Honda Ridgeline May Disappear For 18 Months Before A Hybrid Comeback
Honda's Only Truck Is Taking a Break
The Honda Ridgeline has always played by its own rules in the American truck market. It's one of the last unibody pickups left, sharing that distinction with the Ford Maverick. While most rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger stick to body-on-frame construction, the Ridgeline goes the other way, prioritizing crossover-like comfort while still delivering the utility expected of a midsize truck.
That approach has earned the Ridgeline a loyal following, even if it's never been a big seller. For Honda, though, it's the Japanese marque's only pickup in the US lineup, so if it steps away for a while, the brand will be without a truck in showrooms.
That's exactly what might happen, according to Automotive News. Honda is said to be planning a production pause for the Ridgeline starting in late 2026, lasting about a year and a half.
A Hybrid-Flavored Comeback Is Possible
According to the report, the break will give Honda time to update the Ridgeline to meet upcoming emissions standards. Production is said to be resuming in the second half of 2028, with a refreshed Ridgeline rolling out of Honda's Alabama plant. Expect new styling, updated parts, and a revised V6 engine that should make it feel like a next-generation model.
If the report is on the mark, the Ridgeline's comeback could be about more than just meeting emissions rules. Honda has already talked about expanding its hybrid lineup in North America, with bigger SUVs and light-duty vehicles set to get newer electrified systems soon.
The updated Ridgeline will likely keep its V6, but there's talk that it could eventually get Honda's latest hybrid setup, which pairs a new engine with two electric motors. That should help with efficiency and give the truck more low-end torque, which is always welcome for towing or hauling. For the Ridgeline, it could mean a bit more muscle without losing the easygoing character that sets it apart from the usual body-on-frame crowd.
Honda itself is keeping details close to the chest. In a statement, the automaker said the Ridgeline "remains an important model" in the lineup and described it as one of Honda's stronger conquest products, adding that it will continue to play an important role in the brand's future.
Honda Shifts Focus While the Ridgeline Sits Out
While the Ridgeline is on break, Honda is expected to use the production space for higher-volume models like the Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey. That's a logical move, since the Ridgeline has always been a niche player. In Q1 2026, it sold just over 10,000 units in the US, putting it near the bottom of Honda's sales chart alongside specialty models like the returning Prelude and the Prologue.
There's reason to be optimistic, however. The Ridgeline is still one of the most comfortable and practical choices in the midsize truck segment, even if it doesn't have the tough-guy image of its body-on-frame competitors. With a new look, better efficiency, and the possibility of a hybrid option, Honda's only pickup could have a stronger argument when it returns. If the hybrid setup delivers on fuel economy and capability, the Ridgeline might finally claim a bigger share of the truck market.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 8:30 AM.