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Honda Declares War on the Hybrid Competition

While electric vehicles may lose momentum in the next decade, they’ll remain a key part of the automotive landscape.

For many automakers, the road ahead has seemed fully electric—until plans began to shift. Several major brands have recently hit the brakes on their all-electric ambitions, and Honda is the latest to delay its transition to a battery-powered future. That doesn’t mean internal combustion engines are making a full comeback, but rather that Honda is pivoting toward a broader electrification strategy. Encouragingly, we’re beginning to see what the next decade could look like for the brand—especially in the U.S., where models like the upcoming Civic Hybrid will play a key role.

A new report from GlobalData outlines Honda’s product roadmap from 2025 through 2035, revealing a lineup that leans heavily on hybrid versions of its most recognizable U.S. nameplates. While electric vehicles are still part of the plan, their arrival has been notably delayed, signaling a more cautious approach to full electrification.

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    The Prelude, Civic, and CR-V Take Center Stage in Honda’s Hybrid Strategy

     

    Model Expected Arrival Powertrain
    Honda Prelude 2025 Hybrid
    Honda Civic (New Generation) 2028 Hybrid
    Honda Accord (New Generation) 2027 Hybrid
    Honda HR-V (Current Generation) Through 2030 Gas / Hybrid (unconfirmed)
    Honda CR-V (New Generation) 2027 Hybrid
    Honda Pilot (New Generation) 2028-2029 Possibly Hybrid
    Honda Passport Active / Next Refresh TBD Possibly Hybrid
    Honda Odyssey (New Generation) 2028 Possibly Hybrid
    Honda Prologue (Facelift) 2028 Electric
    Honda 0 Series Saloon 2026 Electric
    Three Honda 0 Series SUVs 2027-2028 Electric

     

    Honda has confirmed that the Prelude will be the first hybrid model to launch in the U.S. later this year. It will debut Honda’s innovative S+ Shift technology, while the more advanced e:HEV hybrid system is set to arrive afterward, eventually powering other electrified models in the lineup. According to GlobalData’s report, the 12th-generation Civic is expected to receive this next-generation hybrid powertrain by 2028, with the new CR-V and Accord likely following suit in 2027—aligning with Honda’s recently announced timeline.

    The current-generation Honda HR-V is expected to remain in production through 2030, receiving a facelift along the way before being phased out. Meanwhile, Honda’s largest SUV, the Pilot, is set to receive significant updates as soon as 2028, with a hybrid powertrain likely in the works, as recently indicated by the company. The recently refreshed Passport may also get a mid-cycle update, potentially including electrified options, though its exact timeline remains unclear. Additionally, the aging Odyssey minivan is slated for a next-generation overhaul in 2028, which could also feature a hybrid system.

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      Honda’s Electric Vehicle Plans Delayed, But Not Abandoned

      Although Honda has scaled back its investment in electric vehicles—from ¥10 trillion (approximately $69 billion) to ¥7 trillion ($48 billion) by 2031—it’s clear that fully electric models remain part of the long-term strategy. The current U.S. EV offering, the GM-developed Prologue, is expected to receive a facelift in 2028. However, its future is uncertain due to Honda’s recent split with GM, casting some doubt on what comes next for the brand’s all-electric lineup.

      Earlier this year, Honda offered a glimpse of its future electric lineup with the introduction of the 0 Series Saloon and 0 Series SUV concepts. The sleek, low-profile saloon is expected to launch first in 2026, followed by three electric SUVs arriving in 2027 and 2028. While the exact sizes and configurations of these SUVs remain unclear, it’s confirmed they will feature NACS charging ports when they reach the U.S. market.

         

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