use the 5,000-lb headline by itself when planning a trailer. Passenger weight, cargo, tongue load and accessories all consume available vehicle capacity. Follow the model-year owner’s manual and trailer requirements.

Bed and In-Bed Trunk

The bed measures 64.0 inches long with the tailgate up and 83.0 inches with it down. Width between the wheel wells is 50.0 inches. The 7.3-cu-ft lockable In-Bed Trunk sits below the bed floor, while the dual-action tailgate can either lower normally or swing open sideways for easier access.

See our Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk guide for a closer look at that feature.

Seating and cabin utility

The 2021 Ridgeline seats five. A 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage is standard on every trim. That configuration is part of the Ridgeline’s utility story: the rear seat area can carry people or be opened for taller cargo inside the cab.

2021 Ridgeline buying checklist

• Confirm one of the four correct trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E or Black Edition.
• Verify service history and recall completion by VIN.
• Test the dual-action tailgate and In-Bed Trunk lock/drain area.
• Check i-VTM4 AWD and Intelligent Traction Management operation.
• Inspect the bed, hitch receiver and underbody for evidence of heavy towing or impact damage.
• On RTL-E/Black Edition, test navigation, premium audio, bed audio, parking sensors and bed power outlet where equipped.
• Have a used vehicle independently inspected before purchase.

Related Honda Ridgeline guides

• Honda Ridgeline research hub
• 2022 Honda Ridgeline specs
• Honda Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk
• Ridgeline RTL-E vs RTL-T historical comparison
• Honda Ridgeline towing guide

Sources

• Honda Information Center — 2021 Ridgeline specifications
• Honda Information Center — What’s New for 2021
• Honda Information Center — 2021 feature highlights

About this article

Updated August 9, 2026 by the AutoZonic Editorial Team. This legacy AI-generated article was re-researched against Honda’s archived 2021 technical documentation. Incorrect trim counts, old RTL-T references, 2WD claims, six-speed transmission claims, passenger-count errors and unsupported comparison data were removed.