Honda has announced plans to build a third-generation Ridgeline ute, with the vehicle slated for introduction in the United States within the next two years.

The company released a single teaser image and stated that the new model, still produced by its team in Alabama, will build on prior success with added rugged styling and enhanced capability.

The Alabama plant is the same location responsible for assembling the current version, which entered the market in 2016.

Design work on the more rugged look comes from Honda's California studio, improving the chances that the vehicle could reach Australia once production starts in 2028.

Honda Australia named Jay Joseph as CEO in April 2025; the executive brings 27 years of experience from Honda North America, which may increase the flow of US-market vehicles to local buyers.

Mr Joseph had previously declined the second-generation Ridgeline for Australia due to its advanced age in the product cycle, yet he kept open the possibility of the next generation.

The local chief also noted that his North American ties and the wider Honda network have led to fresh talks about offering models previously unavailable in Australia.

Nick Parkington, Honda Australia's general manager of automotive, likewise declined to confirm or exclude the Ridgeline from future local lineups.

"The next-generation Ridgeline looks like an exciting product and one I'm sure will do well in the US. In Australia, we are actively exploring product from the global Honda range and will put our hand up for anything we think would be suitable for Australian drivers," he said.

The present Ridgeline is a five-seat dual-cab ute that measures 5339 mm long, 1996 mm wide and 1798 mm high, with a 3181 mm wheelbase, placing it close in scale to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

It is priced from US$40,795 ($A58,484) in the United States, similar to a base Ford Bronco and roughly US$3000 above the entry-level F-150. Power comes from a 209 kW/355 Nm 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine paired with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

Unlike many utes that use ladder-frame construction, the outgoing Ridgeline employs car-like monocoque engineering.

It remains unclear if the new generation will keep the same layout, powertrain or overall approach, although Honda has confirmed development of a new V6 hybrid system for larger US-built vehicles.

The Japanese brand continues to expand hybrid offerings in Australia as more plug-in hybrid and electric utes enter the market.

Models such as the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and Toyota HiLux BEV will soon be joined by the Chery Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid and the electric MG U9 EV.

Honda Australia director Rob Thorp, who began his role alongside Mr Joseph, told CarExpert earlier this month that additional nameplates will join the local range.

"Our plans are to look at ways of how we can expand the lineup and push into segments where we're not currently represented," Mr Thorp said.

"That's part of our approach; we're looking globally to see what we can find that would work here locally."