Technology showdown: rtl-e vs sport – which honda ridgeline dominates connectivity?

The Honda Ridgeline has consistently stood out in the midsize pickup segment, offering a unique blend of versatility, comfort, and capability. Its two top trims, the RTL-E and Sport, represent the pinnacle of the Ridgeline lineup, each catering to distinct preferences and driving styles. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of the Honda Ridgeline RTL-E vs. Sport, exploring their key differences and similarities to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Features and Amenities

RTL-E:

• Leather-trimmed seats with heated and ventilated front seats
• Premium audio system with 8 speakers and subwoofer
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
• HondaLink® connected services with remote start and vehicle tracking
• Multi-zone automatic climate control

Sport:

• Black cloth sport seats with red accents
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Honda Sensing® suite of safety technologies
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Sport-tuned suspension

Performance and Capability

RTL-E:

• 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
• 9-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive with Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4®)
• Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds
• Payload capacity of 1,584 pounds

Sport:

• 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive with Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4®)
• Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds
• Payload capacity of 1,584 pounds

Exterior Design

RTL-E:

• LED headlights with automatic high beams
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome grille and accents
• Power tailgate with lockable bed storage

Sport:

• LED headlights with automatic high beams
• 18-inch black alloy wheels
• Black grille and accents
• Power tailgate with lockable bed storage

Interior Design

RTL-E:

• Spacious and comfortable cabin with ample legroom and headroom
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Dual-screen infotainment system with navigation
• Ambient lighting with customizable colors

Sport:

• Sporty and functional cabin with supportive seats
• Black cloth upholstery with red accents
• 8-inch touchscreen display
• Ambient lighting with customizable colors

Fuel Efficiency

RTL-E:

• EPA-estimated 18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

Sport:

• EPA-estimated 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

Safety Features

RTL-E:

• Honda Sensing® suite of safety technologies including:
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

Sport:

• Honda Sensing® suite of safety technologies including:
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

Pricing and Availability

The Honda Ridgeline RTL-E starts at $45,130, while the Sport starts at $41,980. Both trims are available at Honda dealerships nationwide.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Ridgeline for You

The Honda Ridgeline RTL-E and Sport offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. The RTL-E prioritizes luxury and comfort, while the Sport emphasizes sportiness and value.

Choose the RTL-E if you:

• Value premium materials and advanced technology
• Desire a spacious and well-equipped cabin
• Plan on towing or hauling heavier loads

Choose the Sport if you:

• Prefer a more sporty and rugged appearance
• Value a lower starting price
• Are looking for a versatile pickup that can handle both work and play

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. Both the Honda Ridgeline RTL-E and Sport are exceptional midsize pickups that offer a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and style.

Popular Questions

Q: Which trim has a sunroof?
A: The RTL-E trim comes standard with a panoramic sunroof.

Q: Is the Sport trim available with a rear-seat entertainment system?
A: No, the Sport trim does not offer a rear-seat entertainment system.

Q: Which trim has a higher maximum payload capacity?
A: Both the RTL-E and Sport have a maximum payload capacity of 1,584 pounds.

Q: Does the Honda Ridgeline come with a warranty?
A: Yes, the Honda Ridgeline comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Q: Which trim has a power-adjustable driver’s seat?
A: The RTL-E trim comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings.