2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Comparison Overview
Deciding between an icon built for rugged adventure and a versatile, modern pickup often boils down to daily driving needs versus weekend capability. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler, starting at an attractive MSRP of $32,095, offers 285 hp and a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, emphasizing driver engagement, though it returns a lower combined MPG of 19. In contrast, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline starts significantly higher at $40,595 and, despite having only 280 hp, offers a smoother ride with its 9-speed automatic and slightly better fuel economy at 21 MPG combined. The Ridgeline is also substantially longer at 210.2 inches compared to the Wrangler's 166.8 inches, showcasing its difference in focus. This comparison pits raw, smaller-footprint off-road heritage against the Ridgeline’s comfort-focused, longer-body crossover utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline offers superior fuel efficiency at 21 combined MPG and an automatic transmission, making stop-and-go traffic much less demanding than the Wrangler's 6-speed manual.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline's much longer body (210.2 inches vs. 166.8 inches) likely translates to better rear-seat space and overall passenger comfort for family hauling.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler appeals more to purists with its 285 hp, standard four-wheel drive, and the option of a classic 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler saves buyers $8,500 upfront with an MSRP of $32,095 compared to the Ridgeline's $40,595 base price.
Choose the Jeep Wrangler if...
- Your budget is tighter, as the Wrangler starts at $32,095, which is $8,500 less than the Ridgeline.
- You prefer an old-school driving experience and want the control provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prioritize maneuverability in tight spots, evidenced by the Wrangler’s shorter length of 166.8 inches.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You want better fuel economy for the daily drive, as the Ridgeline achieves 21 combined MPG versus the Wrangler's 19.
- Smoothness and ease of use are critical, thanks to the Ridgeline’s standard 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You need the improved stability and relaxed operation of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) over the Wrangler’s dedicated 4WD system for everyday driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Wrangler | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 166.8" | 210.2" |
| Width | 73.9" | 78.6" |
| Height | 73.6" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 96.8" | 125.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6400 rpm | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Manual Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 17/23 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 297.5/402.5 mi. | 351.0/468.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.5 gal. | 19.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Steering | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Driver Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 215W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.0 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/75R17 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Wrangler and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline than the 2025 Jeep Wrangler?
The Ridgeline has a notable price gap, starting at $40,595 compared to the Wrangler's base MSRP of $32,095, meaning the Honda costs $8,500 more.
Which vehicle is better for long highway commutes?
The 2026 Ridgeline is generally better due to its 9-speed automatic transmission, which should offer lower RPMs on the highway compared to the Wrangler's 6-speed manual, alongside slightly better gas mileage (21 MPG combined vs. 19 MPG).
How do the off-road and daily driving systems differ?
The Wrangler features a dedicated four-wheel drive system designed for serious off-roading, while the Ridgeline employs an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system better suited for mixed-weather on-road driving and light utility.
Does the Ridgeline offer more cargo space than the Wrangler?
No, surprisingly, the Wrangler SUV body style offers more measured interior cargo space at 12.9 cubic feet compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cubic feet of traditional cargo volume.
Which truck provides more horsepower?
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler slightly edges out the competition with 285 hp from its engine, whereas the 2026 Honda Ridgeline produces 280 hp.
Are the physical dimensions vastly different between these two vehicles?
Yes, the Ridgeline is significantly longer at 210.2 inches, making it a much larger vehicle than the compact-sized Wrangler at 166.8 inches in length.
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