The Honda Ridgeline is due for a mid-cycle refresh and these rumor mongers think that a hybrid and three extra speeds are in the works for 2020.

Since the second-generation Honda Ridgeline went on sale halfway through 2016, the unibody chassis truck, despite its detractors, has delivered a steady stream of sales to Honda to the tune of around 2,600 Ridgelines a month with no signs of slowing. While it’s a winning formula for Ridgeline customers, it’s not like improvements can’t be made.

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As per several seasoned rumor mongers with real-deal sources on VTEC.net earlier this week, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline is getting a slew of updates that should benefit new Ridgeline buyers without taking away from a combo of looks and features that are working.

Hybrid

First, the big news is a hybrid for 2020. According to Honda of Covington, the source of this first bombshell of an upgrade,

Also expected to join the lineup is a Honda Ridgeline hybrid, powered by a dual electric motor system with a 2.0-liter gas engine. This pairing offers you the power and range you need from a gas engine along with all the benefits of an electric vehicle. The hybrid Honda Ridgeline would be one of the first production hybrid pickup trucks released in the U.S.

Several reply comments indicate that Honda probably won’t swap in a 2.0L engine plus hybrid despite what Honda of Covington says. More likely, like the MDX Hybrid, Honda will add a sizable enough battery pack, perhaps like the MDX with its 1.3kWH size, and assist in torque vectoring as well as added punch and fuel efficiency.

It’s up in the air if Honda will add a Hybrid system to the 3.5L V6 already doing duty in the Ridgeline and end up with power numbers like in their RLX Sport Hybrid or, like the MDX Hybrid, utilize the slightly smaller 3.0L V6 also found in the RDX in China.

What’s inevitable will be a boost in combined power of 321-377 HP and 289-341 lb-ft.

Regardless, the added HP and lb-ft will be a welcome addition to a midsize truck that isn’t quite competitive, at least down low, with the likes of the Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

9AT

What we’ll probably see slotted in for 2020 is the ZF 9-speed automatic already in the Pilot, Passport, Odyssey, TLX, and MDX.

The addition of more gears and hybrid option should boost MPG with that highway figure perhaps touching 30 MPG.

This would also make the Honda Ridgeline the first true hybrid truck beating out the rumored Hybrid F-150.

Refreshed front end

When I say refreshed, I mean that in the lightest sense possible. The Ridgeline is already a sleek and attractive looking truck partly shaped by aerodynamics but partly thanks to a new design language veering away from the truck-like front end of the first generation.

Where exactly they’ll touch up the front end, your guess is as good as mine as there haven’t been any spy shots of this refreshed Ridgeline running around.

Other notable improvements for 2020

VTEC.Net user FPandolfi provided a succinct summary of the notable upcoming changes we should see in 2020 that isn’t the aforementioned Hybrid and transmission update, 

-LED lighting, at least on upper trims, if not all
-Pacific Pewter replaces Forest Mist color
-RTL-T eliminated
-Honda Sensing on more/all trim levels
-Revised instrument cluster similar to Pilot/Passport with updated infotainment units

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline should be, as mentioned, an incremental improvement over what is already a groundbreaking vehicle in its own right.

More power, more efficiency, perhaps more capability, what’s not to like?

Would you mob around in a Hybrid Honda Ridgeline? Let me know in the comments below?

33 COMMENTS

    • Great comment Jeff – I agree.

      Also needs a “Birdseye” view split screen when backing up. I’d also appreciate a handbrake or even better an automatic parking brake that lets off automatically when you go into gear rather than the far left foot brake. All of the reviews also state that the electronic interface is clumsy.

      • I would buy a Ridgeline in a minute if it had power mirrors and a locking tailgate. Seems like such inexpensive upgrade………….but, what do I know. I’ll stick with my big Ram 1500 until the Ridgeline can be equipped to my needs. Thanks.

  1. You guys just totally ripped off my post on vtec.net. Seriously, that’s called plagiarizing, when you don’t give the author credit. You didn’t even bother to put the bullets in your own words. Total rip-off.

    • Hi Fpandolfi, my apologies. I’ve corrected your quote with attribution and formatted the list to reflect that they aren’t my words.

  2. Yes I would buy this vehicle. The info is appreciated but not new FYI — either via vtec or this website. Merely a confirmation. The reliability of the 9 speed remains to be seen, as well as the smoothness of performance. But it is a total winner despite what ” the real trucks” fan club are saying. Agree that electronic interface is not top notch(clumsy). Will probabaly get a total upgrade in step with the Honda Pilot as that model upgrades its “infotainment” interface as well.

  3. Hey, let’s not forget those half opened rear doors. What I’ve seen on the internet it is an easy fix by swapping out the Pilot’s door keepers and Honda at the very least should do this…IMO.

  4. I’ve been patiently waiting since 2017 for the hybrid. I know it will be $$$, but I’m a tree-hugger who also wants a daily driver pickup. I’ve also been waiting for those rear doors to get fixed. Hopefully the person who designed them quit or was fired?

  5. I spoke to my local Honda dealer and he’s heard nothing definite about the Ridgeline Hybrid. Saya he won’t believe it until he sees it.

  6. I love my 2018 Ridgeline, however, all the improvements mentioned above are necessary. My wish list for the new and improved Ridgeline: a little more power (300 hp/300 lb-ft) would be much more exciting; locking tailgate (keyless of course); wider rear door openings; option for larger wheels (there’s a 20″ option for the Pilot, why not the Ridgeline?; more color options; and finally, if I could wish a truck into existence, I would give it a MDX front end, Acura badges, SH-AWD, Acura interior/exterior refinement, and a A-Spec option. Mid to high 50s price tag, I’d buy one in a heartbeat. I don’t know of any US mid-size sport luxury trucks. It’ll be sweet!!!

  7. Paddle Shifters please!!!! I need to be able to put this thing in low gear.. LOW.. Not “L” that is actually 2nd. I love this truck but need a low gear!!

  8. Take the arm rests off the seat and bring back center console armrest for the husky gentleman…put the 9 speed and 2019 pilot center cluster in, lock the tailgate , widen the rear door swing and I’ll say good bye to the bow tie forever!

  9. Agree on armrest (really hate the “clicking” into position adjustment).
    What I’d really love is an Acura MDXT or Truck version of the MDX – I know that’ll
    never happen, so everything you mention above, I’m in agreement.

    • Rear doors must open more.. All that enticing space is shortchanged by tiny opening. Get rid of floor rails for rear seats, making floor completely flat. Trans needs to be smoother at take off. Important safety items like blind spot detection should not cost a gazillion dollars. How about some exciting colors? I’m so over their dead pastel look. Breaks are smooshy and give no confidence.

  10. I have a 2008 with 350k plus trouble free miles light duty work truck
    And a 2019 ZR2 just make it look a little more like a truck than a mini van that someone took a saws all to
    Then I can replace my 08 with my new light duty work truck. ZR2 is weekend over lander and hunting Veh

  11. Buying a 21 ft Eclipse travel trailer in April 2020 which will peak out with careful loading at slightly less than 5000lb. Would really like a few more horsepower in the Ridgeline.
    Love all the Hondas I’ve ever owned.

  12. I want a Hybrid, and a much better electronics ( just test drove a 2019 E and we were all over the road), lane keeping etc. an app to control things like engine starting when further away, just copy some of the Tesla stuff.

  13. Just adding to what (Donald Bailey) said below,…Beefup the the Ridgeline Black Edition with the info below up to 350hp and like he side mid 50s price tag and I think you’ll have a winner. I’d get one in a heartbeat.
    Donald Bailey August 18, 2019 at 6:43 am
    I love my 2018 Ridgeline, however, all the improvements mentioned above are necessary. My wish list for the new and improved Ridgeline: a little more power (300 hp/300 lb-ft) would be much more exciting; locking tailgate (keyless of course); wider rear door openings; option for larger wheels (there’s a 20″ option for the Pilot, why not the Ridgeline?; more color options; and finally, if I could wish a truck into existence, I would give it a MDX front end, Acura badges, SH-AWD, Acura interior/exterior refinement, and a A-Spec option. Mid to high 50s price tag, I’d buy one in a heartbeat. I don’t know of any US mid-size sport luxury trucks. It’ll be sweet!!!

  14. Almost 70k on my 2017 RTL-E. Would love the 9 speed AT, Locking Tailgate. But the 1st on the priority list would be better brakes! Gota pump them to get the rears to really bite. The rear doors are not fun when loading/unloading but can be handled. I do too much highway driving to think a hybrid would be good, but those that live in urban areas would love that.

  15. above options are nice. Also ventilated / cooled seats are a necessary option for the hot days and leather seats. Can’t believe they have them in pilot but not ridgeline.

  16. Love everything about the Ridgeline but the look from the front. My wife wont let me buy one because it looks wimpy. Please think Tacoma or Ranger. Just our humble opinion.

    • Interesting, usually it’s the other way around, the husband thinking it’s too wimpy looking. Have y’all test drove em all? Apparently the Ridgeline’s ride is unparalleled for mid-size.
      Recently saw another comparo, this time from MW.
      https://youtu.be/1rxp8ePhNwo
      Anyway, usually if one half says it doesn’t look right, it’s a no go.

    • I agree that the Tacoma is the best looking truck – However, after test driving it I decided that the best thing about it is being someone else looking at it. If you’re the driver, it doesn’t even come close to comfort, ride, utility and overall comfort.

  17. Beware that 9 speed transmission. It’s been a total POS in the Pilot. I assume that’s why you couldn’t even get it on a Ridgeline, even in a high trim level, because if it couldn’t hold up to SUV duty it surely couldn’t hold up to any real truck duty. There is no way I would buy a Ridgeline with that transmission the first year it’s on the market. Maybe the kinks have been worked out of it… maybe not.

  18. The Ridgeline is the perfect pickup for the average HOMEOWNER ! Trips to home depot, minor towing is what 90% of pickup drivers do anyway . Americans buy based on want-not NEED . A truck that does that plus get good commuting mileage is a no brainer .
    Some people I know drive monster trucks and never haul anything while getting 10mph. Its all an ego trip period.

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