Happy Friday! Welcome to this week’s edition of the Official DoubleClutch.ca News Rundown, where we recap the top automotive headlines from the week that was in one convenient package. Let’s go.
Honda teases new Ridgeline
Finally, some good news about product at Honda: there's a new Ridgeline, and a flagship three-row Acura SUV coming ... eventually.
Honda dropped a teaser this week confirming a third-generation Ridgeline pickup is indeed happening. The lone teaser image confirms the new Ridgeline will still be shaped like a truck, but not much else is known beyond that.
Honda's announcement also confirms some scuttlebutt on which we reported a few months ago: production of the current Ridgeline will end later this year and pick up again in 18 months, in time for the roll-out of the next-gen model.
Acura planning "XL" 3-row crossover
On the Acura side, Automotive News reports a new, supersized three-row SUV is destined to join the lineup in 2029.
It will be larger than the MDX, pictured above, and aimed squarely at the Lexus TX. The brand hasn't settled on a name yet, only "Acura XL" per internal docs; we think SLX would be particularly fitting, especially after Honda brought pack the Passport.
Regardless of the name, production is expected to kick off in Alabama, targeting around 40,000 units per year. Count on seeing Honda's next-gen hybrid powertrain under the skin, too.
Honda pausing Civic Si production after 2026
Okay, so it's not all sunshine-and-rainbows this week. Honda is pausing production of the Civic Si — and the manual Integra — after this year.
The news comes from a leaked email at the company's Alliston, Ont., plant, where the Civic Si is built. The email alleges revised certifications from the U.S. EPA for the 2027 model year means Honda needs to take a minute to re-certify the 1.5-litre-and-six-speed-stick powertrain combo.
In North America, that means Civic Si and Integra A-Spec will go on an indefinite hiatus; Honda says they have enough inventory to last them through early 2027, but they haven't specified when production would resume.
And the rest
Toyota revealed the Sequoia and Tundra Trailhunter along with a mild facelift to both, and Jaguar Land Rover revealed two incoming Range Rover EVs.