The performance of the Honda Ridgeline has been nothing but good Since its launch 2 decades ago. That’s not because it’s not a good vehicle (it’s actually very good), but because people in America have historically not considered it a real pickup truck.
Sadly, no one is singing country songs about their Ridgeline, but Honda is looking to change that with the upcoming third generation, which certainly looks like a truck in the teaser image released Thursday.
Based on the teaser image, which leaves a lot to the imagination (hence the teaser), the new Ridgeline will be the most conventional truck yet. With its more square profile, it looks exactly like the F-150. Of course, this is still Honda, so expecting truck-like features like body-on-frame construction or a massive tow rating is likely to be disappointed.
That said, it’s a sure bet to expect the kind of thoughtful, clever engineering Honda has given us in previous generations. The Ridgeline’s dual-swing tailgate and under-bed storage compartment are too useful not to be included again. One thing we wouldn’t mind seeing disappear is the thirsty, naturally aspirated V6 engine in the current model, but we wouldn’t hold our breath for it.
Ridgeline will be manufactured in America
All we currently know about the third-generation Ridgeline is that it’s an all-American effort. Honda confirmed it is being styled in Southern California, engineered in Ohio, and built at Honda’s Alabama plant, which also makes the Odyssey, Passport, and Pilot. A lot of Ford, RAM and GM trucks aren’t made in the US, so the fact that Honda is choosing to do this is cool, if not revolutionary.
To prepare for the new Ridgeline, Honda is ending production of the 2026 model at the end of this year. This may or may not be significant, given that Honda hasn’t given any timeline for the new debut, making it unclear when we might see it in dealers. What does this mean for you, the consumer? Buy now if you want one, as a new Ridgeline may not arrive for a while.
