Can the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Handle Your Weekend DIY Projects?

For weekend warriors tackling home renovations in Hull, Quebec, the choice comes down to capability versus practicality. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers 687 kg of payload capacity, a uniquely wide bed, and unibody construction that prioritizes everyday comfort. It targets a specific buyer: the homeowner who builds decks on Saturdays, not the contractor hauling materials five days a week.

This comparison examines whether the Ridgeline's midsize capabilities genuinely match the demands of light-duty hauling—or if weekend renovators should still consider stepping up to a full-size truck.

Payload Capacity: What 687 kg Actually Means for DIY Work

The 2026 Ridgeline Sport delivers 687 kg of payload capacity across all three trims (Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition range from 677–687 kg). For context, that's enough to carry:

• 13 bags of concrete mix (50 kg each)
• 27 sheets of ½-inch drywall (approximately 25 kg per sheet)
• A full pallet of landscaping stone (typically 680 kg)
• Lumber for a 12×16-foot deck frame with materials to spare

Full-size trucks typically offer 900–1,400 kg of payload, but most DIY tasks fall well below the Ridgeline's threshold. Unless you're regularly hauling full pallets of brick or commercial-grade equipment, the Ridgeline's capacity handles weekend projects without compromise.

The truck's 2,267 kg towing capacity also supports utility trailers for larger loads, extending versatility without requiring a larger vehicle.

The Bed That Fits 4×8 Plywood Flat

The Ridgeline's defining feature for DIYers is its bed width: 1,270 mm between the wheel wells. This makes it the only midsize truck that can lay a 4-foot-wide sheet of plywood or drywall flat without angling it diagonally or letting it hang over the tailgate.

Bed Dimensions:

• Length (tailgate up): 1,625 mm
• Length (tailgate down): 2,108 mm
• Width at wheel wells: 1,270 mm
• Width at bed walls: 1,524 mm
• Bed volume: 960 litres

The composite bed material resists dents and scratches without requiring a separate liner—a practical advantage when loading cinder blocks, metal pipes, or sharp-edged materials. The Dual-Action Tailgate opens downward like a traditional truck or swings to the side for easier access in tight parking lots or garages.

For comparison, most midsize competitors feature narrower beds (typically 1,100–1,200 mm between wheel wells), forcing you to angle materials or leave the tailgate open with a red flag. The Ridgeline eliminates that inconvenience entirely.

In-Bed Trunk and Storage Solutions

The lockable In-Bed Trunk offers 207 litres of weatherproof storage beneath the bed floor—space that accommodates tools, safety gear, or tie-down straps without cluttering the cabin. The trunk also functions as a cooler with a built-in drain, useful for job site hydration or post-project gatherings.

Additional storage features include:

• Eight heavy-duty tie-down cleats
• Integrated Class III trailer hitch with 7-pin connector
• 150W/400W truck-bed power outlet (Black Edition only)

The power outlet supports corded tools directly from the bed, eliminating the need for portable generators on smaller projects.

Fuel Economy: The Hidden Cost Advantage

The Ridgeline's 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings are 12.8 L/100 km city, 9.9 L/100 km highway, and 11.5 L/100 km combined.

Full-size trucks with comparable towing and payload typically consume 13–15 L/100 km combined. Over 20,000 km annually, the Ridgeline saves approximately 300–700 litres of fuel—translating to $500–$1,200 in annual fuel costs at current Quebec prices.

For drivers in Hull making weekly trips to hardware stores in Gatineau or Ottawa, the efficiency difference compounds quickly.

Ride Quality: Unibody vs. Body-on-Frame Construction

The Ridgeline's unibody architecture and fully independent suspension deliver car-like handling and a smooth ride—a stark contrast to the harsher body-on-frame construction of traditional trucks. The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms absorb road imperfections without the jarring stiffness common in work trucks.

This matters for DIYers who use their truck as a daily driver. The Ridgeline seats five comfortably with 1,039 mm of front legroom and 932 mm in the second row. The flat floor and foldaway 60/40-split rear seats allow you to carry long materials inside the cabin when needed—8-foot boards fit diagonally with the seats folded.

Full-size trucks offer more raw capability but sacrifice everyday comfort. For buyers who spend 90% of their time commuting and 10% hauling, the Ridgeline's balance tilts toward practicality.

Trim Comparison: Which Ridgeline Fits Your Needs?

The Sport provides all essential capabilities at the lowest price. The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension—useful if your projects involve gravel driveways or cottage access roads. The Black Edition includes the bed power outlet and premium audio, justifying the upgrade for buyers who frequently use corded tools or want a refined interior.

When a Full-Size Truck Makes More Sense

The Ridgeline excels at light-duty hauling, but it's not a replacement for buyers who need:

• Payload exceeding 900 kg regularly
• Towing capacity above 3,000 kg (e.g., large trailers, boats, or RVs)
• Extended cab configurations for crews
• Diesel engine options for heavy-duty work

Full-size trucks also offer longer bed options (up to 2,500 mm) and higher ground clearance for serious off-road use. If your weekend projects involve hauling a 2,000 kg trailer or navigating unmaintained trails, a full-size truck remains the better choice.

For Hull residents focused on deck builds, landscaping, furniture hauls, and hardware store runs, the Ridgeline's midsize footprint delivers 95% of the capability at significantly lower fuel and ownership costs.

Discover the 2026 Ridgeline at Lallier Honda Hull

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline delivers midsize capability tailored to weekend DIYers. With 687 kg of payload, a bed designed for 4×8 materials, and fuel economy that outpaces full-size competitors, it's built for homeowners who need real capability without the compromises of a heavy-duty truck. Visit our team in Hull to explore the Ridgeline lineup and see how its unique features fit your next project.