Honda hybrids have been selling strongly in 2026, but the Japanese automaker is still missing hybrid models in the cost-conscious subcompact segment. The Honda HR-V has no hybrid powertrain option and neither does the Acura ADX, a more luxurious crossover that’s roughly the same size. It’s left rivals like Toyota, Subaru, and Lexus to cater to buyers looking for a smaller yet highly efficient crossover. In a new interview, a Honda executive has said that smaller hybrids haven’t been ruled out, while admitting that cost remains a challenge in this segment.
Cost Concerns a Challenge For Small Hybrids
Honda
While small crossovers are not typically as lucrative as larger, pricier models, there has been high demand for affordable hybrids across the industry this year. Honda’s smallest hybrid crossover is the compact CR-V, with the subcompact HR-V only offered with a regular gas engine. The Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, and Kia Niro are all available with hybrid powertrains.
In the luxury segment, Acura sells the ADX, but it’s also not offered with a hybrid powertrain, whereas rivals such as the Lexus UX are.
“We won’t talk about when and if hybrids are coming in [the HR-V and ADX], but I don’t know that there’s any reason why not,” said Gary Robinson, American Honda product planning chief, when speaking to Automotive News at Monterey Car Week. “It’s a cost-conscious segment so there’s always a little bit of a challenge there, specifically on the Honda side,” Robinson said.
Dealer inventories of the HR-V and ADX are tight, indicating high demand for these vehicles, despite the absence of hybrid powertrains. Considering that over half of all CR-Vs sold are hybrids, there’s a missed opportunity for Honda to compete in this space, but it would have to bring the electrified HR-V and ADX in at a competitive price point. That’s not easy, as the MSRP has to be low while also using a more complex powertrain.
Honda and Acura are expected to continue hybridizing their lineups as the decade draws to a close, with 15 new hybrids set to be launched by 2030, and many of them slated for North America.
Honda HR-V Vs. Hybrid Rivals
Toyota
The current HR-V in the U.S. makes do with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower. With front-wheel drive, it’s capable of 28 mpg combined, but owners have to make do with sluggish acceleration.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid shows up the HR-V, both in terms of performance and efficiency. The Toyota’s 2.0-liter engine and electric motor make 196 hp combined, so it feels a lot perkier in day-to-day driving. Even better is its EPA rating, which is 42 mpg combined—and that’s with all-wheel drive. There are similar specs for the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which makes 194 hp and achieves 36 mpg combined.
While the Subaru is on the pricey side, the Corolla Cross Hybrid still starts at under $30,000. The non-hybrid HR-V starts at $26,600, so if Honda can bring in a hybrid model at around the $30k mark, it will be an excellent alternative to the Toyota.
Related: Honda HR-V Twin Goes Fully Hybrid in Japan
Why It Matters
Honda
Hybrids are currently the sweet spot for many buyers not willing to make the leap to an EV. They offer excellent efficiency and performance without the range concerns and higher prices of EVs. High gas prices in 2026 have also pushed up demand for hybrids, so any automaker without a comprehensive hybrid lineup is missing an opportunity.
For an automaker with a long history of hybrids—the Insight went on sale over 25 years ago—it’s somewhat surprising that Honda has just one electrified SUV in its lineup in 2026. We expect this picture to change over the next few years, as the brand has now fallen behind rivals like Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai in terms of the number of hybrid offerings.
Related: Toyota, Honda And Hyundai Are Winning The Hybrid War
