When did the Ridgeline get redesigned?
The Ridgeline was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with Honda unveiling the all-new second generation in January 2016 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
A New Generation Takes Shape
The redesign marked a departure from the original Ridgeline, adopting engineering and styling cues that aligned it more closely with Honda’s unibody crossover platforms while preserving pickup practicality. The second generation emphasized ride quality, versatility, and innovative bed features to differentiate it from traditional body-on-frame pickups.
Key design and feature changes
To illustrate what the redesign delivered, consider the following standout changes that accompanied the 2017 Ridgeline:
- Unibody construction shared with Honda Pilot, improving ride comfort and on-road manners
- Independent rear suspension for a smoother ride and better handling on uneven terrain
- Innovative bed features, including a lockable in-bed trunk for secure storage
- Dual-action tailgate that opens like a traditional drop-down tailgate or swings open to the side
- Refreshed exterior styling and updated interior with modern amenities and safety tech
The redesign also introduced a capable V6 engine paired with a refined drivetrain and available all-wheel drive, signaling Honda’s renewed emphasis on comfort and everyday practicality in a pickup segment that had traditionally prioritized ruggedness over ride quality.
Context and Impact
Launching as a new-generation pickup, the Ridgeline aimed to attract buyers who wanted pickup utility without sacrificing ride comfort or interior refinement. The combination of unibody construction, innovative bed features, and improved on-road manners positioned the Ridgeline as a distinct alternative within Honda’s lineup and among mid-size pickups overall.
Why it mattered to buyers and the market
The redesign broadened the Ridgeline’s appeal by offering a more comfortable daily-driver experience, flexible storage options, and user-friendly features that resonated with suburban families and light-duty users who still needed pickup capability. It helped establish the Ridgeline as a unique proposition in a segment historically dominated by body-on-frame trucks.
Timeline of the Redesign
Key milestones in the redesign timeline give a sense of when the changes were introduced to the public:
- January 2016: Honda unveils the all-new Ridgeline for the 2017 model year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
- 2016: The 2017 Ridgeline goes on sale as the model year rolls out, marking the introduction of the redesigned generation.
The 2017 Ridgeline represented Honda’s strategic pivot to blend pickup utility with the comfort and versatility of a modern crossover platform, a theme that continued to inform subsequent updates.
Summary
The Ridgeline’s redesign occurred with the introduction of the second generation for the 2017 model year, officially unveiled in January 2016 at the Detroit Auto Show. The redesign brought unibody construction, independent rear suspension, and innovative bed features like a lockable in-bed trunk and a dual-action tailgate, signaling a shift toward ride quality and everyday practicality in Honda’s pickup lineup.
