What year did the Ridgeline body change?

The Honda Ridgeline, a popular mid-size pickup truck, underwent a significant body change in 2017. The Ridgeline's design was refreshed, moving away from its previous unibody construction to a more traditional body-on-frame design.

The Ridgeline's Redesign

The second-generation Honda Ridgeline was introduced in 2017, marking a major shift in the truck's design. The previous model, produced from 2005 to 2014, featured a unibody construction, which combined the body and frame into a single unit. The 2017 redesign moved the Ridgeline to a more conventional body-on-frame design, similar to other mid-size pickup trucks on the market.

This change in the Ridgeline's architecture allowed Honda to give the truck a more rugged and truck-like appearance, with a more pronounced front grille, a taller hood, and a more pronounced beltline. The new design also enabled the Ridgeline to offer improved towing and payload capacities, making it more competitive with other mid-size pickups.

The Impact of the Redesign

The 2017 redesign of the Honda Ridgeline was a significant departure from the previous model, and it had a significant impact on the truck's performance and capabilities. The new body-on-frame design allowed the Ridgeline to tow up to 5,000 pounds, a significant increase from the previous model's 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The redesign also improved the Ridgeline's off-road capabilities, with the addition of an available all-wheel-drive system and increased ground clearance. This made the Ridgeline more appealing to buyers who wanted a mid-size pickup that could handle light off-road duties, in addition to its traditional on-road capabilities.

Conclusion

The 2017 redesign of the Honda Ridgeline marked a significant change in the truck's body and construction, moving it from a unibody design to a more traditional body-on-frame architecture. This change allowed the Ridgeline to offer improved towing and payload capacities, as well as enhanced off-road capabilities, making it a more competitive option in the mid-size pickup truck market.

What year to avoid Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are generally 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2017 due to reported issues like transmission problems in the first generation and a high number of complaints for the 2017 model year. The 2017-2019 models are particularly flagged for problems with the 6-speed transmission and torque converter, while early first-generation models like 2006-2008 have a higher number of consumer complaints. 
Years to avoid

• 2006-2008 (First Generation): These model years have been cited for having more reported issues and consumer complaints compared to other years in the first generation. 
• 2017-2019 (Second Generation): This range is frequently mentioned as a model year to avoid, primarily due to problems with the 6-speed automatic transmission, including rough shifting and torque converter issues. 

Years to consider

• 2010-2014 (First Generation): Some sources suggest these years are generally more reliable than the earlier first-generation models. 
• 2020 and newer (Second Generation): These models switched to a more reliable 9-speed transmission, and later models (2021 and newer) have also received design updates and face-lifts. 

Important considerations for any year

• Maintenance history: For any used vehicle, the maintenance history is crucial. Some owners report that a well-maintained 2017 model can still be reliable, so a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended. 
• ZF 9-speed transmission: While a 2017-2019 model is best to avoid, be aware that a lawsuit has been filed regarding the ZF 9-speed transmission used in some later models (2016-2022 Pilot, 2018-2019 Odyssey, 2019-present Passport, and 2020-present Ridgeline) which can also experience issues like rough shifting. 

What is the best year of Ridgeline to buy?

The best Honda Ridgeline to buy is a 2020 model year or newer, with the 2020-2021 models being particularly recommended for their improved 9-speed transmission and updated safety features. While later models, such as 2021 and newer, have updated styling, the 2020 model year is praised for offering a good balance of reliability, updated features, and a reasonable price point before the most significant styling changes. 
Recommended model years

• 2020: Generally considered the most reliable of the second-generation models. It introduced the updated 9-speed transmission and standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 
• 2021 and newer: These models feature a more rugged exterior redesign, upgraded interior materials, and even more advanced infotainment and safety features. While they are the newest, they may be more expensive. 

Years to be cautious about

• 2017-2019: These early second-generation models had some documented issues, particularly with the 6-speed transmission and fuel injectors. While many owners have had no problems, it's crucial to check the maintenance history and ensure any potential issues were addressed. 

Why these years are recommended

• Improved Transmission: The 2020 model year onwards features a more efficient 9-speed transmission, which replaced the less reliable 6-speed transmission found in the 2017-2019 models. 
• Enhanced Safety: The second-generation models began introducing the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard, with more being added in subsequent years. 
• Reliability: While reliability varies from model year to model year, 2020 and newer models are widely considered to have ironed out many of the initial kinks of the second generation. 
• Updated Styling: If a more modern look is important to you, models from 2021 onwards have a redesigned front end and other styling updates. 

When did Honda change the Ridgeline body style?

The Honda Ridgeline changed its main body style for the second generation, which launched for the 2017 model year. A more significant styling update occurred with the 2021 model year, giving the truck a more rugged, boxy, and aggressive appearance.
 

• 2017: The first-generation Ridgeline was redesigned for its second generation, with a new unibody structure based on the third-generation Honda Pilot platform. This redesign gave it a sleeker, sportier look compared to its predecessor. 
• 2021: A mid-cycle refresh introduced a more substantial styling change. The 2021 model received a new grille, a more powerful-looking hood, and a wider track for a more aggressive and rugged profile. 

Is the 2026 Ridgeline getting a redesign?

What's New for 2026? Shoppers can now get a black roof on the Black Edition model and an exclusive Ash Green Metallic body color on the TrailSport. Otherwise, the Ridgeline rolls into 2026 without any significant changes.