The 2022 Honda Ridgeline remains unchanged for the most part from 2021 and has an impressive towing capacity potential of up to 5,000 lbs., when properly equipped.
This mid-sized pick up comes in four different trim levels and a few of the standard features include a 3.5L V6 Engine, AWD, a trailer hitch, and 7-pin trailer wiring plug. All Ridgelines have standard AWD as of 2021, resulting in an obsolete 2WD version.
Always read through your owner's manual to get familiar with your vehicle and to make sure you adhere to Honda's recommendations when it comes to anything regarding your vehicle.
2022 Ridgeline Overview
Overall Towing Capacity: The overall towing capacity for the 2022 Honda Ridgeline ranges between 4,500-5,000 lbs, dependent on the number of passengers. The vehicle's load capacity (or payload) is between 1,477 pounds and 1,543 pounds, which includes the weight of the passengers and cargo.
Keep in mind you cannot exceed the maximum combined rating of 10,031 pounds, which is the number of passengers in the vehicle, the amount of cargo in the vehicle, the trailer you are pulling, the trailer tongue load, and the amount of cargo in your trailer.
Engine Options: All 2022 Ridgelines come standard with a 3.5L V6 Engine. This engine option is common to other Honda vehicles, such as the Passport and the Pilot. Engine options did not further complicate the chart with more variables and the only variations found in the chart were the number of passengers in the truck.
Trim Levels: The 2022 Honda Ridgeline offers four trim levels: the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. Trim levels provided certain features for the consumer and each trim package varied in cost and features, but all of the trim levels shared the same maximum trailer weight rating of 5,000 lbs.
Assumed Weight: Honda calculates the weight limit with assumptions (see below) about the number of occupants, the average weight of each person, and the amount of cargo each person brings to the cargo/cab area.
Keep in mind any added weight to the cab or cargo area of the truck reduces the amount of cargo you can pull and you will have to deduct any additional weight from the specified trailer weight ratings listed in the chart below.
The Chart:
The tow chart below is out of the 2022 Honda Ridgeline owner's manual. Honda has not updated the chart info because it still includes the 2WD models. As mentioned previously, the 2WD are obsolete as of 2021 and only the data for the AWD versions are used.
The chart provides weight limits based upon the number of occupants in the truck (between two and five) and the specified trailer weight ratings based on the number of occupants.
As a reminder, Honda assumes the passengers' average weight being 150 lbs. and that they each can carry up to 17.6 lbs. of cargo. You will need to make adjustments to the overall capacities listed, if there are any differences in these weight assumptions.
Tongue Weight Rating:
The tongue weight is the downward pressure that the tongue of the trailer puts on the hitch that is connected to the vehicle. Depending on the type of trailer you are pulling, the tongue weight rating is between 5% and 15% of the weight of a fully loaded trailer.
For boat trailers, the tongue load is between 5 and 15% of the total weight of the trailer and for all other types of trailers, the tongue load is 10-15% of the trailer weight.
A good example of how this would work would be if you had a trailer weighing 3,000 lbs (weight includes trailer and cargo), and we used Honda's recommended percentages, then the tongue weight should be between 300 and 450 lbs.
You can adjust the tongue weight by shifting the cargo in the trailer to the front (more tongue weight) or back of the trailer (less tongue weight); depending on if you need to add more or less weight to the tongue.
Trailer Brakes:
If you have a 2022 Ridgeline, Honda requires installing trailer brakes on your trailer if you are planning on pulling 1,000 pounds or more with your truck.
Each state has their own set of laws regarding trailer weight and trailer brakes, which you will also need to comply with. It is also recommended to research the individual states regulations to remain compliant if you are planning on traveling through multiple states.
Trim Levels:
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline offers four trim levels: the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition. All trim levels have a common 21 combined MPG, 3.5-liter Engine, which is a V6 Engine, a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission, a trailer hitch, a pre-wired 7-pin trailer plug, and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configuration.
Each trim package varies in cost and features, which have no bearing on the maximum towing capacity. As you can see in the chart, they share a common maximum trailer weight rating of up to 5,000 pounds.
[4] Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR Figures:
GCWR: The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total amount of weight in the vehicle, including the passengers and the attached trailer. The 2022 models max. out at 10,031 pounds.
GVWR: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) can also be found on the certification label, which can be located on the driver's doorjamb or door pillar. The GVWR for the Ridgeline is set at a maximum weight of 6,019 lbs. This weight includes the weight of the passengers, accessories, cargo and trailer tongue load, so just the metrics for the truck itself.
GAWRs: The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) can also be found on the same label as the GVWR. The GAWR is the maximum amount of weight that a single axle can handle.
The total amount of weight includes the vehicle, all passengers, cargo, fluids, and may include the tongue weight of a trailer, if it applies to the rear axle. The front gross axle weight limit is set at 3,131 pounds and the rear gross axle weight limit comes in at 3,263 pounds.
Other Notes I Found:
I found other additional information in the owner's manual that addressed the minimum octane rating of gasoline, the effects of outside elements on how the vehicle performs when pulling additional loads, and the use of weight distribution hitches.
Honda recommends using unleaded gasoline with an octane number of 87 or higher. Any lower levels can cause a constant, substantial knocking noise that can damage the engine.
They also mentioned certain factors that may affect the performance of the vehicle. You might encounter some of these conditions on the road like higher altitude areas, steep uphill/downhill grades or higher outside temperatures.
Honda recommends checking your tire pressure in a high altitude area. The high altitude can lower the pressure and affect the way the vehicle tows. Certain features such as the traction, stability, or power do not work on steep uphill or downhill grades and you really should know the vehicles' limits before pursuing steep slopes.
Weight distribution hitches are not required for the Ridgeline. If you choose to use one, Honda recommends having it installed by the trailer's manufacturer or a reputable shop to ensure proper setup.
Honda also recommends having a professional install on any additional equipment used for towing and that you purchase Honda equipment, when you can.
Helpful Links:
Below are the links to the 2022 Ridgeline Owner's Manual and the Spec Sheet. I found most of the data in the owner's manual, but the spec sheet also offered valuable information. The Spec Sheet mostly gave information about the trim levels of the vehicle and the features for each specific trim level.