2020 Honda Ridgeline — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2020 Honda Ridgeline

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $35,288–$45,839
Fuel Economy 18 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $2,917/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Honda Ridgeline

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$35,288–$45,839

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 Honda Ridgeline

With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline earns a Recommended rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Honda Ridgeline's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our truck database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.0/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $35,288–$45,839, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Ridgeline sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline ranks #127 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 76% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,288 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $35,138.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Ridgeline Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Honda Ridgeline scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.9/10$41,303 Read review →
2025 7.9/10$41,303 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$40,100 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$38,897 Read review →
2022 7.8/10$37,694 Read review →
2021 7.7/10$36,491 Read review →
2020 (this review) 7.6/10$35,288
2019 7.6/10$34,085 Read review →
2018 7.5/10$32,882 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$31,679 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Honda Ridgeline

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Honda Ridgeline (9 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment
17/09/2020 · 20E068000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind…
Structure / Body / Hood
29/11/2021 · 21V932000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Visibility / Rearview mirrors/devices / Exterior
16/03/2023 · 23V174000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such,…
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Master cylinder
29/06/2023 · 23V458000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been…
Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
18/12/2023 · 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…

Showing 5 of 9 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

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