After cancelling its plans to introduce three new EVs, Honda is really emphasizing that hybrid vehicles will be a significant part of what they do in the future. At a recent global business presentation in Japan, Honda showed us what two upcoming hybridmodels will be like: a next-generation Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype and an Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, and explained much broader plans for a big increase in the number of hybrid vehicles that will be offered over the next few years.
These two concept cars are part of a larger plan to have Honda and Acura release 15 new hybrids around the world by 2030, and North America is where most of these will be.
Honda’s next generation two-motor hybrid system will start arriving in 2027, and Acuras with the new system should arrive within the next two years. Although they prototypes, they give a first look at the style and technology we can expect from both brands. The Honda sedan might give us an early look at the next-generation Honda Accord or Civic, while the Acura SUV prototype is likely a preview of the next-generation RDX.
More importantly, this new hybrid system should be noticeably better in terms of fuel efficiency and power. Honda has expanded the range in which the gas engine runs at its best, and also improved how efficient the whole hybrid system is. They are aiming for over a 10% improvement in miles per gallon with the next generation of hybrids, and at the same time, a 30% reduction in the cost of the system. Honda has also developed a new all-wheel-drive electric system.
Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the company will speed up the development and making of hybrid models, and do this earlier than planned. This strategy includes changes to how things are made in the US. Honda has confirmed they will increase hybrid production at their Marysville and East Liberty factories in Ohio, and eventually, all Honda plants in North America will be able to make hybrids. Honda also announced they’ll begin introducing larger, D-segment hybrid vehicles from 2029.
And beyond the new engines, Honda also previewed their next-generation ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology, which is due to arrive in 2028.
This system will use route guidance from the navigation to help with acceleration and steering.
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