Honda Pauses Ridgeline Over EmissionsMotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Honda will be pausing production of its Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup due to emissions issues. Despite the Trump administration’s EPA rollback of greenhouse gas rules, it appears that the Ridgeline’s V-6 engine pollutes too much to meet present regulations. According to a report from Automotive News (subscription required), the pause will begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and last for roughly 18 months.Honda is one of six manufacturers who are still reportedly obligated to improve vehicle efficiency under California’s stricter emissions rules, which helps explain why the rollback of federal emissions regulations isn’t enough to keep the Ridgeline in production.MotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)A heavily refreshed Ridgeline is expected by the third quarter of 2028, and it seems likely the pause will end just in time for the updated midsize pickup to get Honda’s all-new hybrid V-6 under the hood. Honda plans to launch the hybridized V-6 next year, and the Passport, Pilot, and Odyssey are all expected to get the option as well.AdvertisementAdvertisementNot only would this hybrid V-6 improve efficiency, but it could also give the Ridgeline some extra power to better keep pace with the rest of the midsize pickup market. The Ridgeline’s present 3.5-liter V-6 develops 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque sent through an AWD powertrain, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. That trails the Ford Ranger at 7,500 pounds, the Chevrolet Colorado at 7,700 pounds, and the Toyota Tacoma at 6,500 pounds.We reached out to Honda, which did not respond in time for publication, but it told Automotive News that the Ridgeline will “continue to play an important role” in its lineup.Photo credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisement