The wait is effectively over, even if the truck isn’t on the lot yet.
Honda confirmed it is developing the third-generation Ridgeline. Production of the current model stops after the 2026 model year, which lands at the end of this year. The replacement arrives within the next two years. So, expect something fresh by 2028 or 2029.
This isn’t a refresh. It’s a generational shift.
Design Shift: Borrowing From the Passport?
Lance Woelfer, Honda America’s VP of auto sales, dropped a key hint. The new Ridgeline will be rugged.
Rugged how? Probably by mimicking the current Passport SUV. We are talking bolder styling. More off-road cred. Not the subtle, unibody truck vibes we got used to. Woelfer said it will have “even more capabilities,” but stopped short of listing specifics. That’s standard corporate speak for “we’re upgrading the underpinnings but won’t tell you what’s new yet.”
Where will this new truck come from? Same Alabama plant that builds the Odyssey, Pilot, and current Ridgline. But the design work happens in Southern California. The engineering? Back in Ohio at the Honda Auto Development Center.
It makes sense. The Passport has found its footing. Why not give the truck that same confident, boxy look?
What’s Under the Hood?
Powertrain rumors are heating up.
The current Ridgeline uses a 3.5-liter J35Y six-cylinder. Single overhead cams. 280 horsepower. 262 lb-ft of torque. It works. It’s reliable. It’s also aging.
Reports suggest Honda is swapping it for the engine found in the new Pilot and Passport. The J35Y eight V6. Dual-overhead cams. No VTEC.
Why change a winning engine? Emissions. Strict regulations force hands. This new engine produces 285 hp in the Passport. The Ridgeline will likely match that output or sit right beside it. Same power. Smaller footprint in the compliance department.
When Does It Actually Arrive?
Timeline confusion is common. Honda hasn’t given a hard date. But industry reports paint a clear picture.
- Q4 2026: Current Ridgeline production ends.
- Q3 2028: Next-gen Ridgeline production reportedly begins.
- 2029 Model Year: The new truck likely arrives in showrooms.
That’s a tight window. Less than three years from now to kill the old and birth the new. Honda knows sales are strong despite the age of the current truck. Why break a best-selling formula? Unless they think a rugged, Passport-styled update will break the sales record even higher.
Is It Worth Waiting?
The Ridgeline has always been the “civilized” pickup. Good for carpools. Good for boats. Bad for hardcore towing compared to a Ram 1500 or F-150.
A more rugged design changes the conversation. It signals Honda is willing to fight for buyers who want some off-road capability without sacrificing comfort. It’s a smart move.
But does it need a total redesign? The current model is 10+ years old in automotive time. Yes. It’s due. The technology inside? Dated. The platform? Stretched.
The new Ridgeline isn’t just a facelift. It’s Honda trying to keep its head above water in the mid-size truck segment against Toyota and GM. A Passport-like attitude might just be the key.
We’ll see in a few years. Until then, keep your eye on Alabama.
