Report: Honda Took Our Advice Seriously - Will Change to Hybrid Engine In Ridgeline Pickup

Sometimes a vehicle tester shouts a vehicle change request into the void, and the void whispers back. Two months ago, I sat down with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline, drove it for a week, and walked away convinced of two things. First, it is still the most usable, civilized midsize truck on sale. Second, that 20-mpg V6 under the hood is a problem in 2026, and Honda was running out of time to do something to stay in the mix, given Toyota’s and Ford's move to hybrid mid-sized trucks.
So I closed the review with a direct ask. Here is the paragraph I published:

Now the big ask. 20 MPG in 2026 makes us cringe. A simple hybrid system would add low-end torque and recapture braking energy to boost fuel economy. The great news is that Honda could steal some space either under the rear seats or from the trunk to hide the required traction battery. It would seem like an easy add. We would not want the full-whammy 'almost an EV' advanced system the CR-V has. It would not make sense in this vehicle. We envision something like Toyota's Hybrid Max system, with a single motor. Maybe Honda will add these things in the next generation.

If Automotive News is to be believed, Honda listened. Urvaksh Karkaria had the scoop. He led with the Ridgeline needing a powertrain change to “meet emissions.” Emissions? In an era when the President is pardoning mechanics who cut the emissions controls off diesels, and the EPA is “relaxing” DEF rules and ending stop-start mandates. Emissions is why the Ridgeline needs a new powertrain? Yup. As Mr. Karkaria points out in his piece, "Honda is one of six automakers still obligated to improve vehicle efficiency under California rules through the 2026 model year despite the Trump administration’s moves to reduce environmental regulations."

Emissions were far from my mind when I tested the Ridgeline. My main reasons for a hybrid in a Ridgeline are torque and fuel economy. If Honda adds some of each, this already great truck will be even better, more affordable, and likely much more reliable than its already stellar track record. You see, hybrids are simpler than conventional powertrains. Expect to see the accessory belt, starter, alternator, and anything with a pulley to go away and be simplified. Look for the AC unit to be electrically-driven, so it can run with the engine off in hot weather.

Another bonus will be longer brake pad and rotor life. Prius owners often brag about 100K brake life. Regenerative braking will make the Ridgeline not only better on fuel, but also better on pricey brakes.

So where does that leave Ridgeline shoppers right now? In a strange spot. The 2026 truck on dealer lots gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg Combined on its TrailSport trim, and is the last of its generation if the reporting is accurate. According to the AN report, after Q4 of this year, production stops, and eighteen to twenty months of pre-built inventory will carry the Ridgeline to its next iteration. Sometime around late 2028 or early 2029, a refreshed Ridgeline will appear with a modern hybrid V6, electric AWD, and the fuel economy and torque needed to be competitive with Maverick and Tacoma.

The Ridgeline I suggested an improvement to was a great truck saddled with an aging engine. The Ridgeline that returns in 2028 sounds like the one I have been waiting to recommend without an asterisk. Sometimes the void whispers back. Now, let’s hope Ridgeline 3.0 also has hill descent control!

John Goreham is a 14-year veteran of Torque News. An accomplished writer and a long-time expert in vehicle testing, Goreham also serves as the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association and has a growing social media presence. He’s also a 10-year staff writer and community moderator for Car Talk. Goreham holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an undergraduate Certificate in Marketing. In addition to vehicle and tire content, he offers deep dives into market trends and opinion pieces. You can follow John Goreham on X and TikTok, and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Image by John Goreham. Fuel economy comparison courtesy of FuelEconomy.Gov