Recently, TFLtruck caught wind of a few possible details regarding the next Honda Ridgeline. Honda invited TFLcar to their 2016 Honda HR-V press event in Miami, FL. While we mingled, we discovered a few obvious; yet, interesting possibilities about the next Honda Ridgeline coming from various Honda aficionados.
Most of this information is fairly easy to assume, but, considering the sources, we are fairly confident that the next Honda Ridgeline will be pretty exciting.
Here’s what we (think we) know:
Driveline:
- The Next Honda Ridgeline will have the same (or similar) “Earth Dreams” Direct injected, 3.5-liter V6 that the new 2016 Honda Pilot will have. This engine has cylinder deactivation and a stop-start feature. Horsepower, torque and economy should be an improvement over the previous Honda Ridgeline.
- The next Honda Ridgeline should have one, possibly both transmissions offered in the new Honda Pilot. The Pilot will offer a six and nine-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions should be compatible with the next-generation Honda 4-wheel-drive system.
- There is a possibility that there may be an entry-level option for the next Honda Ridgeline that may be front-wheel drive only.
- Towing may increase a bit to be more competitive with GM, Nissan and Toyota. Currently, the GM midsize trucks (Colorado and Canyon) are rated at a maximum 7,000 lbs towing. The Honda Ridgeline is currently rated at a maximum of 5,000 lbs.
Is it possible that the next Honda Ridgeline will increase its capacity? Some Honda Ridgeline owners swear that the current model can pull and haul 10 – 15% more than advertised. These are rumors and speculations.
Design:
- As the sketches show, the flying buttress on the current Honda Ridgeline will be scuttled in favor of a more conventional-looking pickup truck bed. This will enable easier access to the rear exterior bulkhead of the cab.
- The multitalented dropping/swinging tailgate should be kept and, possibly, updated. The in-bed, locking storage compartment should remain as well.
- If you look carefully at the most resent sketch released by Honda, the wheel-wells are rounder, and it looks like there is a line separating the bed from the cab. If this is true; perhaps Honda will have optional bed-lengths? One could hope so.
- We hear that the nose will be less CR-V, like the new Honda Pilot, and more truck-like.
- Expect to see LED DRLs, optional LED headlights, LED taillights and, possibly, LED flashers imbedded in the mirrors too.
Interior:
- As with the new Honda Pilot, the next Honda Ridgeline should have a significantly updated and modernized design. Expect right-mirror video views, several charge-point and an online hotspot option too.
- Info-graphics, infotainment and HVAC systems will be vastly improved over the previous Ridgeline.
- Seating configurations should remain the same as Honda has no plans for a regular or extended cab.
- The original Honda Ridgeline was a great vehicle that addressed consumers who don’t need the truck-based capabilities of some vehicles, while needing an easy-to-drive commuter. It had its flaws; but from what we hear (and speculate), Honda will address many of those issues.
With some possible competition coming from vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz concept and others, Honda is not going to mess around.
“Our signature truck is coming back. We’ve kept everything that made the original Ridgeline both the Motor Trend Truck of the Year and North American Truck of the Year while updating the vehicle with a brand-new look. That means all of the space efficiency, ride comfort and flexible utility that you’ve come to expect in a redesigned exterior that’s more in line with traditional truck proportions.” – – Honda Automobiles
Stay tuned for more.
worldwide.
