What To Know
- Honda equips both the Pilot and Ridgeline with a suite of towing-specific features designed to enhance safety and convenience.
- Both the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline offer a comfortable and refined ride, making them ideal for long road trips and daily commutes.
- The Pilot’s suspension provides a balanced blend of comfort and handling, while the Ridgeline’s truck-based platform delivers a slightly more rugged ride.
When it comes to family-friendly SUVs with towing capabilities, Honda offers two compelling options: the Pilot and the Ridgeline. Both vehicles boast impressive features and performance, but their towing prowess sets them apart. This comprehensive guide delves into the Honda Pilot vs Ridgeline towing capabilities, helping you determine which SUV best suits your needs.
Towing Capacity: A Tale of Two Numbers
The Honda Pilot and Ridgeline offer distinct towing capacities, a crucial factor for those regularly hauling trailers or campers. The Pilot, equipped with a powerful V6 engine, boasts a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This is sufficient for handling smaller trailers, boats, and ATVs.
The Ridgeline, on the other hand, takes towing to a whole new level. Its unique truck-like bed and robust construction allow it to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds. This impressive capacity enables the Ridgeline to handle larger campers, trailers, and even heavy-duty equipment.
Engine Power and Transmission: A Force for Towing
Both the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering ample power for everyday driving and towing. The Pilot’s engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Ridgeline’s engine generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes and efficient power delivery.
Towing Technology: Features That Make Towing Easier
Honda equips both the Pilot and Ridgeline with a suite of towing-specific features designed to enhance safety and convenience. These include:
- Trailer Stability Assist: This electronic system helps maintain stability when towing by applying brake pressure to individual wheels as needed.
- Trailer Brake Control: This feature allows the driver to adjust the trailer brake controller for optimal braking performance.
- Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, making it easier to maneuver while towing.
- Blind Spot Information System: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spot, particularly important when towing a trailer.
Payload Capacity: Carrying Cargo With Confidence
Beyond towing, both the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline offer ample cargo space and payload capacity for carrying passengers and gear. The Pilot boasts a maximum payload of 1,584 pounds, while the Ridgeline’s payload capacity reaches 1,682 pounds. This means you can comfortably load up your vehicle with luggage, camping gear, and other essentials.
Ride and Handling: A Comparison of On-Road Comfort
Both the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline offer a comfortable and refined ride, making them ideal for long road trips and daily commutes. The Pilot’s suspension provides a balanced blend of comfort and handling, while the Ridgeline’s truck-based platform delivers a slightly more rugged ride. However, both SUVs are capable of handling uneven roads and tight turns with ease.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Power and Economy
While towing demands more fuel, both the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline offer reasonable fuel economy for their size and power. The Pilot achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Ridgeline, with its unique truck bed, achieves slightly lower fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Towing Needs
So, which SUV reigns supreme in the Honda Pilot vs Ridgeline towing battle? The answer depends on your specific towing requirements.
Choose the Honda Pilot if:
- You need a spacious SUV with a comfortable ride.
- You primarily tow smaller trailers, boats, or ATVs.
- Fuel economy is a top priority.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if:
- You require a higher towing capacity for larger campers or trailers.
- You value the versatility of a truck bed for hauling cargo and gear.
- You prioritize durability and ruggedness.
Beyond Towing: Exploring Other Considerations
While towing capacity is crucial, it’s also essential to consider other factors when choosing between the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline. These include:
- Interior Space: The Pilot offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Ridgeline is limited to five passengers.
- Cargo Space: The Pilot’s cargo area is more spacious than the Ridgeline’s, offering ample room for luggage and gear. However, the Ridgeline’s unique truck bed provides additional versatility for hauling larger items.
- Price: The Pilot is generally more affordable than the Ridgeline, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Final Thoughts: A Decision Tailored to Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline comes down to your individual needs and preferences. The Pilot excels in spaciousness and fuel economy, while the Ridgeline stands out with its higher towing capacity and truck bed versatility. Carefully consider your towing requirements, cargo needs, and budget to determine which SUV best aligns with your lifestyle.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I tow a camper with a Honda Pilot?
A: Yes, the Honda Pilot can tow a camper, but its towing capacity is limited to 3,500 pounds. You should ensure your camper’s weight falls within this limit to ensure safe and efficient towing.
Q: What is the difference between the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline?
A: The Honda Pilot is a traditional SUV with three rows of seating and a spacious cargo area. The Ridgeline is a unique combination of SUV and truck, offering a truck bed, higher towing capacity, and a more rugged design.
Q: Does the Honda Ridgeline have a bed cover?
A: Yes, the Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a lockable, weather-resistant bed cover that protects your cargo from the elements.
Q: Is the Honda Pilot or Ridgeline better for off-roading?
A: While both SUVs offer decent ground clearance, the Honda Ridgeline’s truck-based platform and available all-wheel drive system make it better suited for light off-roading.
Q: Can I upgrade the towing capacity of the Honda Pilot?
A: The Honda Pilot‘s towing capacity is determined by its engine and transmission, and it cannot be upgraded. However, you can always choose a different vehicle with a higher towing capacity if needed.
