The 2028 Honda Ridgeline Will Be More EfficientAndrei AvarvariiWhat It IsA new version of the Honda Ridgeline, which has long been one of the most beloved (and controversial) trucks on the market, is officially on the way. Honda recently confirmed that it's developing a third-generation Ridgeline featuring a more rugged design, and as part of its announcement of the new model, the company released a teaser image that served as the basis of these renderings. (It also said production of the present Ridgeline will go on hiatus before the new truck arrives.)The Ridgeline should retain many of the same qualities that have made it appealing: a four-door pickup that drives like an SUV, offers plenty of bed storage, and is easy to live with every day. The midsize truck should remain easy to park and maneuver through narrow city streets, while continuing to deliver the comfortable, smooth ride for which it's become known.Why It MattersThe Ridgeline may not be one of Honda's best-selling models, but as one of the few unibody trucks on the market, it appeals to buyers who may not need serious towing and other capability but still want the versatility of an open bed.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat effectively puts the Ridgeline in a class of its own. Other midsize trucks, including the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger, use traditional body-on-frame construction. The Hyundai Santa Cruz (which is reportedly slated to be discontinued soon) and Ford Maverick are also unibody pickups, but both are too small to compete directly with the Ridgeline. The Rivian R1T is another midsize unibody truck, but it is considerably more expensive and fully electric.A rendering of the 2028 Honda RidgelineAndrei AvarvariiPlatform and PowertrainHonda has confirmed the next-generation Ridgeline will continue to be built in Alabama, which suggests it will once again share its overall platform with the Honda Passport and Pilot SUVs, and Odyssey minivan. That also means Honda is all but certain to continue using a version of the Ridgeline's present unibody construction, preserving its smoother ride and more carlike driving manners. But given Honda's pronouncements about a more rugged design, we expect at the very least a far more aggressive TrailSport version of the Ridgeline, with bigger, all-terrain wheels and tires, lifted suspension, and more off-road capability.As for what will power it, Honda is developing a new V-6 hybrid powertrain that's scheduled to debut in 2027, and the Ridgeline will likely be among the first models to receive it. Honda says the new hybrid system will be 30 percent more efficient than its current internal-combustion powertrains and improve acceleration by more than 10 percent. The automaker also says the V-6 hybrid should deliver greater towing capacity, though it has not released a specific figure. The latest version of Honda's naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 will also no doubt be available.Given the new hybrid powertrain, we expect the Ridgeline's chassis and platform to receive significant upgrades to accommodate the system's electric motors and associated components, as well as to prep it for more rugged duty. The Pilot, Passport, and Odyssey are also expected to receive similar platform and powertrain updates as they enter their next generations.Estimated Price: $45,000Expected On-Sale Date: Summer 2028Photo credit: HondaPhoto credit: Andrei AvarvariiPhoto credit: Andrei AvarvariiAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisement