Honda Ridgeline Goes On 18-Month Hiatus — Will Return With Hybrid Powertrain

Honda will pause Ridgeline production for roughly 18 months to overhaul its powertrain, with the hiatus beginning later this year and the refreshed model debuting for the 2028 model year. The automaker cited tightening emissions regulations as the reason for replacing the current naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, which can no longer meet future standards. The redesigned Ridgeline will feature Honda’s dual-motor hybrid system, already used in passenger vehicles, paired with a newly developed V6 engine. This setup eliminates the need for a traditional transmission, delivering power more efficiently and improving fuel economy by approximately 30%. Full-throttle performance is expected to increase by around 10%, making the truck more competitive in a segment prioritizing torque and drivability. The current Ridgeline’s 280-horsepower V6, based on a decades-old J35 architecture, has lagged behind rivals like Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost engines and Toyota’s hybrid powertrains in the Tacoma and Tundra. Honda aims to address this gap with the hybrid upgrade, reinforcing the Ridgeline’s strengths in comfort and daily usability rather than off-road capability. The refresh will also include updated styling to position the Ridgeline as a next-generation truck, differentiating it from body-on-frame competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger. Honda has emphasized the Ridgeline’s importance in its lineup, signaling commitment to modernizing the model while retaining its unique identity. While exact specifications remain unconfirmed, industry reports suggest the hybrid system will enhance low-end torque and quiet operation, aligning with consumer demand for more efficient and refined trucks. The pause in production allows Honda to fully develop the new powertrain and design before reintroducing the Ridgeline in 2028.