Brad Deery Honda – 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL for Cedar Rapids, IA Drivers – Smart Everyday Capability and Comfort
The Ridgeline’s reputation is simple: real truck utility, everyday comfort, and clever features that reduce hassle. For many Cedar Rapids, IA shoppers, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline RTL is the sweet spot in the lineup. It upgrades the cabin with comfort and tech essentials while keeping the core strengths that make Ridgeline easy to live with—i-VTM4® AWD, a smooth 9-speed automatic, and the ingenious Dual-Action Tailgate with a lockable In-Bed Trunk®. If your week includes commuting on I-380, errands at lunch, and a quick run to pick up supplies for weekend projects, the RTL delivers a quieter ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks, plus the bed and towing capability to get real work done.
Start with the way it drives. Unibody construction and fully independent suspension make the RTL feel composed over patched pavement on 1st Avenue or rougher frontage roads outside town. The 280-horsepower V-6 and 9-speed automatic respond smoothly when you need to merge or pass, and standard i-VTM4® AWD enhances control year-round. Flip through Intelligent Traction Management to tailor response—Normal for dry streets, Snow if slush piles up near shoulders, Sand or Mud for riverbank trails and unpaved access roads. Towing up to 5,000 pounds and a standard integrated hitch with a 7-pin connector mean small campers, utility trailers, or a pair of dirt bikes are well within reach.
Inside, the RTL prioritizes comfort where it matters. Leather-trimmed seating and heated fronts take the edge off early morning starts, and the 10-way power driver’s seat with two-position memory makes it easy to share the truck without fuss. Tri-zone automatic climate control keeps front and rear passengers happy, and the one-touch power moonroof adds natural light to the cabin on long drives. Storage is plentiful, from door pockets to the thoughtfully designed center console that can accommodate a tablet or first-aid kit. In the back, a 60/40 Split Lift-Up Rear Seat makes it simple to stow tall items on the floor without sacrificing seating flexibility.
Tech is intuitive and useful. A 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen brings wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ to the center stack, so directions, playlists, and messages are ready without cables. The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ offers enhanced guidance with lane assistance when your phone’s signal drops outside town. Connectivity through HondaLink® adds helpful ownership tools like service scheduling and fuel range info, while Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® takes the stress out of loading gear—no fumbling for keys when your hands are full.
Then there’s the bed. The Dual-Action Tailgate opens down or swings to the side for easier access to the lockable In-Bed Trunk®. The trunk’s drain plug turns it into a built-in cooler, or it can swallow muddy gear so your cabin stays clean. The lay-flat composite bed, designed with minimal wheelwell intrusion, makes it easier to haul 4-by-8-foot sheets when you’re tackling a renovation. An available truck-bed outlet helps on job sites or tailgates, powering tools or a TV. It’s this broader vision of utility—secure storage, flexible loading, and durable materials—that turns the RTL into an everyday problem solver.
Driver-assistive tech bolsters confidence in city traffic and on the highway. Honda Sensing® is standard, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). These features can provide alerts and, when appropriate, steering or braking assistance to help you stay centered, maintain a set interval, or mitigate the severity of a potential frontal impact. The standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines helps make parallel parking at NewBo Market or hitch alignment at home feel straightforward. Add the available Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with cross traffic monitor, and you’ll appreciate the extra set of “eyes” when changing lanes or backing out of a tightly packed lot.
Why choose the RTL over other trims? It balances amenities with value, focusing on the comforts most Cedar Rapids drivers use every day without adding complexity. It feels premium where you spend time—seats, steering wheel, climate, infotainment—while leaving you the freedom to outfit the bed and accessories for your projects and hobbies.
- Right-sized comfort: Leather-trimmed seats, heated fronts, and memory for the driver without going overboard on extras.
- Everyday tech: 9-inch touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus available navigation for off-grid adventures.
- Real utility: Dual-Action Tailgate, lockable In-Bed Trunk®, and a composite, scratch-resistant bed that stands up to use.
- Confident traction: i-VTM4® AWD with drive modes that adapt for Snow, Sand, and Mud when surfaces get tricky.
- Safety leadership: Honda Sensing® standard, with available BSI and cross traffic monitor for added reassurance.
If you’re mapping out a test drive, arrive with a short checklist to experience the RTL’s strengths firsthand.
- Ride quality: Drive your regular commute route to feel how the suspension handles patched pavement and merges onto I-380.
- Tech ease: Pair your phone wirelessly, set navigation, and try voice prompts to judge how natural the system feels.
- Cargo flexibility: Open the Dual-Action Tailgate both ways and load a couple of bins to experience the In-Bed Trunk® access.
- Parking and visibility: Use the rearview camera with dynamic guidelines in a tight spot and practice trailer alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the RTL include standard all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2026 Ridgeline lineup includes standard i-VTM4® AWD, which actively distributes torque for confident traction and cornering.
How much can the RTL tow?
The RTL can tow up to 5,000 pounds and includes an integrated hitch and 7-pin connector to make trailering simpler.
Is the In-Bed Trunk® weatherproof and lockable?
The In-Bed Trunk® is lockable and designed to keep items out of sight and protected, with a drain plug for easy cleaning or cooler duty.
Which safety features are standard on the RTL?
Honda Sensing® is standard, including CMBS™, RDM, ACC, and LKAS. Available BSI with cross traffic monitor adds helpful alerts for lane changes and reversing.
When you’re ready to see how the RTL fits your daily drive and weekend plans, schedule a visit with Brad Deery Honda, serving Coralville, North Liberty, and Cedar Rapids. Bring your gear, your questions, and a few minutes to test the tailgate and trunk. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how the RTL’s thoughtful details turn every errand, commute, and project into an easier, more comfortable experience.
*Image may not be actual model