The Ridgeline has occupied a somewhat unusual place in the midsize truck market since the launch of its second generation. Unlike rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma, Honda’s pickup has leaned heavily toward comfort and road-focused usability rather than off-road specialization. Even so, the model has remained a stable seller for the brand.
Honda plans to suspend Ridgeline production while preparing a redesigned version that will feature a newer generation V6 engine. The report notes that the automaker is simultaneously increasing production of the Passport and Odyssey during the Ridgeline’s absence.
Honda Preparing an Updated V6 Engine for the Next Ridgeline
The current Honda Ridgeline uses the company’s 3.5-liter J35Y6 V6 engine equipped with a single overhead camshaft design. Honda’s newer V6 architecture, identified as the J35Y8, already powers the Pilot and Passport models and features dual overhead cams while dropping the VTEC system.
According to Automotive News, Honda is also developing a completely new V6 engine intended to support the company’s next-generation hybrid system. The automaker says these future engines will deliver improved fuel efficiency along with better acceleration under full throttle.
The redesigned Ridgeline arriving in 2028 will receive a V6 capable of meeting tighter emissions regulations. Honda has not released additional technical specifications or performance figures tied to the upcoming truck.
Honda Shifting Production Focus to Passport and Odyssey
During the Ridgeline production pause, Honda is expected to increase output of the Odyssey minivan and the Passport SUV. The Passport recently received a major refresh for the 2026 model year, helping boost demand for the model.
According to Motor1, Honda sold 14,045 Passports during the first quarter of 2026, representing a 20.1 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier. Over that same timeframe, Ridgeline sales reached 10,980 units, reflecting a smaller 0.3 percent increase.
Rumors surrounding the Odyssey’s future have also circulated in recent months. The report mentions speculation that Honda has extended the current minivan’s lifecycle until 2030, when a redesigned version is expected to arrive.
Ridgeline Remains a Steady Seller Despite Fierce Competition
Although the Ridgeline has never matched the sales volume of segment leaders, the pickup has continued attracting buyers even late in its lifecycle. Honda sold 48,448 Ridgelines in 2025, marking a 7.2 percent increase over the previous year.
Sales for the model reached their highest level roughly two decades ago when Honda sold slightly more than 50,000 units of the first-generation truck. Its continued presence in the market has stood out because of its design differences compared with more traditional body-on-frame rivals.
The Toyota Tacoma remains the dominant model in the segment. Toyota sold 274,638 Tacomas in 2025, maintaining a substantial lead over Honda’s pickup in total volume.
Even with the upcoming production pause, Honda appears committed to keeping the Ridgeline in its lineup rather than discontinuing the model entirely.
