Automotive
Honda has officially confirmed that the Ridgeline will live on with a third-generation model, ending recent uncertainty around the future of its unibody midsize pickup. The next Ridgeline is expected to go on sale within two years, and Honda has already released a shadowy teaser image previewing the truck’s silhouette. While the image does not reveal much detail, Honda says the next Ridgeline will feature an “even more rugged design,” which is exactly the kind of direction many truck buyers have been asking for.
The timing makes sense now that Honda has already redesigned the Pilot and Passport, both of which have traditionally shared family ties with the Ridgeline. The latest Passport TrailSport in particular gives us a good idea of where Honda may be heading. Expect the next Ridgeline to adopt a boxier, tougher look, likely with a more upright front end, stronger fenders, and a more trail-focused personality while still preserving the clever packaging that has always made the Ridgeline different from body-on-frame rivals.
Honda says the next-generation Ridgeline is being designed in Southern California and engineered at the Honda Auto Development Center in Ohio. Production will continue at Honda’s Alabama assembly plant, where the current Ridgeline is built. To prepare for the changeover, Honda will pause production of the current truck later this year, meaning dealer inventory could become more limited before the replacement arrives.
The big question is what will power the new Ridgeline. Honda has not confirmed final specifications, but the next truck is widely expected to move beyond the current gas-only 3.5-liter V6 setup. A new hybrid V6 powertrain has been rumored, potentially using multiple electric motors to improve acceleration by more than 10 percent and fuel economy by more than 30 percent compared with the outgoing model. That would give Honda a strong answer to buyers who want truck utility without the fuel economy penalty that often comes with midsize pickups.
The Ridgeline has always been the unconventional choice in the midsize truck segment, trading traditional body-on-frame toughness for a smoother ride, smarter cargo solutions, and everyday usability. Features like the in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate have helped it stand apart, even if some truck buyers wanted a more aggressive look and more off-road credibility. With this confirmed third-generation model, Honda appears ready to keep the Ridgeline’s practical strengths while giving it the tougher image it has long needed.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
