The Honda Ridgeline is officially set to enter a third generation, with Honda confirming development of a redesigned midsize pickup featuring a more rugged appearance. Alongside the announcement, the automaker released a teaser image previewing the upcoming truck and confirmed that production of the current Ridgeline will pause before the new model arrives.
Third-Generation Honda Ridgeline Takes Shape
Honda has confirmed that a new-generation Ridgeline is in development, marking the next chapter for one of the company’s most distinctive pickup trucks.
While the upcoming model will adopt a tougher exterior design, it is expected to retain the characteristics that have defined the Ridgeline. The four-door pickup is expected to continue offering SUV-like driving manners, generous bed storage, and everyday practicality.
The midsize truck is also expected to remain easy to maneuver through city streets while preserving the comfortable and smooth ride associated with the current model.
Unibody Design Continues to Set It Apart
The Ridgeline occupies a unique position in the midsize truck market as one of the few pickups built with unibody construction.
Unlike competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger, which use traditional body-on-frame designs, the Ridgeline focuses on buyers seeking the versatility of an open cargo bed without prioritizing maximum towing capability.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick also use unibody construction but are smaller than the Ridgeline, while the Rivian R1T is another midsize unibody pickup positioned at a significantly higher price point and powered exclusively by electricity.
Shared Platform Expected to Continue
Honda confirmed that the next-generation Ridgeline will continue to be manufactured in Alabama.
That indicates the truck is expected to continue sharing its platform with the Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, and Honda Odyssey. As a result, the Ridgeline is expected to retain its unibody construction, preserving its smooth ride and car-like handling.
Honda’s emphasis on a more rugged design also points to a more capable TrailSport variant featuring larger all-terrain wheels and tires, a lifted suspension, and increased off-road capability.
New V-6 Hybrid Expected Alongside Gas Engine
Honda is developing a new V-6 hybrid powertrain scheduled to debut in 2027, and the Ridgeline is expected to be among the first vehicles to receive it.
According to Honda, the hybrid system will be 30% more efficient than the company’s current internal-combustion powertrains while improving acceleration by more than 10%. The automaker also says the new V-6 hybrid will provide greater towing capacity, although it has not announced a specific towing figure.
A version of Honda’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 is also expected to remain available.
Platform Updates to Support New Technology
The addition of the new hybrid powertrain is expected to bring significant updates to the Ridgeline’s chassis and platform to accommodate the electric motors and related components while supporting the truck’s more rugged capabilities.
Similar platform and powertrain upgrades are also expected for the next generations of the Honda Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey.
Estimated Pricing
The next-generation Honda Ridgeline is expected to start at approximately $45,000.
With a redesigned exterior, continued unibody construction, and the expected introduction of a new V-6 hybrid powertrain, the third-generation Ridgeline is set to continue Honda’s unique approach to the midsize pickup segment.
