It’s possible that there’s never been a better time to offer an affordable and fuel-efficient pickup truck. Which makes the new reports about the Honda Ridgeline even more unfortunate. A new report says that Honda’s pickup is taking a break, and it’s for the last reason you might expect, given the resurgence of V8s proliferating American automotive news right now. According to the report, the Ridgeline will be out of production until 2028, because the V6-powered truck doesn’t meet emissions regulations, and it won’t until a new powertrain arrives.
Ridgeline Will Be Back With A New Face And A New Heart
2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport detail shot of the engine bayHonda
According to Automotive News, Honda is pulling the pickup from production in the final quarter of 2026. It will remain out of production until the third quarter of 2028, when a refreshed truck will launch.
The report cites sources close to the project who have said that the truck will come back with a refresh “intended to create the impression of a next-generation truck.” Instead, it will have new looks, possibly a new interior and other small changes, and the most important part: an updated V6.
Base Trim Engine
3.5L V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
280 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
18/24/21 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
That 3.5-liter V6 is said to be the reason why Honda is stopping production. According to the report, it will not meet the emissions standards that come into effect later this year. Honda’s J-series V6 first went on sale in 1996. The current version of the engine in the Ridgeline is called the J35Y6, and it was dropped from the Pilot in 2022 and the Passport last year. Those two now use a version called J35Y8, which has less power, but a more advanced variable cylinder management system.
Honda has made it clear it is designing a new large vehicle hybrid system. The new V6 and electric motor setup are bound for the Ridgeline, along with the Pilot and Passport SUVs with which it shares a platform, but not quite yet.
We had anticipated based on Honda’s previous announcements, that the new hybrid system would be ready sometime in 2027, but following massive losses after canning it’s EV plans, Honda has pushed back the rollout of the new hybrid system. The new report suggests that the Ridgeline won’t get that platform until in the next decade.
Related
Honda’s New V6 Hybrid Is Designed To Conquer America
Honda’s expanding its hybrid lineup, introducing a new V6 hybrid specifically aimed at towing and off-roading in large American SUVs and trucks.
The SUVs do not seem to be affected by the Ridgeline’s emissions issues. AN says that Honda will continue to build both, and that it will boost production by more than 10% to make up the slack.
Honda’s EV Failures The Likely Target For Blame
2025 Honda Ridgeline Trail Sport front quarterHonda
CarBuzz has reached out to Honda for comment about the issue, and to find out more about what the differences between the SUVs and pickup are. Honda documents show that the SUVs meet SULEV30 emissions standards, and have for several model years. The Ridgeline only meets ULEV70, which allows higher levels of pollutants. It’s not clear what changes are required, but they must be extensive.
The EPA introduced its Tier 4 emissions standards in 2024, set to come into effect with model year 2027. Highlights were to include a 99% reduction in particulates and nitrogen oxides versus 1996 levels. Earlier this year, the EPA announced a repeal of emissions regulations to pre-2012 rules, though it kept the 2027 standards intact.
Related
Honda Previews New Hybrids To Fix EV Disaster, And One Could Be Next-Gen Civic
CEO Mibe calls these nameless cars concepts, but they likely preview the new Civic and Acura RDX as part of a new hybrid blitz by 2030.
Massive losses related to EV program failures have had a punishing impact at Honda. The company reported $16 billion in losses related to its canceled EVs, and earlier reports say that the fallout from that will include model life extensions to vehicles like the Odyssey and Acura MDX, with which the Ridgeline shares a modified platform.
This Ridgeline news is just the latest blow for the automaker, with emissions woes compounded by supplier issues similar to those responsible for Acura’s RDX taking a brief break from the market putting a hole in its product plans.
Source: Automotive News
