Honda previews next-generation ute, Australian launch possible

Honda has confirmed it will produce a third-generation Ridgeline ute, announcing plans to launch the vehicle in the United States "within the next two years".

The automaker teased the upcoming model with a single image, saying: "The next Ridgeline, which will continue to be built by our associates in Alabama, will advance this legacy while gaining even more rugged design and capabilities."

The Alabama factory is the same site where the current model, which has been on sale since 2016, is produced.

The "more rugged design" of the new model is the work of Honda's California design studio, and makes the new Ridgeline a stronger candidate for an Australian launch when production begins in 2028.

Honda Australia appointed Jay Joseph as its CEO in April 2025, with the executive having spent 27 years at Honda North America, suggesting greater opportunity for US-market models to be sold here.

Mr Joseph previously ruled out the second-generation Ridgeline for Australia, saying it was too late in its lifecycle, but left the door open for the new-generation model.

The local boss also previously told CarExpert his Honda North America connections, and broader global Honda network, had prompted more discussions about bringing overseas models not previously offered in Australia to local showrooms.

Similarly, Nick Parkington, Honda Australia's general manager of automotive, would neither confirm nor rule out the Ridgeline for local showrooms.

"The next-generation Ridgeline looks like an exciting product and one I’m sure will do well in the US. In Australia, we are actively exploring product from the global Honda range and will put our hand up for anything we think would be suitable for Australian drivers," he said.

The current Ridgeline is a five-seat dual-cab ute measuring 5339mm long, 1996mm wide and 1798mm high, with a 3181mm wheelbase, making it similar in size to Australia's top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The Honda starts at US$40,795 ($A58,484) in the United States, around the same price as a base Ford Bronco and around US$3000 more than the cheapest F-150. It's powered by a 209kW/355Nm 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The outgoing Ridgeline also differs from most utes by using car-like monocoque construction, whereas the Ranger and HiLux use a traditional ladder-frame chassis.

It's not yet clear whether the new generation will retain the same construction, powertrain or overall formula, though Honda has confirmed it's working on a new V6 hybrid powertrain for larger US-built models.

The Japanese brand is continuing to push for more hybrid models in Australia, which comes as more plug-in hybrid and electric utes arrive in our market.

Existing models like the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and Toyota HiLux BEV will soon be joined by newcomers such as the Chery Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid and the electric MG U9 EV.

Speaking to CarExpert earlier this month, Honda Australia director Rob Thorp, who started in the role at the same time Mr Joseph became CEO, said more nameplates would join the future Honda Australia lineup.

"Our plans are to look at ways of how we can expand the lineup and push into segments where we're not currently represented," Mr Thorp said.

"That's part of our approach; we're looking globally to see what we can find that would work here locally."

MORE: Explore the Honda showroom