The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is about to go live and rumors abound as to what updates and changes are going to be made for this mid-size pickup, with a niche fan following. What we do know is that the Ridgeline is expected to arrive at dealerships sometime late 2020 or even as late as early 2021, the current world pandemic having delayed just about everything.
There isn’t a complete redesign of the Ridgeline, but there could be plenty of subtle changes and updates that may have taken some of the grouses against this nifty little pickup away for good. Let's face it, while the Honda Ridgeline is a good truck, sales have never been very high and there are other trucks people tend to buy over and above it.
Let’s put the 2021 Honda Ridgeline against the 2020 model to see what the changes look like and if they are worth the effort. Nothing as been confirmed or released by Honda as of now, but spy shots of various cars hint at big things to come.
This is what we could dig up about the 2021 Honda Ridgeline and why it could truly rock…
Is There A Hybrid Engine On The Way?
Honda has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors of the 20201 Honda Ridgeline bearing a hybrid engine but there have been spy pics of the Honda Pilot running on the plug-in hybrid electric system, turning into a PHEV.
The Honda Pilot and the Ridgeline share the same platform and run on the same powertrain. Since the SUV, the Pilot is more popular in sales, it's likely to see the 2021 Honda Pilot debut the engine first, with the Honda Ridgeline offering it as a trim later on.
The one thing that works in favor of the hybrid engine is that Honda has already done so with its RAV4 Hybrid and the CR-V, and results in fuel economy have shown a marked improvement in both the vehicles. Plus Honda offers hybrid engines in its luxury models as well in the Acura MDX SUV that has a 3.0-liter hybrid engine for a mighty 320 horses.
The PHEV entry happened with the RAV4 and the CR-V, and luxury hybrids have been attained as well. Time to move on to the mid-sized SUV and pickup truck segment? We certainly hope so for the sake of the Ridgeline.
The last few years have been rough on the Honda Ridgeline, especially with it being recalled over trivial issues that may cause it to "explode" if washed too often. With the new 2021 Honda Ridgeline, sales should lookup for this gorgeous truck considering it could do a lot better than what it does now...
The Type-R Rumor
Be it the hybrid or the conventional ones, there is talk of a Type R of the Honda Ridgeline on the horizon. Since the Ridgeline is a midsize pickup with limited payload and tow ratings, turning it into more of a performance truck for thrill-seekers makes sense. Of course, a Type R can be used for conventional towing and payload purposes as well, just that to get speedy, you have to keep the truck light.
While one can always get any truck tuned for speed and track with aftermarket parts and specialties, having a performance-specified trim from the automaker itself is always a better deal. And to have the nifty Honda Ridgeline come in a racing avatar is something that its followers have long been waiting for.
The reason for all the rumors lies with the 2021 Acura MDX SUV getting a Type S version and speculations are rife that this luxury ride could jet 400 horses with a retuned hybrid engine in its sports avatar.
What Other Changes Can Be Expected?
Without Honda releasing any news about the 2021 Ridgeline, most of the news in the market is either speculation or data collected from spy pictures. What we do know, from the existing years of the Honda Ridgeline is that its already one of the most expensive trucks in its segments in the market. Sales have been on a dip in the US since 2017, meaning there may be room for many more changes if the Ridgeline wants to remain a strong contender in pickup truck bazaar.
Unless the Honda Ridgeline Type R becomes a reality, the Black Edition will remain the top of the class trim and it promises many interior and exterior upgrades fo this year with leather upholstery and red ambient lighting. Black wheels and other such details may make the exteriors more aggressive and thus appealing, and there’s now a two-way bed with an audio system to appeal to the more adventurous and youthful at heart.
The base price may jump from the erstwhile $33,000 to $36,000 while the top trim, the Black Edition may cost a whopping $50,000. And if they really do bring out the Type R, well, expect it to cost an arm and a leg. And throw in a kidney as well…
Sources: NewBestTrucks, TopSpeed, MotorTrend