Honda revealed on Wednesday that it is working on a next-generation hybrid system designed for its full-size SUVs, specifically for the North American market. The company is also rolling out a new mid-size hybrid platform, promising significant upgrades in both structure and powertrain compared to its existing hybrid models.
The plans were unveiled at the Honda Automotive Technology Workshop held in Tokyo.
Honda’s renewed emphasis on hybrids reflects wider changes in the automotive industry. The company’s cost-effective EV efforts are now concentrated in Asia, particularly in Japan and India, where it plans to launch the 0 Series Alpha compact electric SUV. In response to the rollback of fuel economy standards and federal tax credits under the Trump administration, Honda is shifting its U.S. strategy to emphasize larger hybrid models.
Honda’s upcoming hybrid system for full-size SUVs in the U.S. will feature a newly engineered V6 engine combined with advanced electric motors and an upgraded lithium-ion battery. This system is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and lower costs compared with current technology, delivering up to 30% better fuel economy than existing full-size non-hybrid SUVs and improving acceleration by 10%.
At present, Honda equips the Pilot and Passport SUVs with non-hybrid V6 engines. The automaker is also developing a new hybrid platform for mid-size vehicles, potentially updating models like the CR-V and Civic hybrids.
This upcoming platform will feature a stiffer body that flexes during cornering to improve stability and roadholding performance. The same technology will be integrated into Honda’s 0 Series EV platform. Additionally, the new mid-size hybrid architecture will be 198 pounds lighter than the existing version and will share over 60% of its components across different models.
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