According to the latest reports, popular pickup will get a completely new version, as 2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid. This pickup truck is considered as one of the most versatile on the market.
It is currently in the second generation, which came last year. With a completely new design, it is definitely one of the key players on the market. It rides on the same platform as new Honda Pilot and shares many of its characteristics with the popular crossover. For the next year, it looks like the company is going to introduce a new, hybrid version of this truck.
We all heard that the Japanese manufacturer plans to electrify a whole lineup, and this pickup should be first in the line, along with its crossover relative, Pilot. So, expect plenty of exciting novelties for the 2018 Ridgeline Hybrid. We expect its arrival somewhere late in the year.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid design
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will be the latest version of the second generation. The current generation of this pickup came last year, so it is pretty much for sure that we will not see bigger changes in terms of base design characteristics. It will ride on the same platform and feature pretty much the same styling as the base gasoline model.
When it comes to styling, this pickup completely follows brand’s newest design language and it is definitely one of the most attractive trucks on the market. It features almost identical front end to Pilot. Its unibody platform provides superior comforts, while its working ability still remains on the pretty decent level.
The interior design is pretty much the same as on the Pilot. These two models feature the same cabin design, which comes with hi-quality materials. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will also come with plenty of equipment.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid features
While the base gasoline models come with total six trim levels in the offer, we are pretty sure that the 2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will come in a single trim version. However, this model will feature much more of the standard equipment compared to the gasoline model. It will probably be in the range of RTL trim. So, expect standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels, Hill Start Assist, multi-view camera, cruise control, Intelligent Traction Management etc. Inside, this version should feature an 8-inch touchscreen with the latest infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, heated seats etc. Leather upholstery will probably be an optional feature.
When it comes to the safety, we expect a complete Honda Sense package to be standard features. This package includes lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking etc.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid powertrain
Although there is still no official information about 2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid powertrain, we are pretty sure that the new truck will adopt some of the existing systems from Honda. Most likely, it will adopt a powertrain from Accord. This legendary sedan features the best fuel economy on the market among mid-size cars, so there is no reason why we shouldn’t see it under the hood of 2018 Ridgeline Hybrid.
This system consists of the familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which comes in a pair with two electric motors. The total output of the whole system is around 212 horses, which should be pretty enough for this mid-size truck.
In terms of fuel economy, this powertrain returns around 49 mpg in the Accord and we expect similar results with the 2018 Ridgeline Hybrid.
2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid release date and price
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline Hybrid will come either late this year or early 2018. We still don’t know the price, but if we consider that the base model goes around 30.000 dollars, this version will surely go over 35.000 dollars.
Main competitors will be the same as for the gasoline model. Those are trucks like Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado etc.
