Honda has been pretty quiet about the 2016 Ridgeline pickup, other than confirming almost a year ago that it was definitely happening. But apparently they’ve learned from the first-generation’s lack of appeal to truck buyers.
According to USA Today, the next Ridgeline, due in late 2015 or early 2016, will be more “normal-looking” than the model that’s been on sale since 2005.
Definitely not an attractive vehicle, the current Ridgeline could at least be commended for its innovative features such as a two-way opening for the tailgate and in-bed storage spot. But its V6-only powertrain and, of course, the fact it was largely an Odyssey and Pilot underneath, didn’t win over buyers.
It also didn’t help the only pickup truck market that has been growing in the last 10 years has been the full-size sector. But with the introduction of GM’s Colorado and Canyon midsize trucks, there’s more attention being cast on smaller pickups than ever before in recent memory.
So a more mainstream-looking Ridgeline may help matters, but Honda still needs to convince buyers that its mechanicals are more in line with what casual truck buyers want. The carlike improvements to trucks such as the Ram 1500 (coil springs) and Ford F-150 (aluminum) could really be the biggest help to the new Ridgeline.
We’ll wait and see.
By Zac Estrada
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