How many generations of the Honda Ridgeline are there?

Two. The first generation ran from the 2006 through 2014 model years. Honda then paused the Ridgeline for two years — there is no 2015 or 2016 model. The second generation launched for 2017 and continues through 2026. Both are unibody trucks with a transverse 3.5-liter J35 V6, which is unusual for a pickup and matters a lot when you shop for parts.

Do first-generation and second-generation Ridgeline parts interchange?

As a rule, no. The 2006–2014 and 2017–2026 trucks share a design philosophy — unibody body, J35 V6, In-Bed Trunk, dual-action tailgate — but the bodies, bumpers, lighting, suspension pieces, and most bolt-on parts are specific to their generation. Always match a part to your exact model year before buying, and when in doubt, decode fitment from the VIN or the part's Honda number.

What's the difference between an early and a refreshed second-generation Ridgeline?

The 2017–2020 trucks wear the softer original second-gen front end and offered front-wheel drive on lower trims. The 2021 refresh brought a more rugged, squared-off front end (new grille, bumper, and hood), made i-VTM4 all-wheel drive standard across the range, and added the available HPD appearance package. Because the front-end styling changed, exterior and lighting parts often split at the 2021 model year even though the platform underneath is the same.

Is all-wheel drive standard on the Ridgeline?

It always was on the first generation (2006–2014). On the second generation, front-wheel drive was available on lower trims from 2017 through 2020; from the 2021 model year onward every Ridgeline ships with Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive. That FWD-vs-AWD split can affect driveline, axle, and some undercarriage parts on 2017–2020 trucks, so confirm your drivetrain before ordering those.

Honda Ridgeline Generations & Fitment Reference (2006–2026)

Before you buy a single part for your truck, answer one question: which Ridgeline do you actually have? The Honda Ridgeline has only ever come in two generations, but the model-year splits inside them decide whether a part bolts right on or shows up as an expensive return. This is the reference we point people to first — bookmark it, then shop with confidence across every category.

The two generations at a glance

	First generation	Second generation
Model years	2006–2014	2017–2026
Engine	3.5L J35 V6 (247–250 hp)	3.5L J35 V6 (280 hp, direct injection)
Transmission	5-speed automatic	6-speed auto (2017–2019), 9-speed auto (2020+)
Drivetrain	AWD standard (VTM-4)	FWD or AWD (2017–2020); i-VTM4 AWD standard (2021+)
Body	Unibody, In-Bed Trunk, dual-action tailgate	Unibody, In-Bed Trunk, dual-action tailgate

Note the two-year gap: there is no 2015 or 2016 Ridgeline. Honda ended first-gen production after 2014 and relaunched the truck for 2017. If a listing claims a 2015 or 2016 Ridgeline part, treat it as a mislabel.

First generation (2006–2014)

The original Ridgeline proved a unibody pickup could tow, haul, and outlast expectations. It uses the transverse 3.5L J35 V6 — 247 hp early, 250 hp from 2009 — backed by a 5-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. A mid-cycle refresh in 2009 restyled the front end, so grille, bumper, and headlight fitment can split around that year.

Because it’s the older truck, the first-gen is where eBay Motors and used/OEM sourcing shine — many new-parts catalogs have thinned out, but salvage and OEM stock is deep. Use the 1st-gen OEM parts button above to pull live listings.

What owners shop most on a 2006–2014 truck:

Brakes — pads and rotors are the #1 wear item; see our brake upgrade guide and pad-type explainer approach.
Suspension — original struts and control-arm bushings are due on most survivors; the lift & leveling guide covers stance options.
Maintenance — timing belt service, fluids, and the J35’s Maintenance Minder items keep these trucks reliable well past 200k; our maintenance schedule & parts checklist decodes the service codes.
Lighting — sealed-beam-era housings yellow with age; upgrades are covered in choosing LED headlights.

Second generation (2017–2026)

The current Ridgeline moved to Honda’s newer global light-truck architecture but kept the recipe: unibody, 3.5L J35 V6 making 280 hp with direct injection, In-Bed Trunk, and the two-way tailgate. It’s smoother, quicker, and more refined than the original — and it splits into two clear fitment eras.

Early second-gen (2017–2020)

The launch cars wear the softer original second-gen face and offered front-wheel drive on lower trims alongside available AWD. Transmissions were a 6-speed automatic (2017–2019), upgraded to a 9-speed (2020). When you buy driveline, axle, or some undercarriage parts for these years, confirm FWD vs AWD first — it changes the fitment.

Refreshed second-gen (2021–2026)

The 2021 refresh gave the Ridgeline a more rugged, squared-off front end — new grille, bumper, and hood — made i-VTM4 all-wheel drive standard, and added the available HPD appearance package. Because the front sheet metal and lighting changed, exterior and lighting parts frequently split at 2021 even though the platform is shared with the earlier cars. This is the single most common fitment mistake we see on the current truck: a 2019 bumper or grille will not drop onto a 2022.

Where second-gen owners spend:

Exterior & accessories — bed covers, running boards, and protection; see best exterior accessories. Watch the 2021 styling split.
Wheels & tires — the most popular first mod; offset and clearance matter on this unibody body.
Towing & hauling — hitches, controllers, and bed gear; see towing accessories.
Engine & performance — intakes and bolt-ons for the direct-injection J35; see performance upgrades.
Interior — liners, organizers, and trim that fit the current cab.

How to confirm fitment before you buy

Nail down your generation and year era using the table above — 2006–2014, 2017–2020, or 2021–2026.
Check the drivetrain on a 2017–2020 truck (FWD vs AWD) for anything driveline-related.
Match to your exact model year, not just “second-gen,” for body, bumper, grille, and lighting parts — the 2021 refresh is the trap.
New / aftermarket / consumable parts: shop Amazon Automotive through the category pages. Used, OEM, salvage, or rare parts: use the generation-specific eBay Motors buttons above — that’s where first-gen and hard-to-find pieces live.

Get the generation right and the rest is easy. Every category on this site sorts in-stock parts first, and each of our buyer’s guides links back here so you can always double-check what fits your truck.