Brad Deery Honda – How the 2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Adapts to Weekend Adventures around North Liberty, IA
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport is built for drivers who spend weekdays on pavement and weekends far from it. Off-road tuned springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars work with all-terrain tires to level up composure over ruts and washboard surfaces, while i-VTM4® AWD continuously manages torque to the wheels that can use it most. Intelligent Traction Management gives you four modes — Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud — so the truck’s throttle mapping and shift strategy better align with the ground beneath you. Pair this with a fully independent suspension and the result is confidence on gravel, dirt, and slick two-tracks without the fatigue commonly associated with rougher-riding, body-on-frame pickups.
Trail-ready engineering doesn’t mean the cabin goes spartan. Inside TrailSport, orange stitching and orange lighting add character to a roomy, quiet interior with seating for five. The 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen places wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ within easy reach, and the 60/40 split lift-up rear seat creates tall-item storage when coolers, camp stoves, or a dog crate won’t fit in conventional spaces. Out back, the Dual-Action Tailgate opens down or to the side for smarter access to the lockable, drainable In-Bed Trunk®, which can serve as secure gear storage or an on-site ice chest. Factor in up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity and the TrailSport becomes a practical bridge between everyday life and your favorite trailhead.
- Off-road tuned suspension: Retuned springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars bolster comfort and control when the route gets rough.
- All-terrain tires: Tread optimized for mixed surfaces helps maintain traction in mud, sand, and on rocky approaches.
- i-VTM4® AWD: Torque distribution supports confident cornering on pavement and grip off the beaten path.
- Dual-Action Tailgate: Side opening makes it easier to reach the In-Bed Trunk® or load heavy gear securely.
- In-Bed Trunk®: Lockable and drainable, it’s ideal for storing valuables or keeping beverages on ice at camp.
For road trips and daily errands, TrailSport’s unibody construction and independent suspension deliver a calm, refined ride. The advantage is most noticeable on longer drives, where reduced body shake and cabin noise help everyone arrive more relaxed. And with Honda Sensing® standard, the truck adds driver-assistive features designed to help you navigate busy highways and unfamiliar byways with greater ease. Available tech like the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ brings helpful 3-D landmarks and lane guidance to the dash, keeping plans on track even when mobile service gets spotty.
- Plan your route and trail conditions, selecting the correct Intelligent Traction Management mode when surfaces change.
- Use the 60/40 split lift-up rear seat for tall cargo, keeping heavy items low and centered for balance.
- Load coolers and recovery gear in the In-Bed Trunk®, reserving bed space for bulkier items like bikes and tents.
- Leverage the Dual-Action Tailgate’s side opening to access tools without unloading the bed.
- Set your favorite audio and navigation presets on the 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen before you leave pavement.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the TrailSport a good choice for winter driving?
Yes. i-VTM4® AWD and Intelligent Traction Management with a Snow mode help optimize traction and throttle response for cold, slick conditions.
Does the TrailSport include added underbody protection?
TrailSport features a standard Oil Pan Guard, adding protection when you encounter rocky terrain or deep ruts.
Can the TrailSport tow a small camper or pair of ATVs?
Ridgeline is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it well suited for trailers, small campers, and powersports gear.
What technology stands out on longer trips?
The 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ simplifies routing and media, while the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ brings detailed lane guidance and off-grid mapping support.
How does the TrailSport feel on pavement compared to body-on-frame trucks?
Thanks to its unibody structure and independent suspension, it rides with SUV-like comfort and quiet, while retaining truck bed utility and real-world hauling capability.
Ready to see how this trim supports your lifestyle? The TrailSport’s combination of off-road confidence, quiet-road comfort, and everyday cargo ingenuity is ideal for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and DIY weekend warriors. Visit us for a hands-on demo of the Dual-Action Tailgate and In-Bed Trunk®, and a quick walk-through of how to use Intelligent Traction Management on your typical routes. Brad Deery Honda is serving North Liberty, Cedar Rapids, and Mount Pleasant with test-drive opportunities and side-by-side trim comparisons so you can choose TrailSport with clarity — and hit the trail with confidence.
*Image may not be actual model