Why Honda Originally Designed the Ridgeline as an 'Advanced Capabilities Vehicle' Instead of a Truck

Former Honda exterior design lead Don Herner has revealed that the Ridgeline pickup was never intended to be a traditional truck. Developed in the early 2000s, the project began as an internal side effort known as the "Advanced Capabilities Vehicle" (ACV), focusing on maximizing SUV-like interior space rather than adhering to traditional pickup architecture.

Rethinking Pickup Design

Instead of utilizing a standard body-on-frame platform, Honda leveraged a modified unibody chassis shared with the Odyssey minivan. According to Herner, the design process prioritized internal cabin dimensions, legroom, and packaging, which were finalized before the exterior sheet metal. Key engineering considerations included:

• Powertrain Limitations: Engineers limited wheel and tire size to ensure the 3.5-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission could maintain efficient torque.
• Structural Innovation: The bed featured steel-reinforced composite construction, prioritizing durability through computer-aided engineering over heavy-duty load ratings.
• Functional Features: The design introduced unique elements like a dual-action tailgate and lockable underbed storage to provide utility beyond traditional hauling metrics.

Legacy and Future Outlook

While critics often compared its 1,100-pound bed load and unibody design unfavorably to traditional rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, the Ridgeline offered 1,500 pounds of payload and 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, catering to the needs of typical midsize truck owners. Honda has confirmed that a third-generation Ridgeline is currently in development, with an expected market arrival within two years. Production of the current iteration is scheduled to pause in late 2026.