When evaluating mid-size trucks for daily driving and weekend capability, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline stands out as a compelling choice for buyers seeking a blend of comfort, utility, and efficiency. Unlike its body-on-frame rivals, the Ridgeline delivered car-like ride quality and a surprisingly refined interior, with its fuel economy numbers often sitting near the top of the segment’s list. For the 2017 model year, Honda maintained the efficient powertrain layout that defined the generation, pairing a 3.5-liter V6 with a intelligent dual-clutch transmission and utilizing an innovative torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Understanding the real-world fuel economy of the 2017 Ridgeline requires looking at how these engineering choices play out across different driving scenarios, from city commutes to highway road trips.
2017 Honda Ridgeline Drivetrain And Efficiency Overview
The heart of the 2017 Ridgeline’s efficiency story is its 280 horsepower 3.5-liter VTEC V6, which mated to a Honda-designed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This configuration was designed to provide smooth power delivery while optimizing fuel use during everyday driving. The system incorporated an idle stop function that shuts down the engine when the truck is stationary, automatically restarting it when the brake is released. For drivers who frequently find themselves in stop-and-go traffic, this feature contributes meaningfully to overall fuel savings, reducing wasted fuel during those moments of complete standstill.
City And Highway Mpg Ratings
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s testing methodology, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline offered competitive official ratings that reflected its efficient powertrain design. In city driving conditions, which involve frequent acceleration and lower average speeds, the truck was rated at 19 miles per gallon. On the highway, where the engine can settle into a steady cruising rhythm and the aerodynamics play a larger role, the rating climbed to 26 miles per gallon. These combined figures result in an EPA-estimated 22 mpg, a benchmark that was strong for its class and provided a buffer for real-world variations in driving behavior.
Driving Condition | 2017 Honda Ridgeline MPG | Notes
City | 19 MPG | Includes frequent stops and lower speeds
Highway | 26 MPG | Steady cruising speed on open roads
Combined | 22 MPG | EPA estimated average
Real-World Driving Factors Impacting Fuel Economy
While the EPA ratings provide a useful baseline, actual fuel economy in the 2017 Ridgeline can vary significantly based on how the truck is used and maintained. Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, will invariably reduce miles per gallon, placing extra demand on the engine and transmission. Carrying heavy payloads in the bed or towing substantial loads puts additional strain on the powertrain, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Tire pressure is another critical factor; underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which directly translates to lower efficiency and reduced tire life.
