Honda’s old pickup is finally being replaced

Well, Honda has made it official. The third-generation Ridgeline is currently in development, meaning production of the current pickup will end later this year as the automaker prepares its replacement.

Honda will design the new truck at its design studio in Southern California. Engineering development will take place at the Honda Auto Development Center in Ohio. Honda says the next-generation Ridgeline will arrive within the next two years.

The truck will have an even stronger design, which will likely borrow styling cues from the new Passport. Lance Wolfer, vice president of auto sales for Honda America, said the truck will gain even greater capabilities, but did not elaborate.

Honda will continue to build the next-generation Ridgeline at its factory in Alabama. This is where Honda currently assembles the Passport, Odyssey, Pilot, and the current Ridgeline.

Powertrain upgrade too

In addition to more rugged styling, the Ridgeline will also reportedly get a new V6 engine designed to meet emissions regulations. The current Ridgeline is powered by Honda’s 3.5-liter J35Y6 V6. It has single overhead cams, while Honda’s J35Y8 V6 that powers the Pilot and Passport has dual-overhead cams and lacks VTEC.

The existing 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A new V6 would likely produce the same amount of power. The Passport’s engine makes 285 hp.

While Honda hasn’t provided any specific timeline, a report from May alleged that Honda will discontinue existing Ridgeline production in the fourth quarter of this year. Production of the next-generation model is rumored to begin in the third quarter of 2028, with the model likely arriving for the 2029 model year.

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Source: Honda

Motor1’s Opinion: A new, stronger and more capable Ridgeline should perform well. Despite the truck’s age, sales have been strong, and a new truck with a Passport-like design will perform even better.