The current Ridgeline is supposedly dead and until a next-gen model arrives.Front view of a gray Honda SUV splashing mud on a dirt road with LED headlights on.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreThe Honda Ridgeline is experiencing an unexpected death. The Japanese automaker will be punching the stop button on the model’s production later this year. And it’s apparently due to its failure to meet the latest round of emissions compliance.AutomotiveNews broke the word about Honda’s decision. Although the production pause isn’t expected to happen until the fourth quarter of 2026. It will put the Ridgeline on hiatus for about 18 months.An unforeseen end to the current RidgelineHonda’s current-gen controversial, yet beloved Ridgeline pickup will be coming to an abrupt end later this year. - Credit: HondaBecause Honda will be pausing the Ridgeline’s production for up to nearly two years, that timing essentially brings an end to the current model’s series production lifecycle. Once the Honda hits the pause button, the Ridgeline apparently won’t come back until 2028 going into 2029.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhich is around the time Honda had planned to launch a third-gen model. The current Ridgeline launched in 2016 as a 2017 model-year car. Meaning, it’s over a decade old at this point.Although a major source of debate in the pickup world, the Ridgeline earned cult status among fans. - Credit: HondaThat’s long by any production model lifecycle metric and it’s typically indicative of a next-gen model arrival. However, because Honda’s in a bit of a pickle as it pivots away from its aggressive electrification initiative, that’s leaving production and model revision gaps along the way.And unfortunately, the Ridgeline is experiencing one of those gaps.The main reason behind the Ridgeline’s abrupt end is due to its recent failure to meet California’s stricter emissions compliance. This is even despite the Trump Administration rolling back emissions rules on the federal level.The Ridgeline still uses Honda’s venerable naturally-aspirated V6, but not for much longer as it failed to meet emissions compliance in California. - Credit: HondaThe Ridgeline still uses Honda’s venerable and ubiquitous 3.5-liter “J-Series” V6. It is the same found in the Pilot SUV (which it’s based on), the midsize Passport and the Odyssey minivan.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s one of the last remaining naturally-aspirated engines, particularly with six cylinders, that doesn’t have forced induction (turbo- or supercharging).The saga of Honda’s controversial pickup isn’t entirely overThe timing couldn’t be more troublesome as Honda was already working on a third-gen replacement. - Credit: HondaIf you were afraid this was the end of Honda’s controversial, yet beloved pickup, don’t worry. It’s not all over.Honda was planning to reveal a new, third-gen model later this decade. Because, well, as previously mentioned, the current model is quite old.“[The] Ridgeline remains an important model in our lineup and one of our top conquest models with unique appeal within the industry pickup segment,” a Honda spokesperson told our friends at CARandDRIVER. “The Ridgeline will continue to play an important role in our product lineup now and in the future.”The Ridgeline is controversial because it uses a car-based crossover-SUV platform, or is basically a Pilot with its rear end chopped off. - Credit: HondaThe Ridgeline has been a constant source of debate in the pickup world. And that’s all because of its unconventional construction. Pickup purists argue (if irrationally) that it’s not a “true pickup,” in the sense that it doesn’t use a body-on-frame chassis, compared to typical pickups.AdvertisementAdvertisementYet, fans continue to swear by them, often citing its more crossover SUV-like driving characteristics as a perk. Many also appreciate the Ridgeline for being less extreme than conventional pickups, especially for those who don’t need to make such a jump to a Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger.Availability and pricingBut regardless of where your stance is on the Ridgeline’s existence, Honda reportedly said that it will remain available throughout the 2026 year. It’s availability, however, will be dependent on remaining dealer and regional inventory once the production pause takes place.Green Honda Ridgeline pickup truck driving on a dusty dirt road surrounded by trees and rocks.2026 Honda Ridgeline Starts at $40,795 About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google