2012 Honda Ridgeline: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Honda Ridgeline is a mild refresh that improves highway fuel economy from 20 to 21 mpg through aerodynamic and engine-friction updates. It also brings a revised grille and a new Sport trim rather than a full redesign.
About the 2012 Honda Ridgeline
1st generation (2006-2014), late-cycle mild refresh year with new Sport trim.
Honda positions the Ridgeline as an everyday pickup for people who want truck usefulness without the rougher feel of a traditional work truck. Its selling points are versatility and ease of use: room for five, a comfortable ride from its integrated body structure and independent suspension, standard 4WD, and clever cargo hardware like the lockable bed trunk and dual-action tailgate. It is aimed more at commuting, family duty, home projects, and weekend recreation than heavy jobsite use.
The 2012 lineup runs from the straightforward RT to the comfort-focused RTL, with the RTS adding everyday cabin upgrades and the new Sport emphasizing appearance rather than extra performance. Every trim has a 250-hp V6, four-wheel drive, a dual-action tailgate, and a lockable bed trunk; the Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights, while the RTL has leather, heated front seats, and a moonroof.
What changed, by category
2012 Honda Ridgeline specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, VTEC, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in | 36.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Honda Ridgeline redesigned?
No. The 2012 Ridgeline receives a mild late-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. It remains part of the first generation and keeps the same basic crew-cab layout, V6, four-wheel drive, dual-action tailgate, and lockable bed trunk.
Did the 2012 Honda Ridgeline get better fuel economy?
Yes. Its EPA highway rating rises from 20 mpg for 2011 to 21 mpg for 2012. Honda achieves the improvement through aerodynamic changes and reduced engine friction.
Was the Sport trim new for the 2012 Honda Ridgeline?
Yes. The Sport joins the Ridgeline lineup for 2012 between the RT and RTS. It is an appearance-focused trim with 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, not a higher-performance model.
What exterior change did the 2012 Honda Ridgeline receive?
The 2012 Ridgeline gets a revised grille across the entire lineup. The overall body style and underlying first-generation design remain unchanged.
Is the 2012 Ridgeline Sport more powerful than the other trims?
No. The 2012 Sport uses the same 250-hp 3.5-liter V6, five-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel-drive system as the rest of the lineup. Its differences are mainly visual and equipment-related.