Honda is set to temporarily halt the manufacturing of its Ridgeline pickup for about 18 months. This suspension is a direct consequence of the truck's current engine not aligning with new environmental regulations. While Honda maintains the Ridgeline's significance in its portfolio, this pause will enable the company to develop a significantly updated model. The revised Ridgeline, boasting enhanced styling and a more contemporary V-6 engine, is slated for a comeback in late 2028, paving the way for a fully redesigned, hybrid-architecture version in the subsequent decade.
The announcement regarding the Ridgeline's production pause comes after a series of similar adjustments to Honda's manufacturing schedule, affecting popular models like the Accord, HR-V, and Odyssey, as well as Acura's MDX and Integra. The core issue for the Ridgeline lies in its aging powertrain. The truck currently utilizes an older SOHC V-6 engine, which differs from the more modern DOHC V-6 found in Honda's Pilot and Passport SUVs. This older engine configuration is reportedly the primary reason for its non-compliance with impending emissions requirements.
The halt in production is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of the current year and is projected to last for roughly 18 months. During this period, Honda aims to thoroughly upgrade the Ridgeline to ensure it meets future regulatory benchmarks. Despite requests for further details regarding inventory levels or specific future plans, a Honda spokesperson emphasized the Ridgeline's continued importance, highlighting its unique appeal within the truck market and its role as a key conquest model for the brand.
This interval will allow Honda to implement critical updates, with the refreshed Ridgeline expected to feature notable styling revisions and incorporate Honda's newer V-6 engine. It's important to note that this 2028 iteration will be a refresh, not a complete overhaul. The next-generation Ridgeline, which will introduce an entirely new hybrid architecture, is anticipated to launch in the early 2030s, signaling a long-term commitment to the model's evolution.
This strategic pause underscores the automotive industry's ongoing efforts to adapt to stricter environmental regulations and consumer demands for more efficient and technologically advanced vehicles. By temporarily removing the current Ridgeline from production, Honda is making a calculated move to ensure the model's longevity and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market, setting the stage for its return with a powertrain that aligns with modern environmental standards and a design that reflects contemporary automotive trends.
