The Next Generation of the Honda Ridgeline

The previous model of the Honda Ridgeline had a unique fan base given its SUV like cabin with a large amount of passenger room and how easy it is to drive thanks to the unibody design that helps it to handle more like a car than a conventional truck. Unfortunately, because it was like nothing else on the market, many consumers didn’t know what to make of it. Is it for truck people? Or is it an SUV with a truck bed? Is it made for a contractor or a family man who wants the versatility of a truck? The Honda Ridgeline definitely has a very loyal fanbase, but most consumers have looked elsewhere because it doesn’t quite fit into any one segment.

Honda is looking to change that with the upcoming model of the Honda Ridgeline that is likely to hit the market in late 2015 or the beginning of 2016. Honda hasn’t given away many details about the upcoming truck in their lineup other that the silhouette featuring the outline of the truck pictured above that was officially released a little while ago. From the silhouette, it looks like it will be trading in the original look of the previous Ridgeline for one more in line with the rest of the truck industry.

More Competition for the New Honda Ridgeline

The next Honda Ridgeline launch could come at the perfect time for the company after the fight that is about to ensure in the mid-size truck market between the currently dominant Toyota and the highly marketed upcoming GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Canyon cools off.

With all the innovations that have come into modern truck, the Ridgeline will have to work harder to stand out than it did previously where it relied on SUV-like comfort and handling to differentiate from the trucks on the market in 2006, which still felt and handled differently than SUVs thanks to their different design. Modern trucks have overturned these drawbacks through many innovations that have resulted in a more comfortable cabin and tighter handling.

The mid-size truck market is about to explode and we’re excited to see what Honda turns out when it finally is available  to the public in late 2015 or early 2016. What do you think about all of the action coming in the mid-size truck market? Let us know in the comments below!