Here’s What Current Owners Want On The Next Generation Honda Ridgeline

The next generation of the Honda Ridgeline is coming sooner rather than later. We’ve already reported how it’s likely to move from a venerable V6 to hybrid power.

One forum for Honda Ridgeline owners took a poll of its users, asking what changes they’d like to see on the next-generation Ridgeline.

Here’s what they found.

What Honda Ridgeline Owners Want

The most popular choices were an updated infotainment system, with 59 percent of the vote, a a V6 hybrid powertrain, with 52 percent of the vote, and a front-view camera, with 49 percent of the vote.

Having tested the current Honda/Acura infotainment system many times in recent years, I can understand the desire for something new. It’s not a terrible system, per se, but it’s outdated and can’t keep up with the excellent UConnect systems produced by Stellantis. It’s time, in this professional car reviewer’s opinion, that Honda updates its infotainment system. Yes, even in a world where some folks, such as yours truly, use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

As for the V6 hybrid powertrain, that appears to be on the way - again, we’ve covered it before. Not only that, but it appears that a V6 hybrid powertrain is going to be the only choice for Ridgeline buyers when the next-gen truck drops.

As for a front-view camera, that makes a lot of sense. Not only can they be helpful when parking, they can also be useful for off-roading, and while the Ridgeline isn’t a hard-core off-road truck, it is capable when off pavement. A front-view camera will help drivers avoid obstacles when off-roading.

And, again, it can be useful when parking, especially parallel parking. The Ridgeline, after all, seems to be used as much in urban settings as it is in the boondocks.

Other Features Owners Asked For

While an updated infotainment system, the hybrid powertrain, and a front-view camera were the most asked-for items, there were a lot more features on the list.

Other popular asks included “auto high beam that actually works” - suggesting maybe Honda Ridgeline owners have had a problem with that feature working reliably.

Owners also wanted more towing capacity, easier access to the battery, and more ability to disable some of the electronic safety aids. Having more LED lighting was also over 30 percent in terms of votes.

A full-size spare and an oil-pressure gauge are also higher on the list.

Surprisingly, a single-cab option with a bigger bed was the least-requested feature at 6.3 percent of the vote. It was only the feature to garner less than 10 percent. That tells me that Ridgeline owners are both happy with the bed size and happy to have a four-door truck with a rear seat.

Again, it seems almost certain that Honda will answer one request with a V6 hybrid powertrain - it seems to be one of the worst-kept secrets in the industry.

I’d also bet money on an upgraded infotainment system - it’s time Honda gets one. A front-view camera also seems to be an easy add.

It’s harder to foresee if a new powertrain will add more towing capacity, and a full-size spare might take up valuable space. Meanwhile, there might not be much reason for an oil-pressure gauge on a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. Yes, technically, the gas engine could use an oil-pressure gauge, but other than customers who tow or otherwise work their truck hard, I don’t know if customers will care.

Some poll voters did vote to ask Honda to put the 10-speed automatic transmission from the Passport into the Ridgeline - that could happen, though I’d note that the Honda Accord Hybrid uses a direct-drive setup.

We’ll see what the next generation of Honda’s popular Ridgeline pickup truck has in store, and whether Honda provides what its current owners ask for. Certain items do seem quite doable, so we’ll see if Honda is paying attention.

Images: Honda

About The Author

Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.