Next Honda Ridgeline Adopting Traditional Truck Style

[AF News Desk]

Honda is hard at work on an all-new Ridgeline and is searching for new ways to turn the truck into a success.


To improve its sales the next-generation Ridgeline will have to be somewhat different than the current model. “No one wants to have to explain why they bought what they bought,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. That probably happens quite a bit with today’s Ridgeline, which is rather odd looking, especially compared to classic full-size pickups like the F-150 or Silverado.

Mendel said the new version will have more truck like-proportions and traditional styling than today’s Ridgeline. He also mentioned that it probably won’t have “as sharp an edge,” ostensibly meaning it will be less polarizing.

From a capability standpoint the current product offers quite a bit. This car-based pickup drives like a minivan and sips fuel like one, too. Customers appreciate some of its innovative features including a trunk hidden underneath the bed and a tailgate that can either fold down or swing open.

The 2016 Ridgeline is set to hit the market sometime in 2016 with an all-new Odyssey minivan following at some point after that as the company continues to update its light-truck portfolio.

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