Honda Develops Third-Generation Ridgeline Pickup With Hybrid V6

Honda Motor Company confirmed the development of a third-generation Ridgeline pickup truck, expected to arrive at dealerships within two years. The company will cease production of the current model later this year to transition to the new version. This pause is reportedly necessary to integrate a newer dual-overhead-cam V6 engine to satisfy fuel economy commitments in California.

The upcoming model will feature a more rugged design and a hybrid V6 powertrain equipped with up to three electric motors. These updates are expected to improve fuel economy by more than 30 percent and increase acceleration by over 10 percent.

The vehicle is being designed at Honda's Southern California studio and engineered at the Auto Development Center in Ohio. Manufacturing will remain at the Alabama Auto Plant. Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda, stated that the next Ridgeline will advance the model's legacy while gaining more rugged capabilities.