Report: Honda Ridgeline Will Be Discontinued for 18 Months Until It Returns with a V6 Hybrid.
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The Honda Ridgeline will be going on a break. This midsize pickup is set to take an approximate 18-month hiatus so Honda can refine its powertrain to comply with upcoming emissions standards. Like the Pilot and Passport, which share its platform, the Ridgeline currently uses an outdated V6. Soon, all three will receive upgrades, and it appears the Ridgeline will undergo a noteworthy redesign alongside this.
As reported by Automotive News, the remodeled powertrain for the Ridgeline will debut with an aesthetic refresh designed to “give the impression of a next-generation truck,” as stated by an anonymous Honda source.
A Honda representative informed The Drive, “Ridgeline remains a key model in our lineup and is one of our leading conquest models with a unique appeal in both the industry and the pickup segment. The Ridgeline will continue to have an essential role in our product portfolio now and in the future.”
When it returns from its break, the Ridgeline will still feature a V6 engine, but it will be complemented by two electric motors. While this may seem complex, it reflects Honda’s hybrid system design. This dual-motor configuration not only delivers electric power to the wheels but also serves as a substitute for a traditional transmission since Honda’s hybrids do not require one.
Accompanying this new hybrid system is a completely redesigned V6 engine. Honda claims that this new combination will result in a 10% enhancement in “full-throttle performance” (though the definition of that is unclear) and a 30% boost in efficiency. In essence, it should be both more enjoyable to drive and more fuel-efficient. While it’s debatable how much “fun” the Ridgeline’s engine needs to be—given that’s not primarily its purpose—we’re open to a little extra power if it's available.
Honda’s new V6 is expected to replace the current engine wherever it is offered, which includes the SUVs mentioned earlier, the Ridgeline, as well as the Odyssey and Acura MDX. We anticipate the others won’t require a sales pause for this update, but you can never be too sure these days, right?
Have a news tip? Contact us at tips@thedrive.com!
Update 5/26/2026, 11:31 AM ET: This story was updated to include a statement from Honda.
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Report: Honda Ridgeline Will Be Discontinued for 18 Months Until It Returns with a V6 Hybrid.
The midsize pickup will take a break until 2028 as Honda introduces a new dual-motor hybrid powertrain and updates its design.