Midsize pickup loyalists and Honda enthusiasts have reason to rejoice as the automaker preps a third generation of its Honda Ridgeline. The pickup has long differentiated itself from the competition by balancing on-road friendliness, refined accommodations, and versatile utility in a segment dominated by body-on-frame rivals. After more than a decade of improvements and updates to the second generation model, Honda is now ready to completely revamp the Ridgeline. The automaker is set to fundamentally change the equation for the pickup, while still retaining its unique flavor of approachability.

Production of the 2026 Ridgeline will be discontinued at Honda’s sole manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Alabama, in the fourth quarter of this year. The 2028 model’s production is not expected to start before the third quarter of 2028, which leaves almost an 18-month hiatus between the discontinuation and relaunch of the Ridgeline. This gives Honda ample opportunity to redesign the pickup and completely rethink its powertrain, rather than merely updating the current powertrain and sheet metal.

While the production freeze may have been inconvenient for some buyers, it appears to have provided the automaker with an opportunity to truly modernize and differentiate the Ridgeline from its competitors. Below are ten reasons why the next generation of the Honda Ridgeline is generating such high hopes among pickup buyers.

1. Production Freeze Sets the Stage for Major Changes

Honda’s decision to temporarily discontinue Ridgeline production has much to do with its preparations for the next generation pickup. The current iteration of the Ridgeline is set to leave Honda’s lone assembly plant in Lincoln, Alabama, in the fourth quarter of 2026. The production of the 2028 model is not scheduled to start before the third quarter of 2028, which leaves almost an 18-month break in between. This gives Honda plenty of time to completely overhaul the Ridgeline, rather than merely updating its powertrain.

Reasons Behind the Production Freeze:

• Extended development period ahead of the relaunch
• Emissions and fuel-economy updates
• Powertrain update
• More substantial mechanical changes
• More substantial exterior revisions

The production hiatus is also attributed to the changes to the powertrain. Honda’s upcoming emissions and fuel-economy targets will require extensive updates to the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 currently found under the hood of the Ridgeline. Buyers, however, should not expect a completely different engine, as Honda will likely stick to the six-cylinder engine architecture, merely updating it to its latest iteration. Moreover, the automaker will most likely introduce a more sophisticated powertrain that will utilize electrification to its advantage.

As for the buyers, the production freeze may come as a surprise. Rather than seeing yet another iteration of the same midsize pickup from Honda, buyers may be greeted to a completely different product in 2028. The production hiatus gives Honda an opportunity to revamp the Ridgeline both mechanically and aesthetically, rather than updating the current powertrain and sheet metal combination.

2. Honda Values the Ridgeline as a North American Conquest Vehicle

Even with the production freeze, Honda appears to value the Ridgeline as a key model in its North American portfolio. The company even noted in a press release that the Ridgeline was, “one of our most popular conquest vehicles… and it has a unique appeal over traditional pickups.” It has been a long time since there was a truck that could rival body-on-frame trucks in the segment, while offering comforts found in everyday cars. The upcoming Ridgeline will also continue to occupy that unique space in the market.

What Makes the Ridgeline Unique:

• Truck utility with car-like comforts
• Special appeal over traditional pickups
• Comfort-focused design
• Useful and versatile
• Distinct position in the pickup segment

The Ridgeline has had the difficult task of differentiating itself from its competitors in the midsize truck segment. While the segment has seen an influx of body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline has occupied the unique position of a pickup that does not rely on the traditional truck architecture. Rather, it has been focused on comfort, utility, and towing, which has given it appeal over traditional pickups. This approach has allowed it to carve its niche in the market, which seems to have been successful for Honda as well. The upcoming Ridgeline is expected to continue following this philosophy, with minor updates to its approach.

3. Hybrid Architecture Offers Higher Performance and Efficiency

One of the major changes buyers might see in the next Ridgeline concerns the powertrain. The automaker is expected to significantly update the powertrain on the next Ridgeline. A hybrid powertrain is said to be in development, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine expected to be paired to two electric motors. Some reports, however, suggest that three electric motors might also be in development.

Changes to the Powertrain:

• Next iteration of the 3.5-liter V6
• Electric motors to add power
• Better powertrain efficiency
• Higher performance than the current model
• Higher fuel economy than the current model

The hybrid powertrain will allow the Ridgeline to offer better performance than its competitors, while also providing exceptional fuel economy. Honda’s hybrid powertrains allow the torque from the electric motors to be distributed directly to the wheels, without the need for a multi-speed automatic transmission, which the current model utilizes. The automaker has hinted at the improvements it aims to achieve with the next Ridgeline.

According to insiders, Honda aims to improve the performance of the Ridgeline by over ten percent, while also boosting the fuel economy by more than thirty percent on the new hybrid platform. The changes would allow the Ridgeline to keep its position as one of the most powerful gas-powered pickups in the class, while also offering best-in-class fuel economy.

4. U.S. Development Will Play a Major Role in the Ridgeline’s Future

The development of the third generation Ridgeline will be led by Honda’s research and development facilities in the United States. The design process will be led out of Honda’s Southern California studio, while the structural engineering and powertrain development will take place at the Honda Auto Development Center in Ohio. These developments show that the U.S. is set to play a major role in the development of the next Ridgeline.

Major Areas of U.S. Development:

• Design to be led out of Southern California
• Structural engineering to take place in Ohio
• Chassis development to also take place in Ohio
• Powertrain development to remain in the U.S.
• Assembly to take place in Alabama

As mentioned, the final assembly of the next Ridgeline is expected to take place in Alabama. The state’s Honda Manufacturing Plant has been the sole producer of the Ridgeline for years, aside from the Pilot and Passport sport utility vehicles. Maintaining production in-state will allow Honda to utilize its local resources for the production of the pickup. The approach would also limit costs involved with transporting the Ridgeline to other assembly plants, should production ever need to be moved.

The U.S. development approach makes sense, especially for a vehicle intended to serve the regional market. The next Ridgeline is set to play a major role in satisfying the needs of U.S. buyers. Its development will be focused on delivering comfort, performance, utility, and fuel economy, which are all highly desirable among the region’s buyers. The U.S.-centric approach will allow Honda to tailor the Ridgeline to the local market, which should ultimately benefit buyers as well.

5. Upcoming Ridgeline Set for a More Rugged Look

One other major change buyers might notice with the next Ridgeline pertains to its design. Sources suggest that the upcoming model will take styling cues from Honda’s Trail Sport and Passport models. The automaker is reportedly working on a more rugged design for the Ridgeline, which will set it apart from the current generation.

Expected Styling Changes:

• More rugged design to distinguish it from the current model
• More upright front end
• Boxy design to replace more squared-off design
• Greater visual presence on the road
• More rugged exterior

It is expected that the next Ridgeline will adopt a more aggressive stance, allowing it to stand apart from the current model. Reporters speculate that it will utilize an upright front end, similar to Honda’s Trail Sport and Passport models. The next Ridgeline is expected to adopt a boxier design as well. By doing so, the automaker hopes to give the pickup a more rugged presence on the road without compromising its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

This approach to styling could allow the Ridgeline to stand apart from the competition as well. While the current Ridgeline has been criticized for being less rugged than its rivals, its next iteration has the potential to change that. By adopting a more rugged look, the automaker is able to offer buyers a greater degree of choice. In addition, the approach should allow the Ridgeline to stand apart from the competition as a distinct offering.

6. Ridgeline Will Retain Unibody Advantage Over Competitors

While the upcoming Ridgeline may be rugged in appearance, it will continue to utilize a less conventional architecture. The pickup is expected to utilize Honda’s unibody construction, as opposed to the traditional body-on-frame construction used by most of its competitors.

Unibody Construction Advantages:

• Lower center of gravity
• Superior ride quality
• Independent rear suspension
• Quieter cabin
• Roomy five-passenger cabin

The approach will ensure that the Ridgeline will retain its advantages over the competition, namely on-road friendliness. The unibody construction allows for a lower center of gravity in comparison to most unibody sedans, as well as independent rear suspension. The benefits of the approach include superior ride quality and a quieter cabin. Moreover, the unibody construction allows for a roomy five-passenger cabin, which can also accommodate five standard-size bags of groceries in the rear.

The approach is ideal for the Ridgeline, which has been marketed as a comfortable and versatile pickup. With its emphasis on comfort and convenience, the unibody construction allows it to offer the benefits of an everyday car, without sacrifice performance, towing, and payload capabilities.

7. Practical Interior Storage to Continue With Ridgeline’s Next Iteration

Another strong feature of the Ridgeline has been its practical interior storage solutions. Many of these features are expected to make their way onto the next generation of the pickup as well. Among the list of practical features, the Ridgeline has been praised for its lockable in-bed trunk, which is located underneath the tailgate.

Practical Interior Storage Features:

• Lockable in-bed trunk
• Convenient storage space
• Dual action tailgate
• More flexible tailgate opening
• Versatile utility for recreation

The dual action tailgate is another practical feature that is set to make its way onto the next Ridgeline. The tailgate can open in two ways it can open downward to provide better access to the bed of the truck or it can open sideways and be supported by a special tailgate prop. The flexibility of the tailgate opening would be advantageous to owners, who can decide how to best utilize the truck bed. The practical interior storage solutions have helped the Ridgeline stand apart from the competition as one of the more convenient pickups on the market.

8. Technology and All-Wheel Drive Will Also See Updates

Alongside mechanical updates, the upcoming Ridgeline is expected to receive numerous convenience and technology updates. The automaker is set to utilize its latest technology suite for the next Ridgeline. The list includes Google-built-in technology with Gemini AI, as well as modern convenience features.

Changes to Technology and All-Wheel Drive:

• Latest infotainment technology
• Google built-in technology
• Use of AI
• Modern interior displays and controls
• Updates to i-VTM4 all-wheel drive

Furthermore, Honda is set to update the all-wheel drive system on the Ridgeline. The i-VTM4 system allows for distribution of torque to all four wheels, as well as individual wheels, which means it can utilize torque vectoring. The system would be advantageous, especially in inclement weather, as it would allow for superior control in bad weather.

The combination of convenience and technology updates would allow the Ridgeline to retain its appeal as a more premium offering in the segment. Buyers can expect best-in-class technology and convenience features on the upcoming Ridgeline. Meanwhile, the updates to the all-wheel drive system will ensure that buyers are able to drive their pickups with confidence.

9. Ridgeline Set to Remain a Lower-Volume, Higher-Feature Pickup

While the Ridgeline has had commercial success for Honda, it is not one of the automaker’s high-volume models. The pickup has struggled to gain the same appeal as some of its competitors. This is well demonstrated by the sales statistics. Ridgeline sales in the U.S. were just 48,448 units last year and 10,980 units so far this year, compared to 139,179 units for the Toyota Tacomas and 111,927 units for the Chevrolet Colorado. Meanwhile, Canadian sales saw only 581 Ridgeline pickups sold in the first quarter of this year.

Ridgeline vs. the Competition:

• Lower sales volume than most of the competition
• Similar appeal to car buyers
• Higher equipment level
• Premium pricing compared to entry-level pickups
• Focus on comfort and convenience

The lower sales numbers highlight the fact that the Ridgeline has struggled to gain the appeal among buyers as some of the automaker’s competitors. This would suggest that the approach taken by Honda with the Ridgeline has not been as effective. However, the approach also highlights the unique role the Ridgeline plays in the automaker’s portfolio. While the pickup has lower sales numbers, it allows Honda to satisfy a different buyer segment those looking for a more premium, car-like pickup.

With its premium equipment and comfort-focused design, the Ridgeline also appears to have been marketed toward buyers who do not want a traditional truck. The approach helps explain its relatively higher prices, which start at just over $42,290 in the United States including freight charges, while Canadian pricing begins at CDN$56,325 on the 2025 model.

10. 2028 Ridgeline Is Part of Honda’s Larger Hybrid Commitment

The upcoming redesign of the Ridgeline gives Honda an opportunity to update the model’s product strategy. The production hiatus is set to enable the automaker to reshape both the pickup’s powertrain and overall approach to the segment. The changes to the Ridgeline will allow it to remain competitive and attractive to car buyers in the years to come. Moreover, as the changes to the Ridgeline take shape, they will also aid in reshaping Honda’s broader approach to the U.S. market.

Broader Implications of the Changes to Honda:

• Extended product life cycles
• Emphasis on emissions
• Shifts in powertrain development
• Commitment to hybrid technology
• Focus on versatility of purpose

After a period of great financial challenges, Honda has been restructuring its operations in the U.S. In doing so, the automaker has been shifting its approach to a number of areas, from product planning to powertrain development. One of the major challenges has been a need to improve emissions performance, which has led to enhanced efforts in powertrain development. In recent years, Honda has also seen declining interest for its electric vehicles, which has caused the automaker to shift its emphasis toward hybrid technology.

The commitment to hybrid technology will see significant updates to Honda’s upcoming models. In particular, a new large-vehicle hybrid architecture for the U.S. light truck market is in development. The architecture will see the introduction of a new V6 engine, as well as multiple electric motors and a lighter and lower cost battery. The combined efforts are set to improve torque, fuel economy, and towing performance on the upcoming Pilot, Passport, Odyssey, and Ridgeline. The changes would make the next Ridgeline the most powerful version of the pickup in the history of the franchise. In turn, the changes would also ensure that Honda’s unibody pickups continue to thrive in the years to come.