The 2025 Honda Ridgeline needs more changes than its predecessors. This is not the only truck with a unibody architecture anymore. Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are smaller pickups, though. But, it offers more options to truckers looking for a better driving impression rather than high towing capacity.
The next-gen model will debut with a fresh design and a hybrid engine. It will provide better gas mileage since the new Maverick can nearly do 40 mpg. Ridgeline doesn’t need such high mileage. Even 35 mpg would draw a lot of attention.
The 2025 Ridgeline Trailsport is the new trim level. It combines excellent maneuvering skills with a dose of off-road capability. The Trailsport is not at the same level as the Tacoma TRD Pro, but it still can provide some adventures.
Under the Hood
A 3.5-liter V6 is still a favorite to remain the main source of power for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline. The engine is old, but very reliable and capable. The truck can get 290 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The towing capacity is not the best with 5,000 pounds, but the unibody concept is the main to blame. On the other hand, Ridgeline’s architecture is safer, since the crash impact is distributed to entire body, not separately to body or frame. A front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional. Engineers might revisit the transmission to make a ride even smoother.
2025 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid
One of the key upgrades for the next truck should be a hybrid drivetrain. According to our sources, Honda is working on the Pilot with this configuration, and the same powertrain could become a cool alternative for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline. It will cost more, but owners will cover that with a much better mileage. A V6 engine could be the base for the hybrid. Honda already offered a similar setup but for the premium Acura MDX SUV. Nevertheless, it was removed from the offer for now. Experts believe the carmaker is upgrading it and preparing for the flagship vehicles – Pilot SUV and Ridgeline truck.
2025 Honda Ridgeline Redesign
The new look of the truck should improve aerodynamics and draw more attention on the road. Not only the 2025 Honda Ridgeline will be facelifted, but also the Passport SUV. Test mules are not on the road yet, so we are still trying to get any detail from our sources in the company. No luck for now, but when the redesign becomes official, the company is going to provide more info.
One thing is sure – the 2025 Ridgeline will still ride on the unibody platform, making it the largest truck with such architecture. It offers a better handling and safety, but the towing capacity is not so great. Also, many expected the price to be lower than the competition, but Honda stacks it pickup with a lot of advanced options right from the base trim. The new Ridgeline is going to cost over $40,000.
2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline Trailsport is the special version of the truck which should improve the off-road capabilities. Its performances are enhanced and look is bolder. All-wheel drive is standard and that is a special i-VTM4 system (something similar to the SH-AWD for Acura vehicles). The Trailsport version features skidplates and trail camera. For a better off-road ride, the truck is lifted, since 7.6 inches from the base version is not enough. Well, a BoF concept is more suitable for a 4×4 drive, but Ridgeline will do well. A set of 18-inch wheels is the same as for the Pilot Trailsport SUV.
Other Versions
Sport and RTL packages will come back. The other two models currently available for the Ridgeline truck are not guaranteed – the RTL-E and Black Edition. After the redesign, the company might add a few more models and update the lineup. Touring and Elite can be found on other vehicles and those premium options seem suitable for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline. The manufacturer is going to reshuffle features and accessories for the new truck and refresh the color palette.
Release Date and Price
The new truck will be out in 2024. Honda is working hard to update the Ridgeline and Passport SUV for the 2025 season. Still, the release depends on the development of the hybrid system. This is a key upgrade, especially now with Ford Maverick using the same type of drivetrain. Even Toyota Tacoma is getting a hybrid system.
The price is going up, that is for sure. The current truck is priced just under $40k, while the new one will break this mark even with the base configuration. The Trailsport will probably top the lineup with upgrades valued around $10,000 above the base Sport model. This could be changed if Honda builds the premium Elite model with a high-end system and advanced features.
