Bob Boyte Honda Moss Point - Smart Utility for Mobile, AL Drives — 2026 Honda Ridgeline Bed, Cabin Tech, and AWD Explained
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a simple mission—make every part of your week easier. Around Mobile, AL, that means a truck that’s maneuverable downtown, confident across long bridges, and legitimately useful when you need to haul or tow. This deep dive focuses on three things local drivers ask about most: the Dual-Action Tailgate and lockable In-Bed Trunk®, the intuitive cabin tech, and how standard i-VTM4® all-wheel drive helps in real-world conditions.
Let’s start with the obvious difference you’ll spot the first time you walk around the bed. The Dual-Action Tailgate opens conventionally down or swings out to the side. Paired with the In-Bed Trunk®, you suddenly have a hidden, weather-resistant storage well with a drain plug for wet gear and a flat, wide bed floor that’s easy to load from either direction. If you’ve ever tried to reach a cooler or tool bag wedged under a tonneau cover, you’ll immediately appreciate how much simpler this system makes everyday tasks.
How the Dual-Action Tailgate and In-Bed Trunk® save time
Because the tailgate swings to the side, you can stand closer to the bed floor to lift heavier items with better leverage. That also gives quick access to the In-Bed Trunk® without leaning far over the tailgate. The trunk’s drain plug turns cleanup into a quick rinse—whether it’s fishing gear after a bay outing, muddy boots from a trail run at Chickasabogue, or ice from a tailgate setup after a game day. Even better, the trunk locks, so valuable tools and small electronics stay out of sight.
- Bed Access: Side-swing tailgate opens space to stand closer for easier loading
- Hidden Storage: Lockable In-Bed Trunk® keeps gear secure, dry, and out of sight
- Easy Cleanup: Built-in drain plug helps rinse out sand, mud, or melted ice
- Versatile Floor: Lay-flat bed accommodates bulky items and home project materials
Mobile drivers know how fast the weather can change. The Ridgeline’s standard i-VTM4® AWD works quietly in the background, actively distributing torque to help you stay composed when rain slicks I-10 or when you’re pulling a small trailer up a damp boat ramp. With Intelligent Traction Management modes (Normal, Snow, Sand, Mud), you have one-button confidence tailored to the surface beneath you. The result is an everyday truck that behaves predictably—no learning curve, just traction when you need it.
Everyday drivability with a smooth, confident feel
Under the hood, a 280-horsepower V-6 pairs with a refined 9-speed automatic. The combination provides brisk passing power and a relaxed cruise, especially useful on longer stretches between Mobile and Pensacola. Unlike many body-on-frame trucks that can feel choppy when the bed is empty, the Ridgeline’s unibody construction brings more composed ride quality—think solid, SUV-like handling with the utility you expect from a pickup. It’s an easier transition if you’re moving out of a crossover but need open-bed flexibility.
Cabin tech that feels built around you
Inside, the 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen is simple to learn. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ mean your maps, playlists, and calls are ready without cables. Available leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats (RTL and above), and a one-touch power moonroof add comfort, while the 60/40 split lift-up rear seats let you stash taller items like a folded stroller or a set of golf clubs upright in the rear footwell. That blend of premium feel and flexible storage is exactly what busy weeks demand.
- Wireless Connectivity: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ without plugging in
- Comfort Upgrades: Available leather-trimmed interior and heated front seats
- Flexible Seating: 60/40 lift-up rear seat for secure in-cabin cargo
- Driver Memory: Available 10-way power driver seat with two-position memory
Safety and confidence are standard across the lineup thanks to Honda Sensing®. Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) support you on commutes, errands, and road trips. An available Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor is a welcome co-pilot when you’re merging near busy interchanges or backing out of a tight spot downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Ridgeline really tow confidently with a V-6?
Yes. With up to 5,000 pounds of capability and a standard integrated hitch with a 7-pin connector, the Ridgeline is ready for small boats, utility trailers, and weekend toys. The 9-speed automatic and i-VTM4® AWD help you pull smoothly and launch with confidence on slick ramps.
How does the In-Bed Trunk® compare to a traditional toolbox?
It’s integrated below the bed floor, so you don’t lose width or bed space. It locks, stays out of sight, and includes a drain plug for wet or messy items. You can still mount bed cargo on top without interference.
Is the ride really that different from body-on-frame trucks?
The unibody construction improves overall refinement. You’ll notice more stable cornering and fewer jitters over expansion joints when the bed is empty. It makes daily driving feel more like a comfortable SUV, with the utility of a truck.
What about tech—do I need to learn a lot?
The 9-inch touch-screen uses familiar tap, swipe, and pinch gestures. Wireless CarPlay® and Android Auto™ feel natural if you use your phone for maps and media. Most drivers get comfortable within a day or two.
Which trim should I consider for light off-road use?
The TrailSport adds an off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and distinctive styling, plus underbody protection for extra peace of mind on rougher surfaces. If you want that capability with a factory look, it’s an excellent match.
Why this truck fits Mobile, AL routines
The Ridgeline thrives where a lot of us spend time—neighborhood streets, interstates, and the occasional gravel or sandy path. Between the Dual-Action Tailgate and lockable In-Bed Trunk®, it transforms everyday tasks, while standard i-VTM4® AWD and Intelligent Traction Management boost confidence when the Gulf breeze brings in rain. If you want a truck that’s as good at the Monday-to-Friday grind as it is at Saturday chores, this is the sweet spot.
When you’re ready to take a closer look, Bob Boyte Honda Moss Point can help you compare trims, understand available accessories, and arrange a test drive that highlights what matters to you. We’re proud of our Gulf Coast roots and committed to clear, helpful guidance that makes picking your Ridgeline straightforward and stress-free, serving Gulfport, Mobile, and Slidell. From bed utility to cabin tech and traction, you’ll see quickly why this truck earns so much praise from everyday drivers.