Honda Pauses Ridgeline Production Until 2028 Over Emissions

Honda suspends Ridgeline output as it retools for 2028 return

Honda will halt production of the Ridgeline in the fourth quarter of 2026 and restart manufacturing in 2028 with a refreshed model, the company has confirmed. The midsize pickup's temporary withdrawal from assembly lines is being framed as a response to evolving emissions requirements, but industry observers say the move also gives Honda breathing room to reallocate resources after costly investments in electric vehicles.

Why the pause?

Honda says the current Ridgeline powertrain no longer meets the newer, stricter emissions standards the company must account for. At the same time, shifts in Washington — including recent legislative changes and an Environmental Protection Agency rollback of the 2009 Endangerment Finding that underpinned federal greenhouse gas rules — have altered the regulatory landscape for automakers. That regulatory uncertainty may be part of the backdrop as Honda times a model refresh.

Insiders tell Automotive News that the short-term fix will be a mid-cycle refresh in 2028 rather than a full new-generation launch. That refreshed Ridgeline is expected to keep the 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC engine with about 280 horsepower, updated emissions controls, plus revised tech and styling. No change to the V6's factory-rated output is planned for the interim model.

What to expect from the 2028 refresh

The 2028 update should be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, acting as a bridge while Honda completes development of a full next-generation Ridgeline early next decade. Reported highlights include:

• Refined exterior and interior design details
• Updated infotainment and driver-assist technology
• Compliance-focused tweaks to the 3.5L V6 i-VTEC
• Continued use of the global light-truck unibody platform shared with the Pilot and Passport

Honda sources say buyers will perceive the 2028 truck as a next-generation product in terms of tech and packaging, even though the underlying architecture remains the current unibody design.

Longer-term strategy: hybrid powertrains and a new generation

The real shift arrives with the next full redesign, expected in the early 2030s. That model is slated to introduce a hybrid powertrain that integrates the V6 and an electric motor, moving the Ridgeline toward electrified performance without abandoning what fans like about the V6. The hybrid system is intended to improve fuel economy and emissions while preserving towing and payload capabilities.

This phased approach — a short production pause, a mid-cycle refresh, then a full redesign with hybrid tech — mirrors a broader trend in the industry where manufacturers aim to balance immediate compliance and consumer demand with longer-term electrification plans.

Production and market impact

The Ridgeline is built at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln. Its high domestic content and local assembly have made it one of the most 'American-made' midsize pickups on the market. During the two-year pause, Honda plans to shift capacity to higher-volume models produced in North America, such as the Odyssey minivan, Passport SUV, and Pilot SUV. Reports indicate Odyssey output could rise by about 20% before year-end to meet demand.

For consumers, the pause means the dealers' inventory and used market could tighten for Ridgeline trims, especially popular configurations. Buyers seeking a midsize unibody pickup will still have alternatives from rivals, but the Ridgeline's unique blend of carlike ride, cabin comfort, and V6 power will be missed by loyal customers.

"Think of the 2028 model as a carefully timed refresh that keeps the Ridgeline relevant while Honda finishes a proper hybrid successor," one source close to the matter said.

Bottom line

Honda's decision to stop Ridgeline production through 2027 is driven by a mix of regulatory positioning and pragmatic resource management. The short-term refresh should maintain the truck's core appeal — the 3.5-liter V6, unibody platform, and practical utility — while the forthcoming generation aims to introduce electrified powertrains and more modern tech. For buyers and enthusiasts, the message is clear: no new Ridgeline until 2028, and a bigger transition is coming soon for the midsize pickup segment.