The Third Generation Honda Ridgeline Could Finally Make It Popular
The Honda Ridgeline has long been the brand’s attempt at a pickup truck. Despite coming with things like a standard V6, a long list of features, and a comfortable ride, it has never really won over consumers looking for a truck. But, with the introduction of an all-new Honda Pilot, that could change. And that is because the Ridgeline midsize truck shares much of its DNA with Honda’s three-row SUV.
Will Honda update the Ridgeline?
The second-gen Ridgeline truck arrived for the 2017 model, and with a new Honda Pilot here, it makes sense that Honda would give its pickup a legitimate update. The 2023 Pilot SUV has a lot to like about it. It comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, and it’s more in line with Honda’s current design language.
The updated Pilot certainly makes the Honda Ridgeline feel dated. Especially with a Trailsport trim. This trim gives Honda’s SUV some pretty good off-road capability. And that is something that the second-gen Ridgeline lacks.
For instance, if Honda gave its midsize truck skid plates and maybe a factory lift, it is easy to see the Ridgeline becoming more popular. Especially if it retained its standard V6 engine and all-wheel drive.
Consumers don’t love Honda’s truck
In terms of sales, the Honda Ridgeline has never done all that well. It earns praise from places like Car and Driver, but that has not translated into attention from consumers. The Ridgeline is more expensive than other midsize trucks on the market. But at the same time, it is not as capable. Plus, folks seem to enjoy a truck that actually feels like a truck.
Because Honda’s midsize pickup rides on a unibody platform, driving one feels more like a car or SUV rather than a truck. The good news is that each second-gen Ridgeline has a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The only other midsize truck that comes with a standard V6 is the 2023 Nissan Frontier.
Will there be a third-generation Ridgeline?
It’s hard to say if Honda has real plans to bring the Ridgeline into its third generation. With an updated Pilot already here, maybe by 2025, that is something that we will see. Rumors have been circulating that Honda’s truck could get a hybrid powertrain. But, because the Pilot has retained a traditional V6, a new Ridgeline would likely do the same.
Perhaps the best change for this small truck would be the introduction of a Trailsport trim. In the video above, you can see that the Honda Pilot Trailsport is legitimately capable. And, after all, isn’t that what folks want from a pickup?
Of course, until Honda confirms what’s going on with the Ridgeline, this is just speculation. But, the third-gen Ridgeline could be what this truck needs to finally win over shoppers. If the past is any indication, Honda will have to change quite a bit to keep up with other midsize trucks on the market.
