The Ridgeline is basically a sport utility truck (SUT) made by Honda and it is very often put in a lifestyle pickup category, which suits it just fine. The Ridgeline is one of only two trucks produced by the Japanese automaker, the second one is the Honda Actymini-truck. The popularity that the Ridgeline has is mostly because of what it offers to the buyers, and those things are unibody frame,a transvers-mounted engine, four-wheel independent suspension, flat cabin floor, flat truck bed, dual-action tailgate, an In-Bed Trunk, all-wheel drive, and much, much more that hides beneath its skin.So let’s read more about new 2019 Honda Ridgeline.
Exterior changes
When you look at the exterior of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline it can be easily mistaken for one of the Toyota or Ford pickups, but only if you squint really hard. It actually differs a lot from these vehicles, and it starts from the front lights which are styled in different ways than those on Ford and Toyota, then there is also a Honda unique grille and LED headlights, which combined with a huge windshield is enough to provide an excellent visibility. All these bits and pieces will get a slightly update in the new MY and it will make the 2019 Honda Ridgeline even more appealing than its predecessor. Since its design has proven itself so far, we do not expect drastic changes all around, it will be a simple refresh with a nip and tuck here and there. Update front and rear light clusters with some changes to the front and rear bumper will suffice for now.
Spy photo
Spy photo Source: www.motortrend.com
Interior design
The 2019 Ridgeline’s interior will remain spacious and comfortable as it has been, but since the previous model had a bit of issue on the back seat, we sure hope that Honda will sort it out. The back of the Ridgeline is not small or cramped, do not get us wrong, it is just the rear bench is not specifically made for use on a long journey. Since this is classified as a lifestyle pickup this needs to be sorted out, and fast. As far as the rest of the interior is considered, expect it to be typical Honda, high end with a lot of functionality. The 2019 Ridgeline will definitely bring the latest from the company’s infotainment as well as tech features, and we also presume that some changes in the button and knobs layout and design might slightly change, accordingly. The availability of equipment inside and the quality of materials will, of course, depend on the trim you choose, but do not get concerned, those who do not opt for the top trim will not be disappointed.
Spy photo of 2019 Ridgeline interior
Specs
Now the most interesting thing, the engine. The second gen of Ridgeline sports a 3.5 L V6 which is good for 280 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque which are delivered to front or all four wheels over the six-speed automatic transmission. Now this engine wasn’t that bad, but with its fuel economy ratings, which are realistically pretty bad (it’s worse than Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon) with 19 MPG city, 26 highway, and 22 combined when in FWD configuration, Honda definitely has to change something. And change they will. According to some speculations Honda is preparing another unit for the 2019 Ridgeline and it will be a hybrid one. According to the same speculations Honda will equip the 2019 Ridgeline with the 3.0 L V6 unit attached to a special 7 speed dual-clutch transmission and a three-motor hybrid system. One of the electric motors is supposed to aid the transmission while the other two will work to help the engine do its work. This configuration will be able to offer 321 HP and around 300 lb-ft of torque to the all four corners of the car, and most importantly it will be capable of offering fuel economy of 26 MPG city, 27 highway, and 27 combined.
3.0 L V6 ENGINE
2019 Honda Ridgeline release date and price
As far as release date and price are considered, we presume that the updated pickup will pretty much retain the same, or near the same price tag, but its Hybrid option will raise the sticker price for $8.000 to $10.000. That for some might be a huge bump up, but for that much better fuel economy it might be worthwhile. As for the release date, we presume that the reveal of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline might be somewhere near the 2018 and the sales might start as well. The hybrid option will come a little later maybe sometime in the first half of 2019. For any and all updates that will come soon, stay tuned.
Spy photo; Source: www.motortrend.com
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