Next Honda Ridgeline Adopting Traditional Truck Style
Honda is hard at work on an all-new Ridgeline and is searching for new ways to turn the truck into a success.
To improve its sales the next-generation Ridgeline will have to be somewhat different than the current model. “No one wants to have to explain why they bought what they bought,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. That probably happens quite a bit with today’s Ridgeline, which is rather odd looking, especially compared to classic full-size pickups like the F-150 or Silverado.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Honda Ridgeline Review
Mendel said the new version will have more truck like-proportions and traditional styling than today’s Ridgeline. He also mentioned that it probably won’t have “as sharp an edge,” ostensibly meaning it will be less polarizing.
From a capability standpoint the current product offers quite a bit. This car-based pickup drives like a minivan and sips fuel like one, too. Customers appreciate some of its innovative features including a trunk hidden underneath the bed and a tailgate that can either fold down or swing open.
The 2016 Ridgeline is set to hit the market sometime in 2016 with an all-new Odyssey minivan following at some point after that as the company continues to update its light-truck portfolio.
Discuss this story on our Honda Ridgeline Forum.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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They are going to have to change the looks drastically and make it look like a mainstream pickup if they plan on selling any of these. I'd still go with the new Tacoma that's about to come out. Rugged, handsome, and refined. If I want a truck, I want a truck. Not a truck based on a car platform. Especially an Accord.