Honda Ridgeline Production Pauses This Year Before Return with Redesigned Truck

Honda has officially confirmed that the Ridgeline pickup truck will enter a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama manufacturing facility, with assembly resuming within two years as a completely redesigned third-generation model. The Japanese automaker revealed the pause was necessary to address emissions compliance issues while developing an all-new truck that promises significantly enhanced off-road ruggedness and capability compared to the current car-based platform.

Production Timeline and Facility

The Ridgeline currently produced at Honda's Alabama plant will cease production later in the year, with manufacturing expected to resume by 2028. This marks a deliberate shift in Honda's approach to its midsize pickup segment. The company has tasked its design studio in Southern California with creating the new exterior while its Auto Development Center in Ohio handles engineering responsibilities. Assembly will continue at the Alabama facility once the next generation enters production.

Design and Performance Upgrades

Honda teased the new Ridgeline with silhouette imagery showing a four-door pickup with a noticeably boxier appearance, signaling a departure from the smooth lines of current models. The automaker emphasized that the redesigned truck will feature "even more rugged design" intended to appeal to customers seeking greater off-road capability. Industry analysts expect the new generation to draw styling inspiration from Honda's recently launched Passport SUV, which was engineered with trail-oriented performance in mind.

Under the hood, the next-generation Ridgeline will reportedly adopt a hybrid V-6 powertrain equipped with up to three electric motors. This powertrain is projected to deliver acceleration improvements exceeding 10 percent and fuel economy gains surpassing 30 percent compared to current gas-only engines. The hybrid system represents a significant technological advancement for Honda's truck lineup as the automaker pursues efficiency and environmental compliance.

Market Context

The Ridgeline redesign arrives as Honda's CR-V compact crossover leads U.S. auto sales for the first time in company history during the first half of the year. However, the Ridgeline faces considerable competitive pressure—its sales declined approximately 3 percent during the same period, with annual volumes between 41,000 and 52,000 units since 2021. By contrast, the Toyota Tacoma, which leads the midsize pickup segment, sold over 270,000 units. Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda Motor, stated that expanding the Ridgeline's capability will help serve loyal customers while attracting new buyers seeking a more rugged truck experience.