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Honda Confirms Third-Gen Ridgeline, Pauses 2026-28 Production

7/23/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Honda Motor confirmed a third-generation Ridgeline will be built after a production pause.
Honda’s California studio will design Ridgeline and oversee engineering at Ohio’s Auto Development Center.
Alabama production will pause in 2026 and resume in 2028.
The pause may stem from the 3.5-liter V-6 engine’s emissions shortfall.
Honda is developing a hybrid powertrain that could power the next Ridgeline with an updated V-6.

History

Historical Context

Toyota’s debut of the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, the Prius, on 10 December 1997 sparked tighter U.S. emissions rules and drove global hybrid adoption, reaching 6.1 million units sold by early 2017. Facing similar standards, Honda’s Ohio and California teams now pause construction of an Alabama plant (2026-2028) while engineering a hybrid-ready 3.5-liter V-6, echoing the Prius-era shift.

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Story summary

Honda Motor confirmed a third-generation Ridgeline will be built after a production pause.
Honda’s California studio will design Ridgeline and oversee engineering at Ohio’s Auto Development Center.
Alabama production will pause in 2026 and resume in 2028.
The pause may stem from the 3.5-liter V-6 engine’s emissions shortfall.
Honda is developing a hybrid powertrain that could power the next Ridgeline with an updated V-6.

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