The 2009 Honda Ridgeline is powered by an SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine. The power is routed through a five-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission to a Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system (VTM-4).

The all-aluminum, V6 engine produces 250 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. With all that horsepower and torque, Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The sport utility truck comes equipped with a heavy-duty radiator and a heavy-duty transmission cooler, which aid in prolonged towing. The majority of the additional power is achieved through a new camshaft profile tuned for maximum torque; larger intake valves; and a revised dual-stage intake manifold capable of a higher flow rate, which is made from ultra-lightweight magnesium.

For 2009, Honda has configured revised gear ratios on Ridgeline's five-speed automatic transmission to take advantage of the additional engine torque for responsive acceleration during normal driving, towing or hauling heavy cargo loads. The fully-automatic VTM-4 system provides confident, decision-free operation on any type of road or in any weather condition, while improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and at the same time proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations.

Despite all these updates, the 2009 Ridgeline's fuel economy remains unimpressive! Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 15 miles per gallon in the city, 20 miles per gallon on the highway, and 17 miles per gallon combined.