Mitsubishi Leans On Nissan for New EV Models
Mitsubishi borrowed the Nissan Leaf to make the new Eclipse Sportback, and other models will follow.
Rumors about the Honda Ridgeline’s demise have been floating around for a while, but that’s not quite what’s happening. The automaker reportedly plans to pause production for around 18 months while it retools the truck’s powertrain to meet tighter emissions standards. Returning for the 2028 model year, the updated Ridgeline will feature a revised V6 engine and other changes intended to give the impression of a generational overhaul.
Automotive News reported the story, saying Honda would halt production at its Alabama facility for about a year and a half. The changes will be significant enough to make it look like a next-gen truck, but we don’t yet know how Honda will position the Ridgeline when it comes back. Beyond its powertrain, the truck will gain new styling elements and will likely get updated technology and safety features inside.
The new Ridgeline will carry a more efficient version of the V6 engine it has had for years. Honda uses that mill in a few other vehicles, including the Passport, Odyssey, and Pilot, and it’s expected to gain hybrid power in future variants to boost torque, towing, and acceleration. The automaker’s hybrid system is a little different than others, replacing the transmission with electric motors. The report didn’t detail how the new setup could impact the Ridgeline’s towing numbers.
Honda plans to slot other vehicles into its Alabama facility while truck production is offline, and the report noted that the automaker would increase output of the Odyssey minivan and other models to keep inventory flowing to dealers.
These changes could help the Ridgeline gain ground in the ultra-competitive midsize truck market. It’s Honda’s second-worst-selling vehicle, beating only the Prologue, and it holds the same position in its segment, ahead of the Jeep Gladiator but falling behind all others.
