If you’re a fan of unique trucks, you’ve probably heard the chatter. Is Honda discontinuing the Ridgeline? This question has been swirling around online forums and truck communities for months, causing a lot of uncertainty for potential buyers and current owners alike. Let’s look at the facts, rumors, and what Honda has actually said to clear the air.
The Honda Ridgeline has always been the thoughtful alternative in the pickup truck world. It doesn’t try to be a heavy-duty workhorse. Instead, it focuses on clever features, a comfortable ride, and everyday usability. From its innovative in-bed trunk to its dual-action tailgate, it carves its own niche. But in a market dominated by big, traditional trucks, its future is often a topic of speculation.
Is Honda Discontinuing The Ridgeline?
As of the latest official information, Honda is not discontinuing the Ridgeline. The model continues to be part of Honda’s North American lineup for the current model year. However, the rumors didn’t come from nowhere. They are often fueled by slower sales compared to giants like the Ford F-150, periodic model updates, and the automotive industry’s overall shift toward electrification.
Honda has made significant investments in updating the Ridgeline for recent model years, including a mid-cycle refresh that brought new styling and features. This is typically not something a manufacturer does for a vehicle they plan to cancel imminently. The company remains committed to the truck segment, but its strategy is evolving.
Where Did the Rumors Start?
Understanding the rumors means looking at a few key factors. The automotive news cycle loves speculation, especially when it involves a vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
- Sales Figures: The Ridgeline sells in lower volumes than its full-size competitors. While it has a dedicated fanbase, some analysts misinterpret lower numbers as a sign of impending cancellation.
- Product Cycle Timing: The end of a product generation often leads to downtime before a new model is announced. This quiet period can spark “discontinuation” rumors.
- The Electric Future: Every major automaker is investing billions in electric vehicles (EVs). When Honda announces new electric trucks, like the upcoming Honda Prologue SUV and future EVs, people naturally wonder about the fate of existing gas-powered models.
- Dealer Chatter: Sometimes, unclear communication from regional representatives or dealers can lead to assumptions that spread quickly online.
Latest Official Updates from Honda
Honda has been relatively quiet about specific long-term plans for the Ridgeline, which adds to the mystery. However, public statements and actions give us clues.
In early 2023, Honda executives confirmed their ongoing commitment to the pickup segment. They have noted that the Ridgeline continues to play an important role in their light truck portfolio, which also includes the popular CR-V and Pilot. No end-of-production announcements have been made.
Furthermore, Honda continues to market the Ridgeline and offer incentives on it, which is a strong practical indicator that it’s still a current product. If discontinuation was planned for the immediate future, you’d likely see a run-out of inventory without new model-year updates.
The Impact of Electric Vehicle Plans
This is the biggest variable. Honda’s global goal is for 100% of its vehicle sales to be electric by 2040. They have confirmed plans for a dedicated electric pickup truck, but the timeline and its relationship to the Ridgeline are unclear.
Industry experts suggest a few possible scenarios:
- The current gas-powered Ridgeline continues for several more years alongside a new electric truck.
- The Ridgeline nameplate transitions to an all-electric vehicle in the next generation.
- The Ridgeline is eventually replaced by a different electric truck with a new name.
Scenario 1 seems most likely for the near term, as the market for gas trucks remains huge. Honda will not abanden that segment overnight.
What This Means for Potential Buyers
Should you buy a Ridgeline right now? If you like the current truck, absolutely. The presence of rumors can sometimes lead to great deals.
- Current Model Value: The 2024 Ridgeline is a proven, capable, and feature-rich vehicle. It’s an excellent choice for someone who wants truck utility without a harsh, bulky ride.
- Potential for Deals: If a new generation or electric model is on the distant horizon, dealers may be more motivated to clear inventory, though this is not guaranteed.
- Depreciation Considerations: Trucks known to be discontinued can sometimes see steeper depreciation, but the Ridgeline’s historically strong resale value may mitigate this. It’s always good to research current used values.
Comparing the Ridgeline to the Competition
To understand the Ridgeline’s place, let’s briefly stack it up against others. It’s not trying to win a towing war.
- Ford Maverick / Hyundai Santa Cruz: These are smaller, unibody “compact” trucks. The Ridgeline is larger and more powerful, fitting between these and full-size trucks.
- Toyota Tacoma / Ford Ranger: These are midsize, body-on-frame trucks. They offer more rugged off-road variants but often lack the Ridgeline’s on-road comfort and unique storage features.
- Full-Size Trucks (F-150, Silverado, Ram): These offer more power, towing, and cab space but are larger, more expensive, and less fuel-efficient.
The Ridgeline’s advantage is its blend. The independent rear suspension gives it a car-like drive, and features like the in-bed audio system and trunk are unmatched.
Owner Reviews and Community Sentiment
The existing Ridgeline community is one of its greatest assets. Owners are typically very loyal and highlight specific benefits.
Common praises include the smooth ride on highways, the practicality of the bed trunk for storing tools or groceries securely, and the overall reliability Honda is known for. Criticisms sometimes focus on exterior styling, which is more subdued than aggressive, and the lower towing capacity compared to some body-on-frame rivals.
This strong owner satisfaction is another reason Honda is likly to keep the nameplate alive in some form. Building a dedicated customer base is hard, and it makes sense to evolve the product for them.
Future Predictions and Industry Insights
Based on industry trends, here’s a reasoned prediction. The current generation Honda Ridgeline will probably continue for the 2025 and possibly 2026 model years with minor updates. Honda is focusing its immediate R&D resources on launching its first wave of electric SUVs.
Around 2026 or 2027, we could see an announcement for a next-generation Ridgeline. This new model has a high probability of being offered as a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, aligning with Honda’s global mandates. A hybrid version would be a smart bridge, offering improved fuel economy while retaining the familiar driving dynamics.
The key takeaway is that the “discontinuation” is probably more accurately a “transition.” The Ridgeline’s unique ideas are to valuable to scrap entirely. They will likely be incorporated into whatever comes next.
What You Can Do If You’re Interested
If you’re in the market, don’t let rumors paralyze your decision. Follow these steps.
- Test Drive: Experience the Ridgeline for yourself. Pay attention to the ride quality, interior comfort, and try out the bed features.
- Research Incentives: Check Honda’s national website and local dealer sites for any current offers, financing deals, or lease specials on new Ridgelines.
- Consider Used: The previous generation (2017-2020) offers much of the same functionality at a lower price point and are known for their durability.
- Stay Informed: Follow reputable automotive news sources for official announcements from Honda. Avoid relying solely on forum speculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Honda Ridgeline being discontinued in 2024?
No, Honda has not announced the discontinuation of the Ridgeline for the 2024 model year. It remains in production and for sale.
Will there be a 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
While not officially confirmed yet, it is highly probable. There has been no indication from Honda that the 2024 model is the final year. The typical product cycle suggests it will continue.
Is Honda making an electric Ridgeline?
Honda has announced plans for an electric pickup truck as part of its future EV lineup. It is not confirmed if this truck will carry the “Ridgeline” name or be a separate model, but an electric Honda truck is coming.
Why do people think the Ridgeline is being discontinued?
Rumors stem from its unique market position, lower sales volume compared to full-size trucks, and the auto industry’s broad shift to electric vehicles, which leads to speculation about all gas models.
Should I avoid buying a Ridgeline because of these rumors?
Not necessarily. If the current truck meets your needs, it’s a great and unique option. The rumors could even lead to better purchase deals, and Honda’s reputation for reliability means it should serve you well for years.
Final Thoughts
The question “Is Honda discontinuing the Ridgeline?” is more about evolution than termination. The current model is very much alive. Its future, however, is undoubtedly electric. For shoppers who appreciate its intelligent design and comfortable drive, the present is still a fantastic time to get behind the wheel of one.
The automotive landscape is changing rapidly, but utility and smart engineering never go out of style. The Ridgeline’s core ideas are to strong to fade away. They will simply adapt to the next era of transportation. So, while the powertrain may change, the spirit of the Ridgeline—the focus on practical innovation—is likley here to stay.