Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2020 Ridgeline goes on sale Dec 16, arriving with 9AT, Honda Sensing, locking tailgate, and more

We confirmed in July that the Ridgeline would be updated with the ZF 9-speed automatic and also that the lineup would be streamlined to 4 trims.

Honda has made that news official today, with the 2020 Ridgeline officially going on sale December 16th. The press release follows.

2020 Honda Ridgeline Arrives at Dealerships with New 9-Speed Transmission, Standard Honda Sensing�

December 12, 2019 � TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda Sensing�, 9-Speed automatic standard on all Ridgeline trims
Display Audio with Apple CarPlay� and Android Auto� standard
Remote-locking tailgate, wider-opening rear doors add owner convenience

The freshened 2020 Honda Ridgeline arrives at dealerships starting Dec. 16 with a host of updates, including a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, standard Honda Sensing� safety and driver-assistive technologies, and a more streamlined trim structure. Now available in four trims�Sport, RTL, RTL-E and Black Edition�the 2020 Ridgeline arrives with a starting price of $33,9001 (excluding $1,095 destination and handling) for the Sport trim with two-wheel drive.

The Honda Ridgeline is the ultimate tailgate vehicle for sporting events, picnics, and other gatherings thanks to industry-first and exclusive features like a Dual Action Tailgate that provides easy access to the lockable and weather-sealed In-Bed Trunk�, an available in-bed 115V AC power outlet, and a world's first Truck Bed Audio System. This year, the tailgate now features remote locking, and the rear doors open wider to make entry and exit easier. Inside, the 2020 Ridgeline now comes standard with Honda's Display Audio system, which includes Android Auto� and Apple CarPlay� integration with its 8-inch touchscreen. Also available are LED headlights (low beam), an 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, and ambient interior lighting.

Powering the 2020 Honda Ridgeline is a 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC� V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management� (VCM�), now mated to a standard 9-speed automatic transmission, with a peak engine output of 280 horsepower (SAE net) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net). All-wheel-drive is available on all trims (standard on RTL-E and Black Edition) and uses Honda's advanced i-VTM4� system, enhancing all-weather performance and handling.

2020 Ridgeline Pricing & EPA Ratings

Model / Trim / Drivetrain	MSRP¹	MSRP Including $1095 Destination Charges	EPA Mileage Rating² (City/Hwy/Combined)
Sport (2WD)	$33,900	$34,995	19/26/22
Sport (AWD)	$36,140	$37,235	19/24/21
RTL (2WD)	$36,670	$37,765	19/26/22
RTL (AWD)	$38,820	$39,915	19/24/21
RTL-E (AWD)	$42,020	$43,115	19/24/21
Black Edition (AWD)	$43,520	$44,615	19/24/21

With a large and flexible cabin, the 2020 Ridgeline offers capabilities for both recreational and professional users who require a higher degree of utility and versatility. Ridgeline's cargo-hauling and towing capabilities include a class-leading 1,584-lb (718.5 kg) maximum payload capacity (varies by trim) and up to 5,000-pound (2,268 kg) towing with all-wheel drive. All Ridgeline trims incorporate a button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that enables up to four different operating modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand for the AWD models, as well as Normal and Snow for 2WD vehicles.

Ridgeline now comes standard with the comprehensive Honda Sensing� suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features, including Collision Mitigation Braking System� (CMBS�) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The 2020 Ridgeline receives top of class safety ratings from NHTSA and is anticipated to receive top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

A broad range of Honda Genuine Accessories designed specifically for Ridgeline is available for customers to personalize their pickup. The accessories are covered by Honda's 3-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty if obtained at the time of new vehicle purchase. Accessories include:

Honda Genuine Accessories
In-Bed Trunk Carpet and Dividers	Back-Up Sensors
Bed Extender � Standard and Motorcycle	Fender Flares
Hard Tonneau Cover	Skid Plate
Illuminated Door Sill Trim	Bike, Kayak, Ski, Snowboard, Surfboard Attachments
Camping Tent (extends from bed)	Additional Wheel Options
Running Board Options	Heated Steering Wheel

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama, is the exclusive manufacturing home of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Insight, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2018, more than 90 percent of all Honda brand vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of all 2020 Honda models is available at hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda.

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¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,095 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

² Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.