2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Report, Design, Price

Honda has recently applied an unusually extensive mid-cycle update to the class-unique Ridgeline pickup truck. The model received a totally reworked front end sporting now bolder more truck-like styling cues. Honda upgraded also the model’s infotainment system and introduced the Honda Performance Development styling package while it kept the same V-6 power plant. However, an unconfirmed report appeared suggesting that the brand could soon introduce a new round of upgrades. Namely, Honda might bring the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid to the market as a more fuel-efficient option to the current V-6-powered version. According to the report, Honda could even add the hybrid version later in the 2021 model year.

Honda announced electrification of its entire light-truck range in 2019 and the Ridgeline Hybrid was expected for the 2020 season. However, the hybridized Ridgeline hasn’t yet appeared and Honda hasn’t said when this version will arrive. Honda hasn’t also commented on the rumors about its arrival for the 2022 season.

As the report claim, the Ridgeline should reach the market with nearly identical styling and in-cab design as the regular version. The hybrid powertrain should be some form of the brand’s two-motor setup used in the Accord sedan and recently in the CR-V hybrid.

2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Design

Thanks to the recent unusually extensive mid-cycle update, the unibody Honda Ridgeline sports a more truck-like appearance. Honda fully reworked the model’s front end with truckish styling cues. The refreshed Ridgeline sports a bolder grille compared to the previous Pilot SUV-like version.  The unibody truck has also modern headlights and a new front bumper. Honda re-sculpted also the model’s front fender flares. A part of the refreshed is also a new rear bumper with the twin-exhaust setup. Honda introduced also new 18-inch wheels and a Honda Performance Development package with attractive styling enhancements.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid should hit the market with a nearly identical appearance as the current, refreshed 2021 model. The Ridgeline Hybrid should get several unique trim inserts and a specific wheel design. The model would also get appropriate badging if it arrives for the 2022 season as the report claims.

Interior, Equipment:

The Ridgeline’s SUV-like cabin received several upgrades as part of the mid-cycle refresh and there shouldn’t be any substantial change until the next full redesign. The recent refresh brought an upgraded infotainment system with improved graphics and performance as well as new trim inserts and contrasting stitching.

If the report about the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid turns out to be true, the model should come with the same in-cab design as the regular version expect several specific trim inserts and new gauge cluster features. The model should also get a unique material pattern.

Every Ridgeline will come with a full suite of active safety systems. The model will rely on standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. The standard equipment will also be an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto support.

The upper grades will add more premium features including leather upholstery, premium sound system, navigation, blind-spot monitoring and more.

2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Performance

The recently refreshed Honda Ridgeline returned with the familiar and reliable 3.5-liter V-6 engine under the hood. The direct-injected, non-turbo V-6 engine is good for 280 hp and torque of 262 lb-ft. A pair with the engine is a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline goes on sale in both front- and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive configurations.

At the efficiency level, the current Ridgeline achieves up to 19 mpg city and 26 highways.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid should adopt the brand’s two-motor hybrid setup but it’s not clear yet what combustion engine will be in the mix with the electric motors. The Accord sedan uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine combined with the two-motor setup for the output of 212 hp and 47 mpg EPA ratings. This setup isn’t adequate for the Ridgeline and it should get a more potent combustion engine likely a V-6 unit.

2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid: Release, Price

Honda hasn’t commented on the report about the arrival of the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid. The report suggests its arrival in mid-2021. The price should start at about $40, 000. The regular Ridgeline is available for about $35, 000.