Honda plans a comprehensive redesign of its Ridgeline midsize pickup for the 2028 model year, pivoting toward a more rugged aesthetic than the current generation. The third-generation truck will shed the Ridgeline's traditionally car-like proportions in favor of a tougher, more aggressive stance that appeals to buyers who want genuine truck visuals alongside the model's known practicality.
The move signals Honda's recognition that the midsize truck segment has evolved. Buyers increasingly demand vehicles that look purposeful and capable, not refined and civilized. Rivals like the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma have all strengthened their truck DNA in recent years, and the Ridgeline's softer presentation has become a liability in an increasingly competitive space.
Honda's current Ridgeline, launched in 2017, occupies an unusual niche. It offers unibody construction, exceptional ride quality, and a practical in-bed trunk system that competitors lack. These advantages appeal to owners who use trucks for weekend recreation rather than daily work. However, the model sacrifices the aggressive truck proportions and rugged design language that dominate buyer psychology in this segment.
The 2028 redesign will address this disconnect. Expect bolder body lines, more prominent wheel arches, a higher beltline, and a more angular front end. Honda likely retains the unibody foundation that enables the Ridgeline's road manners, but the visual execution will tilt decidedly toward truck authenticity.
Powertrain details remain unconfirmed. The current 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic. Electrification is possible given Honda's broader product strategy, though a midsize truck electrified