Honda Ridgeline trim comparison
2026 Honda Ridgeline Sport vs RTL
The Ridgeline Sport starts at $40,795 while the RTL is $43,595. That $2,800 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$2,800 more is ~$50/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The Sport is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $50/month in your budget matters. The RTL earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the Sport to the RTL is about $50/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $3,000 more by the time interest is counted.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The Sport and RTL are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission and Crew Cab cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,800 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $2,800 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Sport | RTL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $40,795 | $43,595 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 19.5 gal | 19.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,420 lbs | 4,480 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 125.2" | 125.2" |
| Length | 210.2" | 210.2" |
| Width | 78.6" | 78.6" |
| Height | 70.8" | 70.8" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Honda Ridgeline Sport vs RTL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Honda Ridgeline lineup, the Honda brand hub, the Midsize Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Ridgeline RTL cost than the Sport?
The RTL starts at $43,595 compared to $40,795 for the Sport (both Crew Cab AWD). That is a $2,800 difference, or approximately $50/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Sport and RTL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 Ridgeline Sport and RTL have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 Ridgeline Sport or RTL safer?
Both share the same Honda Ridgeline platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Honda Ridgeline come with?
All 2026 Honda Ridgeline trims, including both the Sport and RTL, come with Honda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $2,800 Gets You
At $2,800 more, the Ridgeline RTL adds minor equipment changes. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the Sport delivers the same core Ridgeline experience for less.
What Both Trims Share
The Ridgeline Sport and RTL share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $2,800 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Summary
The Ridgeline RTL costs $2,800 more than the Sport (about $50/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 1 meaningful change at $2,800 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Honda Ridgeline Sport
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Sport best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Honda Ridgeline RTL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the RTL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.