In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- What’s Honda’s next steps?
- Nissan blew our minds?
The first question comes from a fan who wants to know what Honda’s next steps will be.
Q (Via Facebook): RE: What will Honda’s next steps look like?
I’m trying to figure out what’s confirmed or what’s actually been reported about Honda’s next steps. What will it look like? Trying to iron out what I should expect versus what’s been canceled. I’m so confused right now about what they’re going to be doing for their future. I owned nothing but Hondas. Well, except for an old Ford F150 pickup truck that my father left me. I still don’t know what to do with that.
But I’ve had nine Hondas in the past 30 years that I’ve been driving. Some have gone to my kids, and others were swapped out only after accidents. Not a single one has left me by the side of the road.
So, as a Honda fan, I am wondering what’s going to happen next? Do you have any ideas?
Thanks.
– Anonymous
A: That’s a fair question, especially after Honda’s rocky stretch with its electric-vehicle plans.
The company canceled the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX EV, despite having already invited journalists to preview them. That’s a substantial change of direction, rather like organizing a wedding, mailing the invitations, and then deciding you’d prefer a boat. It was kind of sad to see.
However, Honda’s next move looks considerably more familiar: hybrids. The company already builds excellent hybrid powertrains, and the Prelude demonstrates that efficiency doesn’t have to eliminate personality. Whether you like its execution or not, I appreciate Honda trying to make something other than another anonymous family crossover.
Starting in 2027, its next-generation system will wear the straightforward “Honda Hybrid” name. Nifty, right? It builds on the existing two-motor e:HEV technology, rather than throwing everything into the dumpster. Honda’s updated plan calls for 15 next-generation hybrid models globally by March 2030, with North America a priority. The engineering targets include more than a 10-percent fuel-economy improvement through the combined new powertrain, platform, and electric AWD technology, plus a hybrid-system production-cost reduction exceeding 30-percent compared with its 2023 system. Those are targets, and cheaper manufacturing doesn’t automatically mean an equivalent discount at your dealership. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
The newly teased Avancier offers a glimpse of that direction. Honda Australia has published a “coming soon” page showing a sharper design and distinctive lighting. Reports point to a larger, three-row SUV positioned above the CR-V, but detailed specifications, pricing, and a firm Australian launch date remain unannounced. There’s no confirmed U.S. arrival, either, so don’t start rearranging the garage just yet.
About that bright green rendering I provided: it’s an unofficial design exercise combining the teaser-inspired shape with a Honda concept-style grille and slim headlights. It’s my little automotive science experiment, not a leaked production photo or confirmation that Honda has discovered radioactive guacamole.
For American buyers, another development deserves attention: Honda plans larger hybrids beginning in 2029, and Acura has confirmed a V6 hybrid powertrain in development for its larger models. Exact applications and output figures are still to come.
My take? Honda needs desirable vehicles with useful efficiency, competitive pricing, and some personality. A stronger hybrid lineup sounds like a sensible next step. Just keep the driving fun, Honda. I’d hate to see all that engineering result in a remarkably efficient sleeping pill.
— N
The last question comes from a fan who wants to know if we’re covering SEMA. Oh boy are we!
Q (Via Facebook): RE: Was Nissan at the SEMA show?
Is Nissan going to be at the (2026) SEMA show?
– EJSSE22
A: Heck ya! Nissan brought some nifty concepts.
Nissan showed up at the 2026 SEMA Show with a few slick concepts, including a badass Sentra, a Frontier with serious swagger, and a surprisingly interesting Pathfinder. Yes, a Pathfinder. Apparently, somebody remembered that the name should occasionally involve finding adventure.
We’ve already published videos covering some of these builds, but what caught my attention was the thinking behind them. Nissan gave us a reason to look at familiar vehicles differently. A Sentra with some swagger? I’m listening. A Frontier that makes you start mentally pricing accessories? That’s dangerous territory for my wallet.
The bigger question is whether any of this goodness will reach production. SEMA concepts are excellent at making promises that nobody technically made, so I wouldn’t assume these exact vehicles are heading to dealerships. Still, they give Nissan a chance to gauge interest in styling, accessories, and potential upgrades. I hope the enthusiastic response encourages somebody to approve more than another badge package.
Nissan brought some personality to the party. Now let’s see how much survives the trip from the show floor to the showroom.
— N
