Honda’s Next-Gen Ridgeline Takes Aim at the Tacoma with a Bold New Look

Honda is pulling the plug on the current Ridgeline this December, but don’t expect the unibody midsize pickup to stay sidelined for long. The automaker just dropped a heavily camouflaged teaser of the third-generation truck, slated to arrive in roughly two years as a 2029 model.

Early signs suggest Honda has finally cracked the code on a design that could win over traditional truck buyers without alienating its loyal fan base.

The first-generation Ridgeline drew criticism for its angular, almost toy-like styling, while the 2017 redesign swung too far in the opposite direction, borrowing minivan proportions from the Pilot. A 2021 facelift helped, but the current model still looks softer than most pickup shoppers prefer.

The new teaser hints at a more conventional, square-jawed front end, possibly borrowing cues from the redesigned 2026 Passport. Subtle body paneling between the cab and cargo box gives it a more traditional pickup silhouette, moving away from the flying-buttress look of the original.

Under the skin, the Ridgeline retains its unibody construction, but expect meaningful upgrades in capability. The new truck sits higher, with more ground clearance and a shorter front overhang for better approach angles. Honda has been beefing up off-road chops across its lineup, as seen with the Passport TrailSport, and that know-how should carry over here.

5-liter V6, rated at 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, is being dropped due to emissions regulations. A hybrid powertrain seems likely, promising better fuel economy and more low-end torque while boosting the Ridgeline’s 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The Ridgeline has quietly moved about 45,000 units annually, often pulling in buyers who want a pickup bed without sacrificing car-like comfort. A successful third generation could preserve that base while luring shoppers away from the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma. Honda has a real opportunity to strike the right balance here, and judging by the teaser, they might just pull it off.