Honda’s Next Ridgeline Wants To Look More Like A Real Truck, Even If It Isn’t

Honda has released the first teaser image of the next-generation Ridgeline, and it signals a clear shift in design philosophy. While the current model has always been a unibody pickup with car-like manners, the new version wants to look and feel more like a traditional body-on-frame truck. The teaser suggests a boxier silhouette and more assertive front-end styling, aiming to attract buyers who previously dismissed the Ridgeline for not being “truck enough.”

This matters for Saudi pickup shoppers because the mid-size segment is fiercely competitive in the Kingdom. The Ridgeline typically squares off against established ladder-frame trucks like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara. Where the current Ridgeline stands out is in its smooth ride, clever in-bed trunk, and refined interior—advantages that come from its car-based platform. But the downside has always been a softer look, which the next model hopes to address.

For Saudi buyers considering a mid-size pickup for daily driving and weekend hauling, the key question is whether the redesign can retain the Ridgeline’s strengths while adding more visual truck credibility. If Honda manages to keep the unibody’s comfort and practicality while giving it a tougher exterior, the new Ridgeline could appeal to those who want the capability of a pickup without the rough ride. However, shoppers should watch for any trade-offs in payload or towing capacity that might come from trying to mimic traditional truck proportions.