The truck also benefits from wider-opening rear doors and a remote-lock tailgate.
Honda has upgraded the Ridgeline for the 2020 model year, introducing a new transmission and adding the Honda Sensing safety and assistance suite to the list of standard features.
The new nine-speed automatic replaces the current six-speed unit, while the 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine carries over unchanged with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Notably, the pickup's EPA fuel-economy ratings have changed for the AWD edition, gaining a single mpg on the highway and losing an mpg in the city with the combined rating unchanged at 21 mpg.
The Honda Sensing package includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Drivers will also benefit from a standard Display Audio system with an eight-inch touchscreen.
The 2020 model year also introduces a remote-lock feature for the Dual Action tailgate, along with new hinges for the rear doors that provide a wider opening arc for easier ingress and egress.
The simplified 2020 Ridgeline trim lineup starts with the 2WD Sport package with a $34,995 starting price.