Honda Ridgeline Production Pause Could Continue Until 2028 Due To Emissions Rules
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Honda may temporarily stop production of the Honda Ridgeline starting later this year. According to a new report from Automotive News, the company plans to pause the Ridgeline for around 18 months as stricter emissions regulations approach in the United States.
The main issue reportedly comes from the truck’s older V6 engine, which no longer matches upcoming standards. Honda has not officially confirmed the production pause, but the report suggests the stoppage could begin during the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why Honda Is Pausing Ridgeline Production
The current Ridgeline still uses Honda’s older SOHC V6 engine. Meanwhile, newer Honda SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport already moved to a more advanced DOHC V6 setup.
That older engine now appears to be the weak point.
Upcoming emissions regulations are becoming stricter, and Honda reportedly believes the current Ridgeline powertrain will struggle to comply. Instead of rushing a quick fix, the company may temporarily stop production while preparing an updated version of the truck.
In simple terms, Honda seems to be hitting the pause button instead of forcing the old setup to survive longer. Honestly, it makes sense. Regulations are getting tighter every year, and older naturally aspirated engines are slowly becoming harder to justify.
Honda Did Not Fully Confirm The Report
A Honda spokesperson did not directly confirm the pause when asked about the company’s future plans for the Ridgeline. However, Honda still made it clear that the pickup remains important for the brand.
The company said the Ridgeline continues to be one of its “top conquest models” and still holds a unique place in the pickup segment.
That part matters because the Ridgeline has always been different from traditional trucks.
Unlike rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger, the Ridgeline uses a unibody platform instead of a body on frame design. Some truck fans love that smoother SUV like ride quality. Others still complain it is “not truck enough.” The internet has been arguing about that for years.
What Happens Next?
The expected production pause should give Honda enough time to prepare a heavily refreshed Ridgeline, which is reportedly scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2028.
The updated truck is expected to receive:
| Expected Changes | Details |
|---|---|
| Updated Styling | Minor exterior and interior revisions |
| Newer V6 Engine | Likely based on Honda’s newer DOHC setup |
| Improved Emissions Compliance | Main reason behind the refresh |
| Same Core Platform | Not expected to be a full redesign |
So this will not be an all new generation. Think of it more like a major mid cycle refresh with important mechanical updates.
A Fully New Ridgeline Could Arrive In The Early 2030s
The bigger change may come later.
According to the same report, Honda is already planning a next generation Ridgeline for the early 2030s. That truck could move to a new hybrid based architecture as automakers continue shifting toward cleaner and more efficient powertrains.
Hybrid pickup trucks are becoming more common across the industry, so Honda heading in that direction does not come as a surprise.
Right now, though, the focus seems to be on keeping the Ridgeline alive through updated emissions compliant hardware before the company fully reinvents the truck later in the decade.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Ridgeline has always been one of the more unusual trucks on sale. It mixes pickup practicality with crossover comfort better than most rivals, and that helped it build a loyal customer base over the years.
But the current model is clearly starting to show its age mechanically.
If the reported production pause actually happens, Honda buyers may need to wait a while before seeing the truck return with updated hardware and cleaner emissions tech. The good news is Honda does not appear ready to abandon the Ridgeline anytime soon.
Sources and References
Honda Ridgeline Production Pause
Why is Honda reportedly pausing Ridgeline production?
According to the report, the current Ridgeline uses an older SOHC V6 engine that may not meet upcoming emissions rules in the United States. Honda may pause production while it prepares an updated version of the truck.
When could the Ridgeline production pause begin?
The report says the pause could begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Honda has not officially confirmed the timing, but that is the current expectation from the report.
How long could the production pause last?
The stoppage is expected to last around 18 months. That would give Honda time to update the truck and bring it back with a cleaner powertrain setup.
Will the Ridgeline be a completely new model in 2028?
No, the report suggests the truck will return as a heavily refreshed model rather than an all new generation. It should get updated styling, a newer V6 engine, and better emissions compliance, but the core platform is expected to stay the same.
Why does the Ridgeline use a different setup from the Pilot and Passport?
The Ridgeline reportedly still runs an older SOHC V6, while newer Honda SUVs like the Pilot and Passport have already moved to a more advanced DOHC V6 setup. That difference may be part of why the truck is facing emissions pressure.
Is Honda ending the Ridgeline?
No official sign says that. Honda has said the Ridgeline remains an important model in its lineup. The pause appears to be more about timing, emissions rules, and preparation for the next update.
What is expected after the 2028 refresh?
The report says Honda could also work on a next generation Ridgeline for the early 2030s. That truck may move to a hybrid based architecture as the industry keeps shifting toward cleaner and more efficient powertrains.
Why is the Ridgeline often seen as different from other pickup trucks?
The Ridgeline uses a unibody platform instead of a body on frame design. That gives it a more SUV like ride, which some buyers love. Truck purists, of course, have strong opinions and never miss a chance to argue about it.
