Update (May 28, 2026): ‘Hybrid powertrain for large vehicles’ updated and ‘Major refresh planned’ added.
The second-generation Honda Ridgeline is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month. While its sales numbers are not all that great compared to Toyota and Chevy offerings, the nameplate registered a 6.6% YoY increase to 48,448 units in the U.S. in 2025.
Honda continues selling the midsize truck as a gas-only model in North America, but a Ridgeline Hybrid in the U.S. market this decade isn’t a wild idea. Let us explain.
Hybrid powertrain for large vehicles
Honda needs a new hybrid powertrain for the Odyssey, Ridgeline, Pilot, and Passport to truly leverage the demand for large hybrid vehicles in the U.S. The company is developing an all-new hybrid powertrain for D-segment and larger models designed for North American markets.
At a press briefing on May 14, 2026, Toshihiro Mibe, Honda’s Director, President, and Representative Executive Officer (Global CEO), announced plans to introduce the all-new hybrid powertrain in 2029.
Mibe didn’t call out the model names, but it is not hard to imagine that electrified versions of the Ridgeline and Passport will follow the Pilot Hybrid into American dealers.
To meet strong demand for large-sized hybrid vehicles in North America, in 2029, we will launch large-size hybrid models in the D-segment or above, featuring powerful driving and towing capability with high environmental performance.
Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, and Representative Executive Officer (Global CEO), Honda (2026 Honda Business Briefing on May 14, 2026)
Honda showcased the upcoming hybrid powertrain at a technology workshop held in November 2025, releasing some preliminary details. The company is developing an all-new V6 gas engine and electric motors to constitute this system.
It is aiming for a fuel efficiency improvement of more than 30% and a driving performance improvement of more than 10% compared to current gas-powered models. That would hypothetically mean an EPA-est. combined fuel efficiency of around 27 mpg for the Ridgeline Hybrid.
Major refresh planned
Before introducing the hybrid powertrain, Honda will roll out a major refresh for the Ridgeline. According to a report Automotive News published on May 26, 2026, Honda plans to end the production of the current Ridgeline in fall 2026 and replace it with a significantly updated version in 2028.
While they may not be direct competitors, the Toyota Tacoma offers a hybrid option which is popular in some parts of the U.S., whereas a hybrid powertrain for the Ford Ranger is in the pipeline.
Design
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has some rugged attributes, but its softer shape and styling convey quite clearly that it is a lifestyle-oriented vehicle rather than a proper workhorse like the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma. While the soft design helps it stay honest, it is also somewhat outdated in 2026.
With high ground clearance, a conventionally proportioned boxy cab, and short overhangs, the 2026 Ridgeline has nearly an authentic pickup truck look. While we like it, not all shoppers are convinced about the front-end which lacks the powerful and commanding stance seen on its body-on-frame rivals.
On our wishlist for the new Ridgeline Hybrid are a higher and more pronounced hood, more aggressive headlamps, and one or two more inches of ground clearance, besides a design overhaul.
Interior
During our time with the truck, we felt that the interior of the 2026 Ridgeline has a functional, truck-like character, but it is starting to show its age.
The bulky dashboard with vertically oriented center air vents, the four-spoke steering wheel, and the wide center console add some visual heft and convey a sense of robustness, but the design and decor can use a rethink.
A more upright, boxier dashboard, along with assist handles on the A-pillars for the new Ridgeline with the hybrid system would be on our interior wishlist.
We would also expect the semi-digital instrument cluster, which looks behind the times, to be replaced with a fully digital unit, and the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system to be replaced with a new unit that integrates cleanly into the dashboard.
Price
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline’s prices range from USD 40,795 to USD 47,895, excluding USD 1,495 destination and handling fees.
In Canada, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline continues to be offered exclusively with AWD. The 2026 Canadian-spec Ridgeline starts (selling price, excluding taxes and fees) at CAD 56,136 for the Sport trim and reaches CAD 62,136 for the Black Edition.
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We’ll update this page as we learn more about the future plans for the Ridgeline.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
