Earlier this year, Honda sent shockwaves through the industry as it announced the cancellation of its future U.S.-built EVs mere months before the start of production. The Acura RSX, Honda 0 Series, and even the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1 were all left in the lurch, with pundits wondering where the brand will go next. As it turns out, back to hybrid models, and in a big way.
The automaker just revealed two next-generation hybrid prototypes, one Honda and one Acura. If you’ve been following Honda for a while, you’ll know it’s fond of revealing barely-altered future production cars as “Prototype” models, and with next-generation hybrids coming as soon as next year, it’s worth taking a closer look at these two machines.
Let’s start with the Acura, because it seems like it could be critical for the brand. See, compact crossovers are the hotness across both the mainstream and the luxury markets, and the discontinuation of the RDX compact crossover this year leaves Acura with a sizeable gap in its lineup. The brand’s already announced that the next RDX will be a hybrid, and looking at this vaguely-named Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, I don’t see enough length beyond the C-pillar to accommodate a third row.
Could this be a preview of the next RDX, coming in 2028? Judging by the proportions, it could well be, and it looks reasonably sharp. Those sleek pull-up door handles are a nice surprise in an era of annoying flush-fit electronic fixtures, the overall surfacing’s nice and sharp, and the down-the-road graphic looks like a fairly successful application of Acura’s new styling language. It’s also worth noting that there are other details here hinting that this crossover is way too far along to be a pure concept. What sort of concept car has DOT-style amber reflectors in the front arch trims, real mirrors, or a surprisingly production-looking interior?
It’s a similar deal with the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype, in that it also sports DOT-style reflectors, windshield wipers, real mirrors, and a dashtop that doesn’t look like a flight of fancy. Those details are far more intriguing here because this “Prototype” model features far more radical styling than the Acura crossover. It’s a dramatic two-box design with a serious slope to the roofline. The front lighting arrangement is like nothing we’ve seen from Honda, and plastic cladding on a sedan is rather unusual. While it’s hard to judge size from a photo alone, the Hybrid Sedan Prototype does appear slightly longer than the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, so it might be more Accord-sized than Civic-sized.
General details on these models are fairly sparse, but we do know this is only the beginning. Honda plans on debuting 15 new hybrids by 2030, and the marque says they’ll be launching “primarily in North America.” Expect a roughly similar two-motor hybrid layout as in current models, just with a dramatically revised setup. Honda claims that a more efficient engine and revised electronics aim to “improve the fuel economy of the next-generation hybrid models by more than 10%, while reducing system costs by 30% and further advance a unique Honda driving experience.” All-wheel drive will be available via a separate motor on the rear axle. Promising stuff, and proof that the automaker has something in the works after its abrupt EV turnabout earlier this year. The current Civic Hybrid is already a spectacular daily driver, so more efficiency with less cost should be a compelling combination.
Top graphic image: Honda
No one asked, and no one cares, but for some reason, starting last night, a ‘full line’ promotional video from Acura itself inserted it into my Youtube recommendations very assertively, and has yet to leave. This, despite the fact that I’m certain I’ve never searched/watched anything from or about Acuras ever.
Is this evidence of some corporate marketing effort, algorithmic malfeasance, or perhaps something even more sinister?
Not a honda fan any more
I understand the feeling.
Like Mercedes Benz, Honda used to make a lot of interesting and desirable cars that I really wanted to own, or at least test drive.
Right now, there’s basically nothing there that I feel strongly about in a positive way. I mean, the Ridgeline is still good for what it is, but I don’t need a truck, so its goodness is kind of moot.
Also, I miss Asimo. All these stumbling Chinese humanoid robots are devoid of charm.
Automakers just don’t know what to do with the front of their cars anymore. I give Rivian credit for at least having a different direction.
When I look at that RDX I see Topsy from King of the Hill.
I see an Acura and a Buick. Where’s the Honda?
Great. A hideous new RDX, and the Cross Tour is back! Except this time it’s angry.
Idk man. Honda is all over the place and it’s not giving me a confident vibe.
I don’t see them as angry. More like determined or focused.
People have made a lot of comparisons to this Accord (let’s face it, it’s an Accord), but nobody has made the IMO obvious one, which is Buick Envista. This looks like an Accord-sized Envista.
That is not a knock btw, I think Envista is one of the most handsome cars available right now. (And still better-looking than this Honda, because of the proportions.)
I’ve really liked the Envista since it came out. I bought a Civic Hybrid hatchback. I’d totally consider an Envista with a different powertrain, or some modifications to the current one.
envista > 100% Chinese content. No Thank You.
Re: the ‘Honda’ concept… pretty sure that’s a lambo dude. Urus to be exact.
Also, I find it weirdly attractive. Am confused.
Lambo mullet. Urus in the front. Espada in the back.
Ahh, that explains it. The mullet is appealing to my inner redneck.
Crosstour2: Electric Boogaloo, and ZDX mk III (since the gm-based one is dead).
Note to Honda – make plug-in hybrids. You’ve done it before and can benchmark the stellar performance of the Volt.
Yeah, I wish Honda would have some Clarity and produce some (non fuel cell) phevs.