Honda is afraid. Similar to a boyfriend who hates you but refuses to be alone and do his own dirty laundry, Honda will stick to its safest models. For years. Even as everyone warns Honda against it.
According to a report by Automotive News, Honda plans to extend the cycle of its most popular models: the Odyssey, Accord, HR-V, as well as the Acura MDX and Integra. However, Honda will not release its next-generation models until 2030 or later. Yep, for another four years, you’re getting the same old safe Hondas.
The Odyssey’s last redesign was back in 2017, nearly 10 years ago. There have been two mid-cycle updates, but nothing too significant. Now, the next-generation hybrid Odyssey won’t be here until March 2030. The Accord is also going hybrid, but that redesign is also not coming until 2030. The HR-V is getting the current model extended for at least two years, with the redesign not coming until 2032. This means the current generation HR-V will be stretched to a decade.
You still awake? Alright, stay with me. Honda’s luxury division, Acura, is doing the same thing. The MDX crossover will reach 10 years in its current form, with no changes until early 2031. The Integra will run through 2032, three additional years, but no next-generation model has been mentioned.
To continue that boyfriend analogy, imagine the boyfriend keeps the same hairstyle, diet, and wardrobe for another two to three years. And when you ask to do something exciting, he says he doesn’t have the money. But like most of these kinda guys, Honda is still pretty sure you won’t leave. “We are very confident in our future product strategy, including our previously announced plans to advance our award-winning hybrid technology to more models,” spokesperson Jessica Fini said.
Honda’s boring strategy: no new cars, no updates
You can’t really blame Honda for playing it so safe.
Honda used to have a lot of hope. Back when the United States was pivoting towards EVs along with the rest of the world, Honda started working on an all-electric future. And it was doing it big. It had three interesting EVs in mind, the 0 Saloon, 0 SUV, and Acura RSX crossover. The coolest one was the 0 Saloon, a sedan that looked like a wedge-shaped supercar and a futuristic EV had a baby. The RSX was also pretty cool: a dual-motor, all-wheel drive, sportier version of the RSX that also looked pretty badass. Based on the pre-production prototype, at least.
Unfortunately, the United States’ rapidly changing views on electric vehicles, including the Trump Administration’s deletion of the $7,500 tax credit, as well as high tariffs and development costs, resulted in the EV dream feeling more like a nightmare.
“In order to improve the current earnings situation as early as possible, Honda considered various options; however, after careful consideration, the company made the decision to cancel the development and market launch of three EV models that had been planned for production in the U.S., namely the Honda 0 SUV, Honda 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX,” the brand explained at the time.
“Honda determined that starting production and sales of these three models in the current business environment, where the demand for EVs is declining significantly, would likely result in further losses over the long term.”
It’s always a bummer when automakers cancel innovations that look unique. And it’s even more depressing now that we know Honda is sticking to the safest and blandest route. But again, Honda took a massive hit when its EV plans fell apart. It actually lost about $15.7 billion. Playing it safe seems to be the best bet. This saves Honda some money for the next few years.
But will sales momentum slow?
A lot of dealerships have expressed alarm after hearing of Honda’s decision to focus on an aging minivan, bland, forgettable SUV, and underwhelming sedan focused on reliability and comfort. Nothing says sporty like reliability and comfort! Retailers told Automotive News that the current generations getting extended even longer could be bad news.
“New product drives new consumers to the brand and reinvigorates existing loyalists,” one anonymous dealer said. “When we extend the product cycle beyond the standard five-year period, the product tends to start getting stale, and you start seeing defections.”
This is especially concerning as more models from other automakers come out. Would you rather get the same old HR-V you’ve been ignoring for the past few years, or Toyota’s more aggressive, adventurous RAV4? It’s definitely a risk that may not pay off as more automakers try to find their niche in the ever-changing car market.
The car community has already expressed concern. And boredom.
“The Accord has been stale to me since the day it was released, though, and so I was waiting eagerly for a mid-cycle refresh. Guess not,” said one car enthusiast.
Some are fine with the Odyssey, however, so at least Honda has that going for it.
“The Odyssey is downright ancient and yet it’s still the best one for drivers and doesn’t feel outdated on features at all,” said one fan.
Added another: “The Odyssey, while missing a hybrid option, is still a distinguishing alternative to the competition by offering a reliable and peppy family hauler.”
Okay, okay, don’t get me too excited now. Honda sold over 88,000 units last year. Which is something. But I don’t think the Odyssey is enough to save Honda.
