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Can we believe these redesign changes for the 2026 ?

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45K views 192 replies 52 participants last post by  Sparkland  
#1 ·
I've been holding off for a redesign. The AI YouTube generated videos surface every summer but these rumors seem like more than rumors. Thoughts ?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is expected to receive a significant redesign, featuring a more rugged and truck-like appearance while maintaining its unibody construction. Key changes include a bolder front fascia with a squared-off grille and sharper headlights, a more upright stance, and a visually separated bed from the cabin. The interior is also expected to be updated with a more driver-focused layout and improved technology, including a larger touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Rumors suggest a potential hybrid powertrain option as well.



Here's a more detailed breakdown of the potential changes:
Exterior:
  • Bolder Front End:
    The 2026 Ridgeline is expected to have a more prominent grille and redesigned headlights, possibly with triple LED projectors, enhancing its presence and giving it a more aggressive look.
  • Refreshed Body Lines:
    The sheet metal will be updated with crisper body lines, more pronounced fender flares, and new rocker panel moldings.
  • Squared-Off Hood:
    The hoodline will be higher and more squared off, contributing to a more imposing stance.
  • Separated Bed:
    The bed will appear more visually distinct from the cabin, addressing previous feedback about the Ridgeline resembling an SUV with a chopped-off rear.
  • Redesigned Tailgate:
    The tailgate will be redesigned with deeper stamping for a more traditional truck appearance.
  • New Wheel Designs:
    Wheel sizes will range from 18 to 20 inches, with new alloy wheel designs specific to different trims.
  • Functional Side Vents:
    Functional side vents will be incorporated near the wheel arches to improve airflow.
Interior:
    • Driver-Focused Layout:
      The cockpit will be reworked to be more driver-centric, with improved materials and a more intuitive layout.
  • Larger Touchscreen:
    A larger touchscreen, possibly 12.3 inches, will be a prominent feature, along with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
  • Improved Technology:
    The infotainment system will be upgraded with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda's latest interface.
  • Smart Storage:
    Expect more clever storage solutions inside the cabin to enhance practicality.
Powertrain:
There are strong rumors suggesting a hybrid powertrain option, possibly using a variant of Acura's 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors.


With a new platform and potentially a hybrid powertrain, the towing capacity could see an increase.


Other Notable Changes:
The 2026 Ridgeline will maintain its unibody construction, setting it apart from traditional body-on-frame competitors.


The redesign aims to improve approach and departure angles, enhancing off-road capabilities.
 
#2 ·
We can absolutely without any doubt or question believe every single one of those things. As soon as the 2026 comes out and we see them in person on a dealer lot. Until that happens they're the government and they're here to help.
 
#4 ·
The key word in the description of the 2026 Ridgeline is expected. I'm not a prognosticator but I expect the RL to be a carryover for 2026. There have been no reports of test mules for a revised/updated Ridgeline anywhere on the web. If there are any changes they would be limited to paint colors, wheel designs and features/trim shuffling. The Passport is Honda's latest offering and it appears that it's a hit among potential buyers although price may be a hindrance for some. The focus will be on pumping out Passports as it is more mainstream/popular vehicle compared to the RL and will rake in more $$$ for Honda.
 
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#64 ·
"The focus will be on pumping out Passports as it is more mainstream/popular vehicle compared to the RL and will rake in more $$$ for Honda." Except Honda sells a lot more Ridgelines than Passports. I firmly believe that none of the items in that 2026 list are happening to the Ridgeline.
 
#172 ·
I own a 23 RL and wife has a 24 Passport...both great vehicles that are very similar in many ways, BUT passport has a nicer ride. seems wider also when driving, but home runs as far as design and mechanical. Looking to maybe trade the RL for the 26 hybrid!
 
#6 ·
I've been holding off for a redesign. The AI YouTube generated videos surface every summer but these rumors seem like more than rumors. Thoughts ?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is expected to receive a significant redesign, featuring a more rugged and truck-like appearance while maintaining its unibody construction. Key changes include a bolder front fascia with a squared-off grille and sharper headlights, a more upright stance, and a visually separated bed from the cabin. The interior is also expected to be updated with a more driver-focused layout and improved technology, including a larger touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Rumors suggest a potential hybrid powertrain option as well.



Here's a more detailed breakdown of the potential changes:
Exterior:
  • Bolder Front End:
    The 2026 Ridgeline is expected to have a more prominent grille and redesigned headlights, possibly with triple LED projectors, enhancing its presence and giving it a more aggressive look.


  • Refreshed Body Lines:
    The sheet metal will be updated with crisper body lines, more pronounced fender flares, and new rocker panel moldings.


  • Squared-Off Hood:
    The hoodline will be higher and more squared off, contributing to a more imposing stance.


  • Separated Bed:
    The bed will appear more visually distinct from the cabin, addressing previous feedback about the Ridgeline resembling an SUV with a chopped-off rear.


  • Redesigned Tailgate:
    The tailgate will be redesigned with deeper stamping for a more traditional truck appearance.


  • New Wheel Designs:
    Wheel sizes will range from 18 to 20 inches, with new alloy wheel designs specific to different trims.


  • Functional Side Vents:
    Functional side vents will be incorporated near the wheel arches to improve airflow.

Interior:
    • Driver-Focused Layout:
      The cockpit will be reworked to be more driver-centric, with improved materials and a more intuitive layout.


  • Larger Touchscreen:
    A larger touchscreen, possibly 12.3 inches, will be a prominent feature, along with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.


  • Improved Technology:
    The infotainment system will be upgraded with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda's latest interface.


  • Smart Storage:
    Expect more clever storage solutions inside the cabin to enhance practicality.

Powertrain:
There are strong rumors suggesting a hybrid powertrain option, possibly using a variant of Acura's 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors.



With a new platform and potentially a hybrid powertrain, the towing capacity could see an increase.


Other Notable Changes:
The 2026 Ridgeline will maintain its unibody construction, setting it apart from traditional body-on-frame competitors.



The redesign aims to improve approach and departure angles, enhancing off-road capabilities.
Wow! So much detail to your rumormongering.
 
#8 ·
The Ridgeline will get the new 2026 Passport treatment for a pickup truck.
There will be limited trims like Passport just basically 3 offered. Then you have some appearance trims.
It will be featuring the Amber Daytime Running Lights in top trims like Passport
Hybrid will come later 2027 or they could Roll it with redesign Ridgeline sooner.
More off-road capability less plush street.
So I am describing 2026 Passport and Passport TrailSport trims.
I pretty sure the Ridgeline will take same path.
 
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#10 ·
With a good inside contact I was told no new redesign yet at this point. Said still a couple years down the road. Sure they may do some body modifications but personally I think their previous bigger bold masculine Pilot front grill and hood don't look at all good. It looks awkward. Plus the new Pilot looks like it's been "Bronco-ized" Honda should remain on a path where they're not copying all the body-on-frame trucks with the Ridgeline. Seems they've sold fairly consistent numbers every year.

I'd say if Honda wants to pursue the BOF trucks they should build a body-on-frame design of their own. See which sells better. I think the Ridgeline has a market that no one else has covered. They have a true mid-size, not compact, truck with a functional design for people who may not have a need for what the BOF trucks have.


But right now Honda is spending significant time on their hybrids. I'm wondering if they won't do a hybrid engine for the Ridgeline. That would be interesting.

Honda is focused on what is essentially a road-only truck for people who know they'll not be going seriously off road. It appears they are embracing their target market where the buyer doesn't need to tow 7500 lb, doesn't need more than 7.6" clearance, doesn't need a high/low range, and won't be doing any rough off roading or rock climbing. But the target market people do need a decent size bed without building a full size BOF truck and they do want a roomy interior with a good ride and responsive handling as a daily driver. They want a refined classy looking truck, not something with the front end looking like it's built of Lego blocks or belongs in a Builder Bob cartoon.

There is no way they're gonna go thrash what would be around a $35,000-$60,000 truck off road scratching up the paint and banging off of ruts, rocks, trees and such. Not gonna run Baja.
 
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#18 ·
With a good inside contact I was told no new redesign yet at this point. Said still a couple years down the road. Sure they may do some body modifications but personally I think their previous bigger bold masculine Pilot front grill and hood don't look at all good. It looks awkward. Plus the new Pilot looks like it's been "Bronco-ized" Honda should remain on a path where they're not copying all the body-on-frame trucks with the Ridgeline. Seems they've sold fairly consistent numbers every year.

I'd say if Honda wants to pursue the BOF trucks they should build a body-on-frame design of their own. See which sells better. I think the Ridgeline has a market that no one else has covered. They have a true mid-size, not compact, truck with a functional design for people who may not have a need for what the BOF trucks have.


But right now Honda is spending significant time on their hybrids. I'm wondering if they won't do a hybrid engine for the Ridgeline. That would be interesting.

Honda is focused on what is essentially a road-only truck for people who know they'll not be going seriously off road. It appears they are embracing their target market where the buyer doesn't need to tow 7500 lb, doesn't need more than 7.6" clearance, doesn't need a high/low range, and won't be doing any rough off roading or rock climbing. But the target market people do need a decent size bed without building a full size BOF truck and they do want a roomy interior with a good ride and responsive handling as a daily driver. They want a refined classy looking truck, not something with the front end looking like it's built of Lego blocks or belongs in a Builder Bob cartoon.

There is no way they're gonna go thrash what would be around a $35,000-$60,000 truck off road scratching up the paint and banging off of ruts, rocks, trees and such. Not gonna run Baja.
I would mostly agree except that here in lots-of-wet-snow country (not that dry fluffy stuff out west) it doesn't take much for the RL's excellent AWD system to be hobbled by its Camryesque ground clearance, which is exacerbated by its even lower lip spoiler. AWD doesn't work that well when the belly pan is floating on 10" of wet snow. By all means go back to a cheaper good-value 2WD RL model for that segment, but make something (or provide space for larger wheels/tires) that would allow the AWD to do its thing

I really doubt any major RL redesign is in the works. Too conservative a buyer demographic with stable sales and too many other irons in the fire, like trying to rush out an EV into a suddenly anti-EV marketplace. Obviously the CR-V gets most of the attention, then the Civic. Any big changes will no doubt show up in the Pilot first
 
#22 ·
I think there is going to be a redesign of sorts for 2026. The 2024-25 RL's are basically unchanged between years, they have to do something. There's no news on a redesign because they need to move the 2025 RL's. Honda learned a lesson with all the 2025 Passports still on dealership lots, don't announce a redesign until later in the year. Just my prediction.
 
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#24 · (Edited)
The 2026 Passport was spied on a TFL video released on 9/11/24 and the official Honda Press release on the 2026 Passport was released on 2/11/25. I forget how long the 2025 Ridgeline is allowed to be in production but if there is any news here my guess is it's within 90 days. Huge discounts lead me to believe that the RL will live on with a redesign with some hefty price increases. If I has to guess it comes down to do you want a 43k Black Edition today or a Passportized top of the line 26 Ridgeline for mid 50's.
 
#31 ·
What "objective" evidence do you have that the Ridgeline suspension is objectively poor?
Odd. Mine rides great. It’s extremely compliant and seems to be very well damped - not bouncy or dead feeling. Body motions are controlled and I hardly feel any NVH from the road in the frame of the truck. Sounds like you’re either hyper sensitive or you have something wrong with your truck.

I sure would hate spending my hard earned money on a truck that I don’t like driving. Why sit here and complain about it when you could just go trade it in on a half ton truck?
Oh boy. Glad you feel the suspension is fine! I'm happy for you! I'm not going to trade in the only truck that fits in my city garage and carries 4x8s. Didn't buy it for it's "lauded car like suspension".

From my point of view, which is not going to be invalidated by anyone here successfully, Honda should have and could have done much better on a truck that is actually quite expensive. I really just do not understand people who can't discuss something without defensively lecturing. As if a vehicle forum must contain only positive sentiment, "what oil are you using" discussions, and debates over tonneau covers. Common, guys and gals... you aren't Honda's forum reputation defense league.

Look... you own it, I own it... doesn't mean we have to be totally complimentary of it. I bought my fridge for a reason... but there's a couple things I don't like about it. There are compromises in life. I'm living with it. Doesn't mean I can't want a manufacturer to do better next time in the next model.

Honda could have and should have done better here. I actually know a few of the YouTuber car reviewers and they kept quiet about their surprise about their disappointment with the suspension contextual to it supposedly being "more car like vs. truck like" (i.e., there are indeed primed talking points and deviation has consequences, which is why so many of them say the same thing).

FWIW: To answer Farther... 10 years of Mustang aftermarket suspension testing and refinement for time trial racing (I know how suspensions work, is the point), driving another Ridgeline to compare and experiencing the same (to ensure my truck wasn't the problem), having a friend with the same truck notate this to me unprompted when we found out we had the same truck one day, driving all the other midsize trucks during my buying period, owning other trucks, having driven approximately 20 different vehicles this year alone while traveling, and... unnecessarily feeling road imperfections transmitted through the chassis felt especially at my feet.

And by "damped" I am referring primarily to the transmission of NVH (both mechanical vibration and thump noise) into the chassis by the suspension and/or the chassis' ability to dissipate it so it goes unnoticed. It also has excessive brake dive that, in my case, resulted in a very squirrely emergency slow down from 80 MPH to 40MPH when I was cut off on a road trip I take twice a year. Had to do the same with my Ford Ranger Tremor twice because of geniuses who make desperate moves to not be stuck behind semi trucks... it was far more stable. I strongly hope that Honda does better in the next model. They can, and they should because I'm willing to bet potential converts from more traditional trucks took this for a ride and walked away for this very reason.

Learn a bit about damper NVH testing:
 
#32 ·
FWIW: To answer Farther... 10 years of Mustang aftermarket suspension testing and refinement for time trial racing (I know how suspensions work, is the point), driving another Ridgeline to compare and experiencing the same (to ensure my truck wasn't the problem), having a friend with the same truck notate this to me unprompted when we found out we had the same truck one day, driving all the other midsize trucks during my buying period, owning other trucks, having driven approximately 20 different vehicles this year alone while traveling, and... unnecessarily feeling road imperfections transmitted through the chassis felt especially at my feet.
I'm not questioning your credentials, only your statement (and also the longest run-on sentence I have ever seen). Your opinion is not objective (it's subjective) and conflicts with the equally subjective opinion of most on this forum.
 
#35 ·
Because if they intend on competing with all the other midsizes that just got refreshed... they might want to pull a few ideas out of the bin in a special edition or something. The front/rear body design refresh was extremely necessary when that happened, but IMO too late. I would have never bought a Ridgeline without that. I'd be willing to bet a new Trailsport with an actually lifted front end (at least) and 265 tires would gain a lot of attention right now. Just need to adjust the wheel well liner enough to accommodate most any tire without risking a rubbing issue. Next iteration of the Ridgeline - if there is one - better not come with 245s again or it'll lumber along like it has again as the majority of midsize truck buyers I'm willing to bet want a taller tire.
 
#36 ·
@italianhandyman you should really learn more about the Ridgeline, this forum and its members before making so many comments that you already have, as some are relatively erroneous. You're making yourself look like a fool before anyone gets to know you and takes a chance to really listen to you.

IOW, if you want to provide valuable input, take a breather. Learn a bit, research a lot, and develop a rapport with members. Perhaps then others will take more stock into what you have to say. To come in here guns a'blazin' is the wrong approach, at least for the ROC. We tend to verify, then trust, then verify again, simply because the Ridgeline is likely one the most misunderstood vehicles out there, and misinformation about it already abounds.
 
#38 ·
Erroneous = wrong or incorrect. Nothing I've said has been that. I know more than you think about the Ridgeline. I made a very careful, researched decision. It is, bar none, the most practical (for the vast majority of use cases) midsize pickup truck sold today for dozens of reasons. The most important of which is... if the Ridgeline wasn't an option, I'd need a full-size truck. No thanks, doesn't fit in the garage... they've become so big it's just ridiculous.

Whatever the speculation is about a refresh or redesign, NONE of it addresses critical opportunities for improvement (i.e., suspension). Trust me, nobody in the mid-size pickup market is hoping for wheel arch vents, for example.

I want to see the Ridgeline succeed and NOT be last in sales (aside from the Gladiator which is really a specialty vehicle that I see equipped with huge chrome rims more than anything that costs a bloody fortune from a manufacturer I wouldn't trust to babysit an empty paint can).

Anywho, I'll cool off, as you suggest.
 
#44 ·
What's wrong with the dampers? Truck seems to ride fine to me - haven't noticed a bouncy ride and it certainly doesn't feel overdamped.
What "objective" evidence do you have that the Ridgeline suspension is objectively poor?
I feel my 25 RL is at its limits with everyday driving. That is to say it has nothing to spare. I have other 4wd vehicles with better built suspension and they do handle rougher roads significantly better.

Note: I’m talking about what I encounter on my commute, not off-road. To me, discussions of more ground clearance and suspension travel make no sense for the road-bound RL.
 
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#46 · (Edited)
I feel my 25 RL is at its limits with everyday driving. That is to say it has nothing to spare. I have other 4wd vehicles with better built suspension and they do handle rougher roads significantly better.

Note: I’m talking about what I encounter on my commute, not off-road. To me, discussions of more ground clearance and suspension travel make no sense for the road-bound RL.
I would like to understand you better. I find the complete opposite. In daily driving on the road, it obliterates other trucks in handling more like a car, way better than a truck this size has any business doing in canyon carving. The suspension is compliant and beyond super comfy. And yet, really planted. Something like an F150 feels like Ive gone back to the Flintstones era.

It's also way better off road in chip-seal and relatively level off-road well traveled dirt road, and even modestly off 'baja' style roads. I constantly see the live axel F150s on our roads slow to a 12mph crawl (shaking them like a bond martini inside their cabin) while im flying 50mph in barcalounger comfort. Even on my ranch it does crazy well up stupid grades off road, again, in nearly superhuman comfort.

Where it does like poop is anything that requires significant clearance.

So Im super curious where and what kind of environments bring the RL to the limit in a daily capacity. Very counter to my experience.

Maybe they could just revise the original ridgeline and update it a bit. :) I think truck sales will suffer as long as they keep upping the price for a car with a bed. El Caminos were always a cult following. Maybe they could work with Nissan to make a real truck ??? The RL is a really comfortable vehicle and plenty of people like it but it really needs a bigger brother that is more capable. Then they could downsize the RL. I would like a bit more ground clearance and pulling capabilities. I have a Tacoma with 2 wheel drive (limited slip rear, prerunner) that is more capable off road than my Trailsport.
I'm not fully understanding you as you seem to be advocating for both a larger, and smaller RL. So do you mean they should expand the RL line to have something like a Small Medium and Large line of trucks?

For me, I really wish they would make a true trailsport for the RL like they did for their SUVs, with full protection plating on the bottom of the car. That would get me to an 80/20 happy place.

Additional improvements, I would really like is IMPROVE THE BRAKES. They are mediocre at best. I do not have the 'squishy brake' problem some people have had here, but the stopping power of these brakes is mediocre at best.

If I'm dreaming, I would love some kind of 4x4 lock mode.

I personally do not want a hybrid, I LOVE the V6 and it's way too nice an engine for a truck, but I would like them to add that option for those that do want want the hybrid option.

Lastly, I'm of mixed opinion on raising the truck. While I would love the extra clearance on occasion, I don't want to compromise its insanely good (for a truck) handling on highways/canyons, and lifting the center of gravity could compromise it a decent bit. If they could raise the truck like 1.5" without compromising the normal road handling too much, I would be very down for that upgrade too.
 
#47 ·
I would like to understand you better. I find the complete opposite. In daily driving on the road, it obliterates other trucks in handling more like a car, way better than a truck this size has any business doing in canyon carving. The suspension I complain and beyond super comfy. And yet, really planted. Something like an F150 feels like Ive gone back to the Flintstones era.

It's also way better off road in chip-seal and relatively level off-road well traveled dirt road, and even modestly off 'baja' style roads. I constantly see the live axel F150s on our roads slow to a 12mph crawl (shaking them like a bond martini inside their cabin) while im flying 50mph in barcalounger comfort. Even on my ranch it does crazy well up stupid grades off road, again, in nearly superhuman comfort.

Where it does like poop is anything that requires significant clearance.

So Im super curious where and what kind of environments bring the RL to the limit in a daily capacity. Very counter to my experience.
If chip-seal is off-road, then the RL is the perfect vehicle for you. Probably 90% of my secondary local roads are oil & chip. They are fine, but rough road patching that has bucked, or just poor, old patches are not the RL’s forte. The suspension is just passable and suffers from built-to-cost. Chatter and transmission to the cabin are annoying.

Conversely, I have several coil spring solid axle trucks that eat rough roads up, further souring my RL impression.
 
#48 ·
I am stunned that anyone would say that "the Ridgeline's suspension is objectively poor" - not because I am precious about Ridgeline's but because I can objectively say that the Ridgeline's ride and suspension is probably the best I have ever experienced outside of an extremely high end motor vehicle.

My review of my Ridgeline included the phrase "magic carpet ride" and it still rides like that.
 
#50 ·
The state one lives in is a factor. New Jersey doesn't have the best roads around. And if he drives to Pa around Phila then he's treated to some more terrible ones. The 422 out of King of Prussia is just unbelievable for a state who has the highest gas taxes around.
 
#54 ·
I'd like to see an increase in the length of the drive train so there could be more room in the back seat. I went back and forth in going with the Ridgeline again (had a 2007 before) or going with another brand because of the (shorter) legroom in the backseat.

Also, would like to see the steering wheel be positioned in the middle of the driver. I have a 2025 Trailsport. The steering wheel is a about an inch to the right of center of the driver. It fatigues me when traveling.

Thirdly, I'd like to see a transmission with say 6 gears rather than the 9. 9 gears don't seem to be tuned for driving on the highway in the USA even on flat terrain. It fights itself in downshifting at 75-80 mph. 9 gears are overkill.
 
#55 ·
I'd like to see an increase in the length of the drive train so there could be more room in the back seat. I went back and forth in going with the Ridgeline again (had a 2007 before) or going with another brand because of the (shorter) legroom in the backseat.

Also, would like to see the steering wheel be positioned in the middle of the driver. I have a 2025 Trailsport. The steering wheel is a about an inch to the right of center of the driver. It fatigues me when traveling.

Thirdly, I'd like to see a transmission with say 6 gears rather than the 9. 9 gears don't seem to be tuned for driving on the highway in the USA even on flat terrain. It fights itself in downshifting at 75-80 mph. 9 gears are overkill.
Well, my 2017 has a six-speed :) But it's supposed to blow up any day now (approaching 90K miles). Never noticed the seat is offset to the wheel - a whole inch you say :) - nothing like my old Land Rover Defender for sure

As to rear seat room - compared to what? Did the Gen1 have more room in back? My G2 RL's rear seat has more legroom than a pal's 3/4 ton GMC and certainly more than a Tacoma. I can easily sit behind myself and I'm 6'2"+ with long legs
 
#58 ·
Impractical solutions for driving rough roads at posted limits aside, the RL is generally a nice, comfortable ride. It is built to a cost though, and that does limit ride quality. For me, I am happy with my civic-with-a-bed daily driver.
 
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