Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Honda Ridgeline S
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline S is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. 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. Reliability stands out at 8.6/10. The Ridgeline S nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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. At 7.2/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $40,581–$52,714, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Ridgeline S sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.0/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2020 Honda Ridgeline S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good truck should — quietly and competently.
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 S 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 $40,581 starting price is about 15% above the segment's median of $35,138.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Ridgeline S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Honda Ridgeline S scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.6 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
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
Common Questions — 2020 Honda Ridgeline S
Is the 2020 Honda Ridgeline S reliable?
We rate the 2020 Honda Ridgeline S's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2020 Honda Ridgeline S worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #127 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 76% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Honda Ridgeline S cost?
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline S starts at $40,581 and ranges up to $52,714 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Ridgeline S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Ridgeline S years we've rated are 2018 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Honda Ridgeline S
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More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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