Honda has announced plans for a next-generation version of its Ridgeline pickup truck, which will be produced in the United States. This announcement came alongside confirmation of a temporary production halt at the Alabama plant later this year, as the current model nears the end of its run. The pause in production is reportedly linked to challenges meeting California emissions standards, but assembly is expected to resume within two years, likely in 2028.

The automaker aims to enhance the truck’s ruggedness and capability with the new model, a notable shift given the Ridgeline’s reputation for smooth driving rather than off-road toughness. While details remain scarce, Honda executives suggested potential changes that could include moving from a car-based platform to a traditional truck design known as body-on-frame, commonly favored for durability in American trucks. However, no confirmation was provided on this specific aspect.

The Ridgeline has experienced modest sales declines recently, with a roughly 3% drop during the first half of 2026. Annual sales figures for the truck have ranged between 41,000 to 52,000 units in recent years, which contrasts with segment leaders like the Toyota Tacoma, which sold more than 270,000 units in 2025. Developing a more robust Ridgeline is part of Honda's strategy to broaden its customer base and strengthen its position in the midsize pickup market.

At the same time, Honda’s CR-V crossover has made significant strides, becoming the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the first half of 2026. Its sales grew about 6% over the previous year, benefiting from production constraints faced by competitors such as Ford’s F-Series and the Toyota RAV4. This success underscores Honda’s strong foothold in the growing SUV segment while it recalibrates its pickup truck offerings.