Ridgeline is a unique truck in the market. It rides on a unibody platform, unlike its rivals using a ladder frame. However, this move is not drawing too many buyers. So, Honda will have to do something about it. The second generation of the truck will be ready for the mid-cycle update soon and the 2022 Honda Ridgeline can introduce serious changes in design and under the hood.
Riding on a unibody platform is boosting the driving impression. It is easier to maneuver and accelerate with the truck. On the other hand, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline will have troubles with towing capacity and durability. Body-on-frame architecture is going to prolong the life of the body. Another advantage of Ridgeline’s platform is safety, especially crash tests are better since the entire body is soaking the energy.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Redesign
When the current truck hit the market, it drew a lot of attention. But, truckers are looking for a pickup that can tow a lot. With 5,000 pounds of capacity, Ridgeline cannot cope with Tacoma, Colorado, and Ranger. Still, the styling is very attractive. Honda is offering only the crew cab with five seats inside the cockpit. The new 2022 Honda Ridgeline will share a lot of things with the upcoming Pilot SUV, which also gets the facelift.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Type R
The special version of the pickup is being a rumor since the launch of the second generation. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline Type R is now more possible because of multiple reasons. The sales are poor, and the truck needs a shocking therapy. Plus, the company already announced work on the Type S model for the Acura lineup. So, features could be adapted for the pickup. On the other hand, the market for such a vehicle is not too big and investment is not cheap. Everything could make the Ridgeline Type R cost more than $50,000. More power and premium features are things you get for the extra money spent.
2022 Honda Ridgeline Specs
The standard edition is going to use a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine. It is capable of producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Ridgeline can tow 5,000 pounds, which is way under 7,000 lbs, which is the expectation from the mid-size segment. The class leader, Colorado Diesel, can haul 7,700 pounds. The 2022 Honda Ridgeline will make it up with a sportier drive for fans who want a car in the body of a truck. The new model is going to be lighter, so the fuel economy is about to get a boost.
Optionally, the company could add a hybrid version. Again, this system’s appearance depends on the Pilot. The flagship SUV will get it first. Reportedly, Honda is testing the plug-in hybrid, instead of deploying the same configuration the manufacturer is using in its premium lineup, on Acura MDX. Well, we would be happy with a 3.0-liter unit developing 320 hp thanks to the support of an electric battery. The fuel economy is also getting a boost. But, the towing capacity will suffer and drop further.