- The first Honda Hybrid models will debut globally in 2027, primarily in North America.
- New tech will reportedly also include a system that pairs a V6 and two electric motors.
Honda has not been quiet about its ambitions to hybridize much of its lineup, and now the automaker has given its efforts a new name: Honda Hybrid now covers the company’s next-generation technologies, and the company says its revamped gas-electric system will debut in 15 new models globally by early 2030.
Honda didn’t specify the models, but in a statement the automaker said that Honda Hybrid will launch “primarily in North America.”
After canceling its 0 Series EV program earlier this year, Honda plans to reallocate development and production resources toward its hybrid program, noting that the changes are aimed at “rebuilding” its automotive business. Honda Hybrid replaces the e:HEV moniker given to electrified models in other markets, such as the Honda Jazz e:HEV, the gas-only version of which was sold here as the Fit for a time.
Future Honda Hybrids?
According to a report last year from industry publication The Drive, Honda plans to pair an updated hybrid system with a new V6 engine, which is expected to power larger vehicles, such as the Pilot and Passport SUVs, the Odyssey minivan, or the Ridgeline midsize pickup. We’ll also likely see some variation of the powertrain in the next-generation Acura MDX.
The system pairs two electric motors with the gas engine, and it replaces the traditional automatic transmission, like the setup seen in the new Honda Prelude. The Drive also noted that the Prelude coupe’s S+ shift system may make an appearance in the larger vehicles as well, working with the V6 engine to provide a sportier feel in Honda’s family haulers. Honda recently announced that the S+ system is coming to the 2027 Civic Hybrid.
While the “Honda Hybrid” name doesn’t sound all that creative, the technologies behind it should help boost the automaker’s competitiveness in an increasingly electrified market. Vehicles equipped with the system will have access to updated driving systems, including the Motion Management System, which uses sensors and other data to provide cornering assistance, more stable deceleration, and a new electric all-wheel-drive system, among other things.
Honda hasn’t given many other details, other than to tell The Drive that the new hybrid system provides improved full-throttle performance and up to a 30% boost in efficiency over non-hybrid V6s. The automaker has also said that the gas engine would operate at higher speeds and in off-road situations where appropriate, though the electric motors can be tuned to offer specific performance in some scenarios.
Current Honda Hybrids
Honda has a long history of making hybrid powertrains, dating back to 1999. The automaker aims to build off the success of its current hybrid lineup, which helped propel the brand to its best Q3 sales since 2019, Honda announced this month. Hybrid sales hit a new record for the brand in the quarter, led by the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which now accounts for more than 50% of Honda sales.
Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and two electric motors, the 204-hp CR-V Hybrid is more powerful and efficient than the gas-only CR-V, netting 40 mpg combined.
The Accord Hybrid and Civic Hybrid also account for 44% and 35% of the sales mix for each respective model.
