Posted by Mark Williams | February 12, 2015

Although the next-generation Honda Ridgeline isn't due for another year, the automaker revealed a rear-three-quarter sketch that offers a look at some interesting features. To begin with, the truck's rear has been redesigned to appear more like a conventional pickup with what looks like a separately attached bed, which is something the previous Ridgeline did not have. This implies Honda has does some serious work beefing up the chassis.

Also, the wheelbase appears to be about either 8 or 12 inches longer that the all-new 2016 Pilot, which was just revealed at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, to allow for a longer bed length. It's worth noting both the Pilot and Ridgeline will be built at the same Lincoln, Ala., production facility and will likely share many parts and design features.

Finally, the tailgate looks like it will have a split rear-gate feature that could both drop and swing open like a set of doors. No doubt we'll be hearing more from Honda as it gets ready to debut a concept vehicle sometime this year (we're guessing at the 2015 New York International Auto Show in April).

Manufacturer sketch