New Honda Hybrid System
The growing popularity of hybrid vehicles is forcing manufacturers to expand their electrified models in North America. Honda, which already offers hybrid powertrains in its compact models, is preparing to extend this approach to larger vehicles with a new hybrid V6 engine.
Key System Features
Electrification Strategy
The company previously confirmed that a large hybrid SUV is being developed for the US market, which is part of a broader electrification strategy presented last May. During the Honda Automotive Technology Workshop, the manufacturer shared new details about what will power this model.
Technical Details
The system is based on a new V6 engine designed to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. This unit will be combined with new electric motors (up to three in all-wheel-drive versions) and a battery pack. Honda’s goal is to achieve high efficiency while maintaining production costs.
According to Honda, the powertrain promises over 30% improvement in fuel economy compared to current models with internal combustion engines in the medium and large segments.
Improvements will be achieved through updated equipment and a new energy management system capable of selecting the most efficient driving mode for each situation.
Performance and Acceleration
In addition to better efficiency, the new system is expected to provide faster performance. Honda forecasts over 10% increase in full-throttle acceleration compared to current non-electrified V6 models.
The company has not yet disclosed the total power output, but it is clear that both speed and economy are priorities.
Future Models
The first production model with the new system will be a large SUV, which is set to appear in 2027. Considering the timing and what has already been spotted during testing, it is likely an updated version of the Pilot, which has already been observed on test tracks.
Other models will follow by the end of the decade, including the updated Passport SUV and the next generations of the Ridgeline pickup and Odyssey minivan.
Honda expects this new wave of hybrids to become a key bridge during what the company calls a “transitional period towards the full-scale adoption of hybrid electric vehicles.”
This strategy reflects Honda’s cautious approach to electrification, focusing on technologies that provide a balance between environmental requirements and consumer needs. The development of the hybrid V6 could become an important step in ensuring the company’s stability in a market where full electrification has not yet become a dominant trend.