Honda announced Thursday that a third‑generation Ridgeline pickup will debut within two years, with production slated to pause later in 2026 to make way for the new model.
New Design and Build Plans
The upcoming Ridgeline will retain its U.S. design roots in Southern California and engineering work in Ohio, according to the automaker’s release. A teaser image shows a more rugged silhouette, signaling a shift toward a tougher aesthetic.
Despite the redesign, the truck will continue to be assembled at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant, which also produces the Passport SUV, the Pilot SUV, and the Odyssey minivan.
Honda did not confirm whether the next Ridgeline will carry a hybrid powertrain, but it noted that all North American plants will be equipped to build hybrids.
Market Context and Sales Data
The midsize pickup segment is heating up, with rivals such as Ram, Kia and Mitsubishi preparing new entries. Honda’s second‑generation Ridgeline, launched for the 2017 model year, has seen steady sales growth. The automaker reported 48,448 U.S. units sold in 2025, a rise of roughly 7 % from the previous year.
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These numbers suggest the model has gained traction despite early skepticism. Keeping production in Alabama highlights the plant’s strategic importance as Honda evaluates potential new facilities in the United States.
Competition is intensifying, with several manufacturers expanding their lineups to include more capable trucks and crossover‑style pickups.
Honda’s broader strategy has shifted away from pure electric vehicles. Last year the automaker cut its global EV investment by $21 billion, focusing instead on hybrid technology. It also postponed an $11 billion EV and battery hub in Ontario, Canada, redirecting resources toward gasoline and hybrid models.
In May, the company announced a $28 billion investment targeting new gasoline and hybrid vehicles. The plan includes repurposing capacity at Ohio plants that were originally slated for an EV hub, allowing those sites to produce hybrid and conventional powertrains.
There is also a joint‑venture battery plant near Jeffersonville, Ohio, called L‑H Battery Company. Honda indicated it may adapt part of that facility’s output to manufacture hybrid batteries for its U.S. lineup, potentially feeding the Alabama plant.
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Compared with past introductions, this rollout mirrors an earlier shift from a dedicated EV line to a more diversified powertrain mix, a pattern seen when the company canceled its 0 Series EVs and the Afeela sedan earlier this year.
The combination of a sturdier design and the possibility of hybrid technology could position the third‑generation Ridgeline as a more competitive option in a crowded segment.
Honda has not set a specific launch date, but the “within two years” timeline suggests a 2028 market debut.
The commitment to keeping production in Alabama affirms the plant’s role in the automaker’s North American strategy.
