All-new Honda Ridgeline Pickup to Debut Within Two Years

12/10/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Design sketch reveals styling direction for Next-Gen Honda truck
• Current Ridgeline production will end mid-2014
• Sales of Ridgeline up 29 percent in 2013

An all-new Honda Ridgeline pickup truck will come to market in less than two years and, today, Honda shared a sketch expressing the new truck's styling direction. Honda also confirmed that production of the current Ridgeline (http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/), built exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama, will conclude in mid-2014.

Like the innovative first-generation model that earned 2006 North American Truck of the Year and Motor Trend Truck of the Year honors after its fall 2005 debut, the next-gen Ridgeline is being designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. at its Los Angeles and Ohio R&D centers.

The Honda Ridgeline broke new ground in the American pickup market with its unique design featuring a spacious five-passenger cabin, smooth ride and handling, and half-ton truck capability. The first truck of its kind to be built on a closed-box unibody platform, the Ridgeline introduced innovative new features to the pickup segment, such as its large In-Bed Trunk® and dual-action tailgate.

"The next generation Ridgeline will build on Honda's role in creating new value with a new take on advancing form and function in the truck segment," said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With a clear path forward, Ridgeline will play an even more important role in our future product portfolio and strengthen an already class-leading lineup of light trucks."

Sales of Ridgeline have enjoyed strong momentum in 2013, strengthened recently by the introduction of a new top-of-the-line Special Edition model for 2014, with sales totaling 16,160 units through the first 11 months of the year, an increase of 29 percent. 

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/all-new-honda-ridgeline-pickup-to-debut-within-two-years

Remembering the 2005 Honda Ridgeline Street Sport Concept

Well, it's been official for awhile, Honda is going to be redesigning the Honda Ridgeline, it will be expected to come out as a 2016/17 model, and will be expected to be an early introduction for 2015/16.  Honda has also been talking about retiring the vehicle for 2015 while they ready the Next Gen.  I for one would wish that Honda would just come out with a Ultra-Limited Edition that would look closer to the 05 Ridgeline Street Sport Edition.  Wishful thinking.

Pictures Source;
http://www.netcarshow.com/honda/2005-ridgeline_street_sport_concept/

Next Generation Honda Ridgeline Truck Update

Well, no specifics yet, Honda is keeping their cards close to their chest on this one, no spyshots, renderings, official release date, concepts, .... nothing.  The original idea is that this truck would be redesigned for 2014, late in the year, from what rumours I am hearing is that this truck may not be released until mid/late 2014 as a 2015 model. 

Again, I have no idea if they are going to put a diesel (doubt it) engine into this truck.  I cannot see them going up to the 3.7L, seeing as Honda said that they will put a heavy emphasis on fuel economy this go around, so expect to see VCM cylinder deactivation, and Earth Dreams.  I would have to say I would expect a 6 Speed Automatic VS a CVT.

I expect the size to be about the same, I don't see Honda throwing their hat into the full size segment just yet (if ever).

I do expect something innovative that no one saw coming (like the in bed trunk) to compliment all of the other upgrades.

Stay tuned for any other updates.