Honda Confirms Third-Gen Ridgeline, Current Model Production Ending

Honda has announced that production of the current 2026 Ridgeline midsize pickup will cease later this year as the company prepares for its successor. The third-generation Honda Ridgeline is officially under development and is expected to launch within the next two years, promising a more rugged design. This move signifies a significant update for Honda's offering in the competitive midsize truck segment.

Development and Design Focus

The upcoming third-generation Honda Ridgeline is being shaped by Honda's design team at its Southern California styling studio. Engineering efforts are centered at the Honda Auto Development Center in Ohio, combining regional expertise for the new model. A key objective for the new Ridgeline is to introduce an even more rugged aesthetic, evolving its appearance to align with contemporary truck market preferences.

For two decades, the Honda Ridgeline has been recognized for integrating innovative technologies and features tailored for recreational truck buyers. The next iteration aims to build upon this foundation, enhancing both its design and capabilities to meet the evolving demands of its target audience. This strategic development underscores Honda's continued presence in the midsize pickup category.

Manufacturing and Production Schedule

The third-generation Honda Ridgeline will continue to be manufactured exclusively at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant. This facility is a central hub for Honda's North American production, currently assembling the second-generation Ridgeline, along with the Honda Passport, Honda Pilot, and Honda Odyssey. The plant utilizes both domestic and globally sourced parts in its manufacturing processes.

The decision to pause production of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline later this year is a direct precursor to the introduction of the new model. This temporary halt allows the Alabama plant to retool and prepare for the manufacturing processes required for the updated pickup. Consumers can anticipate the arrival of the new Honda Ridgeline third generation within the next 24 months.

Honda's North American Operations

Honda maintains a substantial manufacturing footprint in the United States, with over 40 years of automobile production history. The company operates eight major auto manufacturing facilities across America, supporting a network of more than 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. This extensive infrastructure highlights Honda's deep roots in the North American market.

In 2025, approximately 99% of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were produced in North America, with about 60% specifically made in America. Honda's current lineup includes popular models such as the Civic, Prelude, Accord, HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Prologue, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey. The company's electrified vehicle offerings, including the all-electric Prologue SUV and hybrid-electric versions of the Accord, CR-V, Civic, and Prelude, accounted for nearly a third of its total sales in 2025, reflecting a broader industry shift towards electrification.

This transition signals Honda's continued investment in the midsize truck segment, with the upcoming Honda Ridgeline third generation aiming to build on its established reputation for utility and innovation. Buyers interested in the current model should note the impending production halt, while those awaiting the next generation can anticipate a more robust design from the Alabama-built pickup.