Our reliable source claims that Honda has a plan to introduce a refreshed version of its only pickup truck. The updated 2019 Honda Ridgeline will reportedly arrive sometime next year, most likely at the very end. The early update is not something we have expected because the unibody truck achieves amazing sale figures. However, it seems that the Japanese car manufacturer doesn’t want to wait until the vehicle becomes uninteresting. Instead, they will do a few cosmetic changes and one pretty important enhancement.
2019 Honda Ridgeline: Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Judging by the information we have, the current 3.5-liter V-6 won’t be the only available engine in the future. The V6 unit delivers 280 hp and 262 lb-ft, powering either front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic. All that’s okay, however, the pickup truck doesn’t achieve too good fuel economy results. With its 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined in front-drive configuration, today’s pickup lacks behind Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, which are essentially the biggest rivals of the unibody pickup.
Honda has a solution, which will be named the 2019 Ridgeline Hybrid, or perhaps Sport Hybrid. Even though the car manufacturer has no intention to announce the arrival of the hybrid truck, we are pretty sure it’s in the works. Moreover, we know already what to expect.
According to information we have, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will use a system that combines a 3.0-liter V-6 with a special 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a three-motor hybrid system. One of the motors will work together with the transmission, while the other two will motivate the rear wheels. This smart all-wheel-drive system will be capable of delivering 321horsepower raising fuel economy to of 26 mpg city, 27 highway, and 27 combined.
Styling Changes
Like we said, the 2019 Ridgeline will suffer some cosmetic changes as well. Though, don’t expect anything more than a slightly updated front end and perhaps an updated infotainment and safety systems. If it actually comes, the hybrid pickup truck might also feature special upholstery and perhaps some unique exterior colors, but nothing above that.
As you can see there won’t be any bigger changes. Me most notable confirmed changes in the 2019 Honda Ridgeline are: second USB port in the RT, Sport, and RTL models and moonroof and power sliding rear window in the RTL and RTL-T models.
According to many sources, Toyota is considering Type R version of the Ridgeline. We think that Ridgeline is ready to get sport version with upgraded suspension and more powerful engine. However, we can’t expect this sport pickup truck to enter into production before 2020.
Price Range
The updated pickup truck will get small price changes. On the other hand, the 2019 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will probably cost at least $8,000 to $10,000 more from the gasoline option, which will be a little bit south from $40,000.
The new 2019 Honda Ridgeline is now available at the price of $29,900 for the basic two-wheel drive RT version. The Sport version price is $33,390, while RTL version is $34,870 and RTL-T is $37,000. These prices don’t include $975 for the destination charge.
If you want AWD Ridgeline on the prices above you must add $1,900. Currently fully loaded 2019 Ridgeline Black Edition is only available with AWD at the price of $43,420.
Any plans to enlarge the bed of the truck to 6 feet?
Well thought out vehicle that makes a lot of sense for 90% of the people who “need a truck”, myself included. The other 10% being the folks who do a lot of towing. Two suggestions though: Offer Honda Sensing at least as an option on lower trim levels. Having to spend $42,000 to get an added safety feature especially when you offer it on all the Accord model doesn’t make sense. Secondly, please offer some better colors. I realize you need your conservative white, silver, gray, navy blue and black for the people afraid to step out of their comfort zone. Maybe a brighter, more vibrant red or blue. (Honda offer a metallic brown on the Accord coupe a few years ago that was amazing!) Change it up a little, please!
Oh my God I couldn’t have said it better with regard to the colors. Does Honda not know that women buy and drive trucks too. Their blue (navy) and red (dull) feel like they are for some old fart. Lets bring in a lively turquoise or maybe a two tone, I saw a Ford recently that was White but had a cool bronze color along the bottom edge and around the wheels. Come on Honda think, Hey – Look at me!. And remember Girls drive trucks too!
I agree on the colors and please honda get off the tan or gray interior make black a option for any color exterior , always been a turnoff that black is limited it should be baseline esp in a truck
Can’t wait for the hybrid. Full-sized spare please. It’s a truck.
will never pay 10 grand more for a hybrid. makes no sense
How about a locking tail gate as well. Was shocked my $40,000 truck does not do this. Can’t lock any valuables in box except in bed storage dep’t. Very poor planning on Honda’s part. I have achieved 28 mpg at 67 mph. Love the gas mileage.
Ridgeline sale have dropped way off now after late 2016 release. They need to refresh this truck every two years with new motors and maybe 8 speed tranny to keep up with competition. A few more hp would help as long as mph isn’t hurt. I like very sophisticated all wheel drive here in snowy Minnesota. Very good in snow and ice. On par with a Subaru all wheel drive. Am very happy with my truck and I know it will out live the competition because of Honda’s quality, something Ford and Chevy can’t match.
I agree that a larger bed with a couple more inches in depth would be huge for me.
Before I buy the Ridgeline RTL-E Honda has to fix some things.
1. Lockable tailgate
2. Update the Infotainment system like they have in a new Accord
or CRV
3. Must have the ventilated seats, the Ridgeline is kind of pricy so it
is another “must have” for me
4. Legroom, the smallest by far in the class, down there is so little
room for a driver feet, don’t even try to stretch your legs on the
long trip.
Move the capless gas nozzle receptacle a little further back so it doesn’t catch water dripping from body side, or just put a cap on the door like the CRV. It’s the main reason I haven’t bought the Ridgeline yet.
Ridgelines don’t ingest water into the fuel door or tank unless you leave it open, not sure what you’ve been reading. I’ve had a 17 BE for 18 months without issues or a gas cap. Try the ROC forum to see what (few) issues it does have. You could be happy and get lots of gas without the smell.
Love my 2012. It is perfect for me and a lot of other people. I live in a semi rural area and have to do a little bit of hauling and a bit of trailering as well. No way I can justify a car and a truck.
Didn’t plan to replace for at least 10 years, but the hybrid might make me reconsider.
I would like to see more changes in the 2019. Infotainment is a must
No sensible person is going to pay $8K – 10K more for the hybrid option. Even if it doubled your gas mileage (which it won’t) it would make no sense from a cost perspective. About $3,500 is the most you can expect to charge for that option. I am dying to buy a hybrid pickup. But at $8K I will stick with the conventional design.