Written byKnown for its unibody construction, car-like handling, and versatile nature, the Honda Ridgeline has carved a respectable niche in the midsize pickup truck class. The Ridgeline, which uses a unibody design rather than a traditional body-on-frame setup, offers a better ride than its traditional rivals. It is ideal for buyers who want truck utility but prefer a car-like feel. With anticipation mounting in the U.S. for the next-generation model, when will the 2026 Honda Ridgeline go on sale? Will Honda introduce it near the end of 2025, or will it be a 2026 model?
Honda hasn’t confirmed a release date, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the next Ridgeline appear in late 2025 before landing in dealerships in early 2026. Honda will need to keep up with offers like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado if it wants to preserve Ridgeline’s competitive edge, thanks to substantial changes from competitors. It may also adopt a more rugged look, modern technology, and a hybrid powertrain for greater efficiency and performance.
The 2026 Ridgeline will undoubtedly be due upgrades in power, towing, and the all-important off-road capability if Honda sticks to its regular refresh schedule. It may also receive a tech update with a larger touchscreen, more premium materials, and newer Honda Sensing safety gear added to the mix. As demand for fuel-efficient pickups rises, there’s even talk Honda will roll out a hybrid version to attract Eco-friendly customers.
As the official on-sale date approaches, we should learn more about the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. In the meantime,Honda’s soon-to-launch midsize pickup promises a new approach on how pickups and vehicles in the class should be packaged, but still with a healthy dose of Honda’s legacy of reliability. Of course, we will keep you updated with news on the Ridgeline’s release date, specs, and pricing as it becomes official!
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Expected Release Date of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Honda has not confirmed a specific release date for the 2026 Ridgeline, but it looks to hit the market in late 2025 as a model year 2026. This is in line with Honda’s standard refresh and launch schedule. Still, Honda could also delay the launch until early 2026 if production schedules and supply chain issues dictate the timing of the launch.
Significant updates to the current Ridgeline were made for the 2021 model year when the design became more adventurous. Off-road-focused upgrades finished off the reputation for comfort of just about the only remaining crossover pickup on sale. Based on the update cycles of Honda’s new vehicles, a complete redesign for the Ridgeline is expected sometime in 2026, meaning a late 2025 launch is a strong possibility.
What Changes Could the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Bring?
Honda isn’t saying much about the 2026 Ridgeline, but several reports suggest that significant changes are coming. Here are some of the various areas we could see an improvement:
1. Hybrid or Electrified Powertrain
Revised for the 2026 model year, with additional electrification in the pipeline for the broader automotive sector, a hybrid version of the Honda Ridgeline could certainly be in the cards. Today, the Ridgeline comes with a 3.5-liter V6, making 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. A hybrid Paynes powertrain may allow for greater efficiency without sacrificing any of the rig’s capabilities.
2. All-New Platform with Greater Towing Capacity
The Ridgeline could switch to a new platform for the 2026 model year, potentially one it shares with the next-generation Honda Pilot. This may translate to structural improvements, additional rigidity, and more excellent towing capability, whatever the current truck managed, 5,000 pounds max.
3. Enhanced Cabin and Advanced Technology
Honda has been slowly refreshing its interior design across the lineup, adding nicer materials, updating that dash in a more contemporary style, and adding some advanced features as well. Given how Honda has integrated these features into other models, a larger infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, and the latest version of Honda’s safety suite could all debut in the 2026 Ridgeline. We can expect features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and potentially a premium audio system.
4. Off-Road-Oriented Trim
Today, the Ridgeline has a TrailSport trim, which adds off-road-oriented enhancements. The 2026 model could build on that by adding more ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and possibly a little better suspension tuning to match the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Ford Ranger Tremor.
Competition and Market Positioning
Midsize truck action is hot, as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado are all new or freshly updated. The 2026 Ridgeline will have to deliver many improvements to remain a contender.
The Ridgeline’s unibody construction is one of its strongest points of differentiation, enabling a more comfortable ride than body-on-frame competitors. Linking those numbers might be easier if most truck buyers weren’t so fond of body-on-frame, the traditional choice for towing and off-road, too. Honda could take the third path by building on its strengths with the Ridgeline and making versatile work vehicles of its own.
Pricing Expectations
Pricing for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline isn’t yet available, but a slight bump over the current model’s base price can be anticipated. Given that the 2024 Ridgeline has a base price of about $40,000, a starting price nearer $42,000 would be likely for the next-gen model, especially if Honda offers a hybrid variant.
Honda doesn’t provide a specific date, but we expect the 2026 Ridgeline to be on sale in late 2025 or early 2026. Expect it to get a hybrid powertrain, improved off-road prowess, and a tech-heavy cabin, all of which would make it well-positioned among midsize pickups.More details about the highly anticipated 2026 RidGeline is coming soon from Honda, so stay tuned!
