2028 Honda Ridgeline Expert Review
More truck-y styling
Likely hybrid powertrain
SUV-like everyday comfort
Still not truck-y enough?
Probably only one cab/bed configuration
Towing, payload could trail rivals
Honda has confirmed that a third-generation Ridgeline is on the way following a production hiatus for the current truck. Expected to arrive in summer 2028, the redesigned pickup should retain its unibody, SUV-like character while adopting tougher styling, greater capability, and likely hybrid power.
Honda Ridgeline rivals include the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Ford Ranger. Here’s what we think you can expect when it’s fully revealed.
A rendering of what the 2028 Honda Ridgeline could look like is above.
What’s New
Although Honda has revealed little about the upcoming Ridgeline, here are some highlight features and details we think you can expect:
Basics
- Unibody construction expected to continue
- Updated naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 expected
- New V-6 hybrid powertrain likely
- More capable TrailSport model anticipated
- A reengineered suspension with up to 9.65 inches of ground clearance
Exterior
- More rugged, trucklike design
- LED headlights and taillights
- Roughly five-foot-long bed
- Flexible, versatile tailgate
Interior
- Four-door, five-seat crew cab
- Larger screens with upgraded user interface
- Improved driver-assist and safety features
This page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.
What We Think
Breaking from truck tradition is part of what gives the Honda Ridgeline appeal. Built on unibody architecture shared with crossover SUVs, it has better road manners than a typical frame-based truck. That makes it a nice daily companion, but limits its capabilities compared to a so-called “real” truck, as it is unable to cope with as much weight and is relatively challenged on rough terrain.
Honda doesn’t appear ready to turn the Ridgeline into a conventional body-on-frame pickup—and that is probably for the best. Instead, the third-generation truck should preserve its comfortable ride, practical bed, and everyday usability while addressing familiar complaints with tougher styling, improved off-road hardware, and potentially greater towing capability.
In fact, we think the 2028 Ridgeline may get a reengineered suspension with ground clearance of up to 9.65 inches, like the 2027 Passport. Also, a strong hybrid system could make the Ridgeline more convincing without sacrificing what distinguishes it.
Watch this space to stay informed on details of the new Honda Ridgeline as they emerge leading up to its reveal, likely for 2028.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Will the 2028 Honda Ridgeline Be a Hybrid?
Signs point to yes. Honda is developing a hybrid powertrain for its larger vehicles such as the Ridgeline and Pilot. It’s likely to be based around a new V-6 engine, with two electric motors supplementing the front axle and a third motor at the rear axle for all-wheel drive.
What’s still unclear is if the Ridgeline Hybrid will be an upgrade; a non-electrified V-6 could still be equipped in the standard truck.
New Ridgeline Cab and Bed
As ever, the 2028 Ridgeline is expected to be offered only in crew cab, shortbed configuration. That should enable the Ridgeline’s focus on lifestyle versatility, but drivers seeking longbed utility will have to look elsewhere.
Towing and Payload
It's too soon to know how much the new Ridgeline will be able to tow and haul, but we expect it to exceed the 5,000 pound towing and 1,583 payload maximums of the 2026 truck.
Will There Be a New Honda Ridgeline TrailSport?
As the new Ridgeline leans into a more rugged image, expect there to be a TrailSport model as part of the lineup. The future Ridgeline TrailSport might not arrive for a year or two after the standard truck, but when it does it could have hardware like knobby tires, taller suspension with ground clearance of up to 9.65 inches, underbody protection, and upgraded AWD. High-clearance bumper and TrailSport signature orange details are also likely parts of the package.
American-Made Honda Truck
Like the outgoing Ridgeline, the new Ridgeline will be built in Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama, manufacturing facility. That’s also where the Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey are produced.
When and How Much?
Expect the redesigned Ridgeline to arrive in summer 2028 with a starting price in the high $40,000 range.
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