2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Redesign, Specs and Release Date.The one and the only, the Ridgeline features a design like no other pickup truck in North America. With its crossover-like approach and unibody platform, it delivers superior comfort and convenience, along with the smooth ride and good economy. The popular truck has been around for years. It is currently in the second generation, which originally came more than two years ago.While the original version, produced between 2005 and 2015, had a relatively long production cycle, it looks like it won’t be the case with this one. One of the clear indicators is the upcoming update, which should happen next year. We are about to see a bunch of novelties and one of the most important would be an all-new, 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid. This will be the first time to see some pickup truck with an electrified powertrain. Besides a new powertrain, expect to see a classic mid-cycle update.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Powertrain
Next year will bring an update to us and the most important novelty will probably be a new 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid. Of course, the most important part of this version will be under the hood. Latest reports suggest we are about to see a familiar system, the same that powers a new Accord Hybrid.This means a combination of a familiar 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine and a couple of hi-output electric motors. In the Accord, total output goes around 212 horsepower. Compared to the standard gasoline-powered Ridgeline, it seems like significantly less power. For comparison, the base version with 3.5-liter V6 delivers around 280 horsepower. So, it would be nice to see a slight power boost that would make this big output gap a little bit smaller.On the other side, expect a huge improvement in terms of fuel economy. The gasoline version returns around 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. This is already a pretty good result for the class. On the other side, this hybrid system marks some pretty amazing numbers in the Accord.It goes very close to 50 miles per gallon in a combined drive. Considering expected power boost, as well as the fact that the Ridgeline is much heavier, numbers, in this case, will lower, but still good enough to make this truck by far the most economical model in the class. Usually, estimations go around 35 miles per gallon.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Design
Besides new powertrain, the upcoming refresh will also bring some other novelties. This is about to be a classic mid-cycle refresh, which means lots of aesthetical upgrades. Though the truck looks very modern, there is always room for improvements. So, expect various upgrades, especially at the front end. We could see a new grille, reshaped headlights, but more likely redesigned front bumper. Rest of the truck will also come with a few novelties but in a much smaller intensity.In terms of mechanics, we don’t expect bigger changes. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will continue with its recognizable unibody layout, with a comfort-oriented design. Towing capacity is lower compared to classic trucks but Honda did thin on purpose, to get more comfortable and with better driving characteristics. If you add to this an independent suspension, you can expect nothing less than excellent driving experience.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Interior
Interior is another aspect that will get novelties. The overall cabin design will probably remain unchanged. Still expect few tweaks to the dashboard and a new instrument cluster, considering models electrified nature. On the other side, upgrades in terms of standard equipment are quite possible. When it comes to the 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid, it is still unclear will this powertrain be offered across existing trim level or we are about to see a completely new trim, exclusively with this powertrain.The second scenario seems much more likely and it that case, expect a pretty long list of standard equipment, on par with higher trim levels of gasoline models. That would mean lots of tech and driver-assist features. Count on things like an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, sunroof, multi-zone automatic climate control, as well as on a complete Honda Sensing safety suite. This package includes various things, such as collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Could Get Another Powertrain Option?
Besides the new 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid, this update could also bring another engine option. According to some reports, Honda plans to offer a new 2.0-liter turbo inline-four, the same that can be found in the new Accord. This engine delivers around 252 horsepower and it is characterized by excellent efficiency.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid Release Date and Price
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will probably come a little bit earlier than usual. This would most likely mean sometime in the third quarter of the next year. When it comes to the price, the base gasoline models go around 30.000 dollars. The new 2021 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will cost more, probably close to 40.000 dollars, considering a pretty long list of standard equipment.
