Honda is reportedly following Toyota’s lead and could transition two of its most popular models to a hybrid-only format. According to a report in industry publication Automotive News, the automaker is preparing updates for the Accord midsize sedan and CR-V compact SUV that could see them go hybrid-only by 2031. For its latest generation of the Camry midsize sedan and RAV4 compact SUV, Toyota went all-in on hybrid powertrains for those top sellers.
The Accord is expected to receive a facelift in 2027 ahead of a more significant redesign in 2029. Honda may also offer a beefier crossover-style variant of the Accord, similar to the short-lived Crosstour model from a decade ago.
Beyond those two headlining models, many expect Honda to revive the Element nameplate with a boxy new subcompact SUV. The automaker is also in talks with Nissan, which could yield a round of new body-on-frame vehicles, such as a large SUV or pickup truck.
Additionally, larger vehicles such as the Honda Ridgeline, Pilot, and Passport, will reportedly receive hybrid options based on the automaker’s heavier-duty new architecture. The changes could pair a V6 with multiple electric motors and a smaller, less expensive hybrid battery.
Hybrid vehicles comprise a notable portion of Honda’s sales, reaching around a third of its total volume in the first half of 2026, but the company’s electric vehicle efforts haven’t seen the same success. Thanks to aggressive incentives, the Prologue SUV sold well early on, but Honda is dropping the EV once production ends later this year. Honda made that vehicle in collaboration with General Motors.
While these reported efforts would require a relatively hefty investment from Honda, they represent a step back from the automaker’s original electrification goals. Earlier this year, Honda scrapped development of a line of futuristic EVs and posted its first-ever annual loss for the 2025 fiscal year, reporting a $2.7 billion shortfall.
