You Won't See A New Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Pickup Anytime Soon
A Honda dealer in Louisiana has revealed the Ridgeline mid-size pickup will enter the 2020 model year with a hybrid powertrain according to Digital Trends. But, as soon as the report was made, the dealer apparently pulled the information off its coming soon website page and it’s now uncertain if the details were true.
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is due for a refresh since it is in its second-generation model change that made its dealer launch in 2017. Honda did bring the new 2020 CR-V Hybrid and they are going to be upgrading the Ridgeline truck too. But getting any significant engine updates and a Hybrid model is unlikely until it gets a complete remodel in 2021-2022.
2019 Honda Ridgeline
The report says the Honda dealer wrote on its website (it has since been removed) that the 2020 Ridgeline will come in a hybrid trim powered by a 2.0-liter engine mated to a pair of electric motors. They did not reveal any specific specs in the information but this is the same two-motor hybrid drive system found on the CR-V Hybrid and Accord hybrid models.
The current Ridgeline is powered by a direct-injection 3.5-liter gas engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-mileage estimates for the two-wheel-drive model comes in at 19/26/22 city/highway/combined mpg. A hybrid model would bump up these numbers considerably.
2019 Honda Ridgeline
Other rumors about the next-generation Ridgeline are that it will get a new ZF 9-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is already used in the Pilot and all-new Passport, and Honda could use the new gearbox to increase fuel mileage in the new hybrid trim.
We are expecting Honda to announce pricing, new details, and specs on the 2020 Ridgeline soon, but don’t look for a Hybrid model just yet. For the 2020 model change, the mid-size pickup will likely get minor updates like getting Honda Sensing as standard, some minor exterior tweaks, new electronics and an updated infotainment system, and Honda’s next-generation passenger-side airbag. Stay tuned for 2020 Honda Ridgeline updates.
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Photo credit: Honda USA
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