2020 Honda Ridgeline Gets a New Nine-speed Transmission

Honda has just announced a few updates to the Ridgeline midsize pickup for 2020. Actually, all except one were already available in Canada, but not on the base models sold in the U.S.

What you should care about is the new nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which replaces the old six-speed unit.

In the past, we’ve complained about this ZF-sourced gearbox (also found on select Pilot models) for being slow to react, especially when asked to downshift, but it does help reduce fuel consumption.

At the time of writing, Natural Resources Canada had yet to announce the official rating, but Honda says the Ridgeline now achieves 9.5 L/100 km on the highway versus 10 L/100 km previously.

Photo: Honda

There are no changes to the 3.5-litre V6 engine, which still produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque while towing up to 5,000 pounds.

Once again, Ridgeline buyers can choose from four trim levels including the top-line Black Edition, which makes a return. This one stands out with black 18-inch wheels, a black bumper skid garnish, a black chrome front grille bar, Black Edition seat stitching and floor mats, plus red ambient lighting.

Canadian pricing for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline starts at $42,490, an increase of $1,500 compared with the outgoing model.

Share on Facebook

More on the subject

NewsThe Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Honda Ridgeline
Every year, The Car Guide ’s team of journalists publishes its Best Buys in a wide range of vehicle categories, including cars and utility vehicles, but also pickup trucks. With this information, consumers can make a sound purchase decision. In the compact and midsize pickup truck segment, the Honda Ridgeline …
News2021 Honda Ridgeline Gets Beefier, American-style Looks
As good as it is, the Honda Ridgeline is no match for its American rivals in terms of sales. It also sits well behind the class-leading Toyota Tacoma . Can a substantial redesign and update for 2021 help close the gap? Honda is certainly counting on it. First of all, …
NewsThe Car Guide's Best Buys for 2021: Honda Ridgeline
Every year, The Car Guide unveils a list of Best Buys covering all the different vehicle categories in the industry. Midsize pickups are hot again after being neglected for much of the past decade. The next-generation Ford Ranger and all-new Jeep Gladiator are largely responsible for that. Our Best Buy …
BuzzThis Unreal Honda Ridgeline Concept May Have Superpowers
Honda refreshed and upgraded the Ridgeline for 2021, but what will the midsize pickup look like in 10-20 years? The company’s designers are obviously not planning that far ahead, but some people online are letting their imagination run completely wild. Take Rene Garcia, a graphic artist and designer who works …