Ridgeline is the only truck that uses a unibody platform. It gives some advantages to this model, but if you need the serious towing capability, then choose some other mid-size pickup. On the other hand, sportier handling and maneuverability will be advantages of the new 2020 Honda Ridgeline.



We can call Ridgeline a sport utility truck – SUT. Its unibody platform will allow some things that are not possible on other pickups. For example, we have the transverse-mounted engine and independent suspension for all wheels. Also, flat bed is a pretty cool feature, as well as the trunk in the box.



The truck is in its second generation. It was launched in 2017 and now it is time for the first major changes. Refresh or even a mid-cycle redesign will occur. However, details are still unknown. Fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement of 2020 Honda Ridgeline Type R. This will move boundaries in the truck segment. Well, the Japanese carmaker is doing this across all classes each year. But, this sporty truck will become even more aggressive and appealing with Type R components. Also, Honda is about to launch a hybrid engine for its flagship SUV – Pilot. The same unit could be used for 2020 Ridgeline. All in all, an interesting season is ahead of all fans and enthusiasts.



2020 Honda Ridgeline vs Competition



A mid-size segment in truck industry is reviving. After a short period of poor sales, where we saw few discontinuations, these pickups have more buyers recently. Now, the companies are bringing back their models. Ford Ranger already came back. Soon, we could see again Dodge Dakota as well. FCA presented Jeep Scrambler for 2019. This could be one of the major rivals to the 2020 Honda Ridgeline. Well, each of these has their advantages, but if we are looking for a similar truck, then it is Jeep’s truck.



Both of them are not only utility vehicles. Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma will help you tow a lot or go off- ro ad. The 2020 Honda Ridgeline and 2019 Jeep Scrambler are focused on driving. First one on streets, and another one off the road. So actually, the only thing in common will be that these are not only utility trucks.



2020 Honda Ridgeline Specs



Under the hood of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, there is only one petrol unit. The company is developing a hybrid drivetrain, which is possible in the future. On the other hand, Honda is not adding a diesel engine for its truck.



A 3.5-liter V6 powertrain is capable to develop 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is one of the most reliable and durable units, not only in Honda’s family. Buyers can choose front- or all-wheel drive setup. This is a choice between better fuel economy and higher towing capacity. A 2WD will return 20/27 mpg in city/on the highway. The 2020 Honda Ridgeline AWD goes 1 mile less per gallon. On the other hand, with such setup, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds, compared to 3,500 lbs offered by FWD model. A six-speed automatic transmission, direct injection, and cylinder deactivation are standard parts of a drivetrain system in every configuration.



Hybrid



The same petrol drivetrain should be used for a hybrid powertrain. Honda is developing this combination for Pilot. Since SUV and SUT are sharing the same engine, we believe both will get this hybrid unit. Electric batteries will definitely improve the fuel economy, but we don’t know exact outputs yet. On the other hand, the hybrid will harm towing capacity even more. Finally, Pilot SUV could get a PHEV configuration. The truck is not likely to get such a setup.



2020 Honda Ridgeline Type R Release Date



Hybrid is cool, but fans would like to see rather the performance-oriented 2020 Honda Ridgeline Type R. This badge stands for special models of Japanese carmaker. Accord and Civic are the best-known. Both have unique upgrades but come pattern is obvious. A lot of red accents and details are present in all Type R vehicles. Even renders of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline Type R are showing a cool design with leather seats and red stitching. That is exactly what everyone expects from this truck. Dark-out theme boosts the appearance and aggressiveness.



A performance-oriented truck needs upgrades under the bonnet. A 3.5-liter V6 could stay there. But, it will be turbocharged to crunch out more power. The 2020 Honda Ridgeline Type R will pay the price with less efficient drive. Also, we can’t expect any major boost for the towing capacity.



2020 Honda Ridgeline Redesign Changes



The refresh of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline brings only cosmetic changes. Minor updates of the exterior and interior will facelift the truck and make it interesting again to buyers. Ridgeline will get new headlights. Bumpers and grille will get a revisit, but no radical modifications are expected. Designers will focus on interior. Update of the infotainment system will add more apps and options. Trim levels changes include new features and Type R as the new star of the lineup. Currently, that is Black Edition.



Unibody Architecture – Pros and Cons



So, the highlight of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline remains its body structure. A unibody platform is unique in the truck segment. It is safer solution. Made in one piece, the entire body soaks energy in crushes. Body-on-frame architecture loses in this section. But, BoF is going to offer better off-road performance and towing capacity thanks to its ladder-frame setup. If that is loss for unibody architecture, then better handling and maneuverability are advantage . Also, if Ridgeline would use a body-on-frame, then the curb weight would jump, as well as the fuel consumption.



2020 Honda Ridgeline Price



Although we can consider 2020 Honda Ridgeline as a mid-size truck, its price is starting pretty high, almost at full-size pickup level. The entry-level model will keep its value under $30,000. However, upper Sport and RTL trims will cost between $30,000 and $40,000. Top of the line model is Black edition, until Type R shows up. We can expect it over $50k.