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FinanceHonda confirms next-gen Ridgeline pickup production in US, pauses output over emissions
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Honda Motor confirmed on July 23, 2026, that a next-generation Ridgeline midsize pickup truck will be produced in the U.S. following a temporary production stoppage later this year at its Alabama plant. The pause is due to the current model not meeting California emissions regulations, with assembly expected to resume within two years, likely in 2028. Honda's Lance Woelfer stated the goal is to serve loyal customers while increasing the vehicle's ruggedness and capability, though he declined to specify if it will shift to a traditional body-on-frame design. The announcement comes as Honda's CR-V compact crossover led U.S. auto sales in the first half of 2026 for the first time ever, with sales up 6% year-over-year, benefiting from production bottlenecks affecting rivals like the Ford F-Series and Toyota RAV4. Ridgeline sales were down about 3% in the same period, with annual sales ranging from 41,000 to 52,000 units since 2021, compared to over 270,000 for the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma in 2025.
Source report
2026 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. Courtesy: Honda
Honda Motor on Thursday confirmed that a next-generation model of its Ridgeline pickup truck will be produced in the United States, following a temporary production stoppage later this year.
Production Timeline and Emissions Concerns
The future of the midsize pickup truck has been in flux amid reports of a potential production pause due to the vehicle not meeting California emissions regulations.
The Japanese automaker announced that production at its Alabama plant will halt temporarily later this year, with assembly expected to resume at the same facility within two years — likely in 2028.
Commitment to Customers and Enhanced Capability
"The goal is to continue to serve those customers who've been loyal to the Ridgeline," said Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda Motor, in an interview with CNBC. "But one of the things that we want to bring forward in the future is increased ruggedness of that vehicle, even more capability."
Woelfer declined to comment on whether the enhanced ruggedness would involve shifting from a car-based production process to a traditional "body-on-frame" assembly — the method used for most trucks built in the U.S.
"That's been an important part of its history. Whether or not it's part of its future, I won't get into that," Woelfer said. "This is a step forward for the Ridgeline that I think everybody will appreciate."
Sales Performance and Market Context
Expanding the Ridgeline's capability — the vehicle is currently known more for smooth driving than ruggedness — could help broaden its buyer base.
- Ridgeline sales declined approximately 3% during the first half of the year.
- Annual sales have ranged between roughly 41,000 and 52,000 units since 2021.
- By comparison, the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma sold more than 270,000 units in 2025.
CR-V Leads U.S. Sales
Honda's confirmation of the new pickup comes as its CR-V compact crossover led U.S. auto sales through the first half of the year for the first time ever.
CR-V sales increased roughly 6% compared with the previous year, as the Ford F-Series pickups and Toyota RAV4 crossover — which have led sales in recent years — dealt with production bottlenecks.
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Honda Confirms Next-Gen Ridgeline Pickup, Teases More Rugged Design Amid CR-V Sales Milestone