The Honda Ridgeline may be the internet’s favorite truck to hate, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad pickup. If anything, it’s simply old, as the current generation has been around for about 10 years. Honda knows this, which is why it confirmed Thursday that a new and more robust model is coming “within two years.” And it looks quite boxy.
Even if you have to hold on tight for a while, I think it will be worth it. Honda is designing the new Ridgeline in its Southern California styling studio, and judging by the shadowy teaser photo, which I brightened in Photoshop, it will definitely look more truck-like than the current model. It has a strong jawline thanks to a front bumper that is mostly straight up and down; It sits high with tall all-terrain tires; And the design team has decided not to smooth out the bed break lines, although it’s sure to retain its unibody construction.
In addition to styling the truck in SoCal, Honda is engineering it in Ohio. Year after year, the Ridgeline is one of the most popular American-made vehicles – a trend that will likely continue. Honda is staying tight-lipped on powertrain details for now, though you can assume it’ll borrow the new Passport’s 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, perhaps with hybrid assistance.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Ridgeline actually adopt a lot from the Passport. And why wouldn’t that happen? Honda did a great job with the new SUV, in my opinion and those who have driven it for thousands of miles. Plus, the current Ridgeline already rides on the last-generation Passport platform, and the next one will still be built at Honda’s Alabama Auto Plant.
Honda confirmed that production of the Ridgeline will stop at the end of this year to prepare for new manufacturing. This is in line with a previous report that said the midsize pickup would be discontinued for 18 months. When it returns, it’ll be interesting to see how well Honda caters to the contemporary truck crowd. Certainly, a good middle ground exists. I hope Honda can figure it out.
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