We have good news and bad news about the Honda Ridgeline. The good news is that it’s about to be upgraded with a total redesign to have a more confident look and boost in power. But the bad news is that we might have to wait until 2025 for the Honda Ridgeline Hybrid to emerge. 

• The Honda Ridgeline is set for a redesign to enhance its appearance and power, with rumors pointing to the 2025 model for potential changes.
  
• The introduction of a Honda Ridgeline Hybrid has been delayed to 2025, but it’s expected to boost the model’s competitiveness in its class.
  
• The only other mid-size truck with a hybrid engine in the U.S. market is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, with delays affecting competitors like the Jeep Gladiator 4xe and Ford Ranger PHEV.
  
• The redesigned Ridgeline is anticipated to feature a boxier look, advanced tech, and AWD, but it will remain a unibody truck rather than a traditional body-on-frame build. The Ridgeline TrailSport could have rugged upgrades too.
  
• Details about the power and specifications of the Ridgeline Hybrid are still pending, but it’s expected to deliver over 300 hp and might feature a PHEV setup to improve towing capacity. The transmission is expected to be a 10-speed automatic.

When is the Honda Ridgeline being redesigned?

Rumors suggest that the 2025 Honda Ridgeline could be redesigned, and there is plenty of time left this year for it to debut. We could see the new Ridgeline this summer, and it might be available in the fall.

Clues about the potential Honda Ridgeline Hybrid track with this timeline. Giving the Ridgeline a hybrid powertrain would give it an incredible boost against rivals. Currently, The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is the only mid-size truck in the class with electric power.  

The Jeep Gladiator 4xe just got pushed back, and the Ford Ranger PHEV isn’t coming to the United States. The new Kia truck is a wildcard because it could be electric or have an ICE powertrain.

Nissan just pumped the brakes on an electric Frontier, but they haven’t shared anything about a Frontier Hybrid yet. 

When the Ridgeline is redesigned, it’s expected to have a boxier look, wider stance, a revamped interior, advanced tech, and enhanced capabilities. But it will still be a unibody truck with AWD instead of having a traditional body-on-frame build with true 4×4 capabilities. 

How much power will the Ridgeline Hybrid have? 

We’re still waiting on official specs for the new Honda Ridgeline Hybrid. Currently, the Ridgeline features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed transmission.  

It tows the same amount as the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is in the class below it. The Ridgeline can carry a payload of up to 1,583 lbs, which is more respectable. 

It gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. That’s typical for trucks in its class, but figures for the Tacoma Hybrid haven’t been released. Also, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 lbs, making it the weakest in the class. 

The 2.0-liter setup in the CR-V hybrid might not have enough power for the Ridgeline due to its larger size and extra weight. It could borrow the discontinued setup from the Acura MDX. It paired a 3.0-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for 320 hp and over 30 mpg. 

All clues suggest that the Ridgeline Hybrid will use an existing Honda engine with an electric motor and battery pack to generate over 300 hp. It could be a PHEV truck, too. 

Hopefully, it will improve the towing capacity. Also, it’s expected to be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

What do we know about the Ridgeline TrailSport? 

Even if the Honda Ridgeline Hybrid or redesigned model doesn’t debut in 2025, we could still see the addition of the Honda Ridgeline TrailSport. It’s expected to follow the Honda Pilot TrailSport’s lead. 

Update 11/07/23: The 2024 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport isn’t as rugged as expected. It has a few suspension tweaks but didn’t get new or enhanced components like the Pilot TrailSport. Steel protects the undercarriage, but there aren’t skidplates.

There are no tow hooks or extra off-roading modes either. There isn’t a lift kit, but the ground clearance sits at 7.9-inches. It rides on 18-inch five-spoke wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. It looks the part with unique Blue paint and orange accents, though.

Expect it to ride on larger all-terrain tires with a suspension lift. The current Ridgeline has a ground clearance of 7.6 inches, which doesn’t cut it. Also, skid plates will protect the undercarriage, and a more aggressive look could be complemented by tow hooks. 

Unique suspension upgrades to improve stability and durability may include stabilizer bars, retuned MacPherson struts, and a new multilink setup in the rear. 

The TrailSport could get the second-generation torque vectoring i-VTM4 AWD system that handles 40% more torque and a 30% faster response time to optimize traction in various conditions. 

Extra driving modes may include new Trail, Sport, Tow, Sand, Snow, Eco, and Normal modes with standard hill descent control. 

The Honda Ridgeline needs significant changes to tackle rivals. It’s currently last in sales. Stay tuned for updates, but in the meantime, do you think the Ridgeline Hybrid or more rugged TrailSport trims are enough to make this truck more popular?