Bob Boyte Honda - How the 2026 Honda Ridgeline’s In-Bed Trunk® and i-VTM4® AWD Fit Active Drivers around Clinton, MS
If your ideal weekend mixes yard projects, ball games, and a quick escape to the trails, two features define why the 2026 Honda Ridgeline fits so well: the lockable In-Bed Trunk® and the i-VTM4® all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Traction Management. This pair forms the core of the Ridgeline’s work-and-play personality—secure storage that doesn’t compromise bed space, and confident traction that keeps you moving when weather and terrain change. Add the dual-action tailgate, an available 150-watt/400-watt truck-bed outlet, and a composite bed that resists dings and scrapes, and you have a setup that simplifies game day, beach day, or “let’s-get-that-done” day around Clinton, MS.
The In-Bed Trunk® is a signature Ridgeline innovation for a reason. With 7.3 cubic feet of lockable, weather-protected space, it’s the right place for tools, groceries, or muddy hiking gear you don’t want inside the cabin. The built-in drain plug turns it into an easy-clean cooler for tailgates, and it stays hidden beneath the lay-flat bed so you never sacrifice cargo surface. Pair that with the dual-action tailgate—drop it like a traditional tailgate for loading plywood, or swing it to the side for easy trunk access—and your options multiply. On the traction side, i-VTM4® works seamlessly in the background to direct torque across the rear axle, enhancing stability and rotation through corners or on low-friction surfaces. Intelligent Traction Management lets you pick Normal, Snow, Sand, or Mud at the push of a button, so your grip matches your plan.
Inside, the Ridgeline helps the day run smoothly. The 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ puts maps and playlists at eye level, while standard tri-zone automatic climate control, available heated front seats, and an available one-touch power moonroof create a comfortable, calm cabin. The 60/40 split lift-up rear seats transform quickly to hold a mountain bike, a cooler, or tall cargo without dismantling anything. If you want an extra dose of grit, the available TrailSport model adds an off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and an oil pan guard for extra peace of mind when the pavement ends.
For everyday versatility, this setup shines when life stacks events back-to-back. Start at the hardware store with 4-by-8 sheets laying flat in the bed, secure your tools in the In-Bed Trunk®, then swing by the fields with chairs and a cooler ready in the trunk. Later, head for a muddy trail—select Mud mode, let i-VTM4® manage torque, and enjoy a composed, quiet ride courtesy of the Ridgeline’s unibody construction and fully independent suspension. It’s a truck that’s genuinely easy to live with Monday through Friday, then genuinely fun when Saturday hits.
Here are two standout reasons drivers prioritize these features for active weekends:
- Lockable In-Bed Trunk®: Keeps gear secure and dry, hides valuables out of sight, and doubles as a cooler thanks to the drain plug.
- i-VTM4® AWD with Intelligent Traction Management: Enhances traction in Snow, Sand, and Mud, while optimizing cornering and stability on pavement.
- Dual-Action Tailgate: Makes it easy to load, swing open for trunk access, and reduce the reach when retrieving items.
- Composite Bed and Outlet: Resists dings and scuffs and, with the available 150-watt/400-watt outlet, powers tools or a small TV at camp or the game.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How big is the In-Bed Trunk® and what can it hold?
The In-Bed Trunk® measures 7.3 cubic feet, large enough for tools, groceries, a golf bag, or a weekend’s worth of tailgate supplies. It’s lockable, weather-protected, and includes a drain plug so you can load ice for game day or wash it out after a muddy hike.
What makes i-VTM4® different from other AWD systems?
In addition to front-to-rear torque distribution, i-VTM4® can send torque side-to-side across the rear axle, improving stability and helping the truck rotate through corners. Paired with Intelligent Traction Management modes for Snow, Sand, and Mud, it’s confidence you can feel.
Is the Ridgeline comfortable for family use as well?
Yes. The cabin seats five with generous space and thoughtful amenities like standard tri-zone climate control, available leather-trimmed seats, available heated fronts, the 9-inch Display Audio touch-screen, and a quiet ride from its unibody design and independent suspension.
Does the Ridgeline have helpful safety features for daily driving?
Honda Sensing® is standard and includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Available Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor adds further awareness in traffic and parking lots.
When you’re ready to see how these features simplify your routine and elevate your weekends, Bob Boyte Honda can walk you through trims and accessories to dial in your perfect setup. Our team is focused on clarity and ease—whether you’re comparing TrailSport capability or looking to add a truck-bed outlet for your next tailgate. We’re proud to be serving Meridian, Clinton, and McComb with a friendly, well-informed approach that puts your needs first.
