Posted by Mark Williams | January 16, 2015

We've known a new Honda Ridgeline was coming at some point this year as a 2016 model so it seems appropriate to start seeing test prototypes running around for testing. Here's what our spies have just caught and what they're hearing.

"We now have the first photos of a prototype 2016 Honda Ridgeline, caught with a long lens. These new shots seem to confirm Honda's earlier teaser outlines, which suggested that the new Ridgeline will have a more traditional pickup design — at least in silhouette. Gone are the buttress-style front rails that aimed to smooth some of the sharp lines of basic truck design.

"The 2016 Ridgeline prototype was running nose-to-tail with the first-generation model, allowing an excellent opportunity to gauge the general size.From what we can tell, the footprint of the new Ridgeline will be similar to the original model. The evidence generated by these first shots seems to suggest that the new pickup will continue to use some of the unibody chassis of the 2016 Honda Pilot. If our estimates are correct, it appears that the Ridgeline will compete with the rejuvenated Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, along with the just-released 2016 Toyota Tacoma.

"Our sources at marketing research firm AutoPacific tell us to expect powertrains using Honda's Earth Dreams efficiency technologies. There was some speculation that a continuously variable transmission could be in play, but given the apparent Pilot-based architecture of the new truck, that seems unlikely now. We are told to look out for the possible inclusion of Honda's new SH-AWD hybrid system developed for larger vehicles, which could be added to give some technological uniqueness in a crowded and competitive landscape."