Positioned in the midsize pickup truck segment, the Ridgeline is Honda’s most U.S.-focused model, aimed at buyers who want truck practicality with the added benefit of everyday comfort.
It is set to undergo a full redesign for its third generation within two years, and while it will preserve its lifestyle-oriented DNA, a major change this time around is likely the optional hybrid powertrain.
Here’s everything we know about and expect from the next-gen Honda Ridgeline and its potential hybrid variant.
Design
The Honda Ridgeline has gradually moved toward a more conventional pickup truck appearance since its 2005 debut. The second generation replaced the original’s distinctive sloping bedsides with a traditional pickup profile, while the facelift for the 2021 model year introduced a more upright and imposing front end.
As depicted in our exclusive renderings, the third generation is set to take this evolution further with a boxier shape and a more assertive stance. Central to this change should be squarish headlights with segmented, C-shaped daytime running lights, as revealed in Honda’s official teaser from July 2026.
A broad, rectangular grille should sit between the headlights and feature a hexagonal mesh pattern. The front bumper should look more muscular, with pronounced C-shaped contours surrounding the vertical air inlets at its outer edges and extending farther inward.
We also expect to see two vertically stacked lower air intakes, with the lower one repeating the radiator grille’s hexagonal mesh pattern. A skid plate should complete the lower bumper, while a flatter hood with pronounced sculpting should complement the overall tougher front end.
The side profile will likely see relatively subtle changes, including a revised beltline, reshaped wheel arches, redesigned mirrors and rocker panels, new sculpting on the doors and rear quarter panels, and a new range of 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
At the rear, the tailgate, taillights, bumper, and skid plate should all be new, but as with the side profile, the overall changes should appear less extensive than those at the front.
Interior
The next-gen Honda Ridgeline should retain its predecessors’ crew-cab-only configuration. It will likely feature a completely redesigned interior that makes the cabin look more spacious and modern.
We expect a slimmer, horizontally oriented dashboard with straighter lines and smoother integration with the front door panels for a cleaner, more cohesive look. The steering wheel and center console could also feature sleeker designs.
According to a Car and Driver report, Honda could be developing a new touchscreen infotainment system measuring around 15 inches. We think it could replace the Ridgeline’s 9-inch unit with this larger system in the next generation. The company could offer the new system in the next-gen Pilot.
We also expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in place of the semi-digital unit that combines a 7-inch display with an analog speedometer in the current model. The fully digital unit should feature customizable layouts.
Redesigned seats, new comfort functions, improved storage spaces, better material quality, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels will likely also be among the interior enhancements of the next-gen Ridgeline.
Specifications
V6 Hybrid
The next-gen Honda Ridgeline should be based on a heavily upgraded version of the current platform. We expect gas and hybrid variants, both featuring a newly developed V6 engine under the hood.
The hybrid powertrain can address one of the Ridgeline’s key shortcomings compared to its rivals: fuel efficiency. Honda will likely use the next-generation large-size hybrid system it showcased to media at a workshop in October 2025.
The Japanese automaker estimates its next-generation large-size hybrid system will offer an improvement of more than 30% over gas models, which, in the Ridgeline’s case, could mean the EPA-estimated combined rating going up from 20/21 mpg to 26/27 mpg. The company is also targeting an improvement of more than 10% in acceleration.
The first-ever Ridgeline Hybrid is likely to feature two traction motors assisting the V6 engine. The second traction motor will likely be a lower-output motor mounted on the rear axle to enable electric AWD. Compared to mechanical AWD, this setup should provide more low-end torque and improve the off-road capability.
S+ Shift
A new S+ Shift feature should give a driving experience closer to that of the gas variant with an automatic transmission. Steering-wheel paddles would let drivers select simulated gears, with the system adjusting engine speed and electric motor output to match.
Release Date & Price
The next-gen Honda Ridgeline will go on sale in the U.S. in 2028, although its potential hybrid variant may not arrive until 2029 or 2030. Honda has said it plans to launch D-segment or larger hybrid models in North America starting in 2029.
The current Ridgeline, priced from USD 40,795 (excl. USD 1,595 destination fee), is considerably more expensive than trucks such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma, which are priced around USD 30,000-33,000 in the base trim.
Pricing will be particularly important to the appeal of the potential first-ever Ridgeline Hybrid, which we estimate would command a premium of USD 3,000-5,000.
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive rendering of the next-gen Honda Ridgeline (Hybrid)
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
