Honda redesigned the mid-size Ridgeline pickup truck for the 2017 model year and the segment has now been stronger than ever with the Ford Ranger on the US shores again and the Wrangler-based Gladiator truck closing to the on-sale date. Still, the Ridgeline remains the sole SUV-based truck with the uni-body design and the most refined ride manners. The towing capability suffers because of the SUV-like structure but the model provides versatility and capability many buyers need.
As for the next version of the Honda Ridgeline, the reports suggest the mid-update with some visual and interior upgrades. The Ridgeline could also gain Pilot’s 9-speed automatic transmission. Honda should also upgrade the infotainment system like in the recently refreshed Pilot SUV. However, some sources claim also the possibility of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid version. The brand promised the hybridization of the entire range of the light-duty trucks but wasn’t specific about the timeline. The hybrid version should adopt the Accord-like hybrid setup but Honda remains silent about the updates of the next Ridgeline.
2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Powertrain
What is sure about the 2020 Ridgeline is the return of the 3.5-liter V-6 engine sourced from the Pilot SUV and the six-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 280 horsepower and peak torque of 262 pound-feet. With this combo, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5, 000 pounds and carry up to 1, 570 pounds in the cargo bed.
However, Honda might finally offer the 9-speed automatic transmission recently revamped for the Pilot SUV which would provide smoother shifting in the mid-size truck.
On the other hand, the reports suggest also the possible introduction of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid version. No specific details have been provided in reports except that the setup should employ the Accord sedan-based powertrain. That should include an Atkinson cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with the pair of electric motors fed by the battery pack. This application in the Accord sedan provides 212 hp in total and it remains the question what performance would be provided in the case of the Ridgeline model.
2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Design
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid, if it arrives for the next model year, won’t differ much from the V-6-powered versions from the visual point of view. The reports claim the application of similar visual updates to the Ridgeline as on the recently updated Honda Pilot. The truck should gain new headlights and taillights combined with the revamped grille version. That should provide sharper front-end style while the truck will keep the same shape and dimensions as the current version.
If the hybrid version hits the road as the 2020 version, it will likely add unique badging and just a few details to distinguish itself from the conventionally powered versions.
Interior, equipment:
Inside the cabin, the Ridgeline should remain pretty much the familiar story. The interior design is almost identical to the cabin of the Pilot SUV.
Honda should, however, bring the next Ridgeline with the updated infotainment system but the base version should remain with the 5-inch touchscreen. The Ridgeline should also get other tech features updated and will offer the active safety systems as standard equipment.
The interior of the hybrid version would be nearly identical to the other versions with just several details hinting the greener powertrain version.
2020 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Arrival, Price
Honda hasn’t yet revealed the arrival of the hybrid Ridgeline version and we don’t have spy photos of the updated prototype yet. It could mean that refreshed Ridgeline and hybrid version could wait for the 2021 model year launch.
If the model comes as the 2020 version, the on-sale date should be in the late phase of 2019. The hybrid variant should cost in upper-$30k.
