Honda has had a change of heart: EVs are (mostly) out, hybrids are in. Like many others, the company has decided to shift its money and effort toward more approachable, moderately electrified vehicles rather than full EVs. The EVs will eventually come, but, for now, the company has unveiled an all-new V6 hybrid powertrain that is going to transform its lineup when it finally arrives in 2027, and from the details, there’s plenty to be excited about.
Unlike the system already found in the likes of the CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, this new powertrain isn’t solely focused on efficiency; rather, it will also prioritize power and towing capability thanks to a new electronic drive unit (EDU) on the rear axle, which gives this system true AWD capability. Honda claims this system is 30% more efficient and offers 10% stronger performance at wide open throttle, not to mention the general increase in power and torque over the current V6 engines. There are still plenty of questions left to answer, but Honda is keeping its cards close to its chest.
This doesn’t mean the V6 Accord will return, as this system has been specifically designed for Honda’s current crop of crossover, truck, and minivan options. This means there are about six vehicles we expect to inherit the setup in the coming years, and we wanted to explore what that may look like for each.
In this article, we look at six vehicles in Honda’s and Acura’s lineups that could benefit from this new hybrid powertrain. We’ve placed the Honda options first and the Acura options last.
Engine
3.5-liter V6 (J35Y6)
Power
280 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Towing Capacity
5,000 lbs
Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined)
18/24/21 MPG (non-TrailSport trims)
The Honda Ridgeline was the first vehicle that came to mind when we envisioned this list. A pickup truck needs a potent powertrain, and although we appreciate the fact that it still sports a naturally aspirated V6, 280 horsepower, and 21 MPG combined isn’t really cutting it anymore. This has always been a model that wanted to be different, but that difference was meant to make it more approachable by a wider audience. Its unibody platform and independent suspension design help to give it much better on-road manners, but it comes at a cost.
Many truck owners see this design as less rugged, and its 5,000 lb towing capacity doesn’t help to counter that argument. Despite the recent changes in 2024 to give it a more macho look and better technology, it’s now sitting in this weird limbo where it’s simultaneously modern and dated. A hybrid powertrain under the hood would fix this, giving it the performance and capability it’s begging for.
Engine
3.5-liter V6 (J35Y6)
Power
280 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Towing Capacity
Up to 3,500 lbs
Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined)
19/28/22 MPG
There aren’t many entrants left in the minivan space these days, but out of the few, the Honda Odyssey rises to the top. Honda’s ubiquitous family hauler has created throngs of devoted faithful that adore its space, reliability, and interior vacuum. However, as with many Honda products in recent years, it’s fallen a bit behind the curve, and we feel a comprehensive redesign with a new powertrain under the hood is just what it needs to become the undisputed winner once again.
While power is currently solid in a vehicle that’s mainly going to cart kids to and from school, fuel economy is lacking. Its 22 MPG combined isn’t impressive anymore, especially when its main competitor, the Toyota Sienna, returns a much more impressive 36/36/36 MPG across the board. Yes, the Toyota produces less power and torque, but it also offers AWD, widening its appeal, and stealing the Odyssey’s thunder even more. While we doubt Honda’s upcoming V6 hybrid system will be as fuel efficient, if it adds 5 or 6 MPG in each area on top of greater or equal power, we think that’d be a win.
Engine
3.5-liter V6 (J35Y6)
Power
285 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Towing Capacity
5,000 lbs
Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined)
19/25/21 MPG (non TrailSport trims)
When Honda decided it needed to fill the gap between the CR-V and the Pilot, it resurrected a classic nameplate for the job. The Passport was little more than a shrunken down Pilot, but we always felt it wore the looks a bit better. The only issue was the classic model was known for its ruggedness, something that’s become all the rage in recent years. This is why it was a welcome surprise to see the company reach into its roots once again, and bring back the boxy look of the original with a 21st Century flare. The 2026 Passport feels like a different model, one just as suited to tackling the trails as the open roads, especially when optioned in the TrailSport trim.
This is the variant that’s getting all the attention, as it adds goodies to the model, like a beefier suspension, knobby tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and much more. It almost looks ready to take on the likes of the Toyota 4Runner TRD-Pro, but it’s still lacking in a few areas. Performance is one of them, as 285hp just isn’t going to cut it in a serious off-roader anymore. The minimum is now 300 hp, and if Honda is serious, it’ll prep the new hybrid V6 for duty, along with coming up with some more intense off-road upgrades to really give it a shot at glory on the trails. It’s a great time to go off road.
Engine
3.5-liter DOHC V6 (J35Y8)
Power
285 hp
Torque
262 lb-ft
Towing Capacity
Up to 5,000 lbs (AWD)
Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined)
19/25/21 MPG (AWD)
Like most of the others on this list, the Pilot has received an update in recent years that has made it more rugged and filled it with better tech. Look, every brand needs a vehicle that can fit up to eight people, and Honda has the right idea of offering a crossover and minivan that both fit that mold. While we thought the previous generation was a bit frumpy, the new one has added sharp edges and creases in basically all the right areas. It’s a great entry, especially when decked-out in its TrailSport trim, but it has stiff competition in this segment, and the powertrain is a point of weakness.
Out of all the other vehicles on this list, the Pilot would probably be the ideal launch vehicle for the new powertrain on this list. This is because the largest vehicle has the most to gain, from increased acceleration, better towing, and improved fuel economy. A vehicle like this is likely to be loaded up more often than not, and in those situations, you’ll appreciate the instant torque of those electric motors, plus the engine assist even at lower speeds. However, by the time the new powertrain arrives, this generation will already be getting on in years, so we’ll have to see if more drastic changes will be in order.
Engine
3.5-liter V6 (J35Y5) / 3.0-liter Turbo V6 (Type S)
Power
290 hp / 355 hp (Type S)
Torque
267 lb-ft / 354 lb-ft (Type S)
Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined)
19/26/22 MPG (3.5)
Moving from Honda and into the refined and attractive Acura brand, we think the next most fitting recipient of the new hybrid V6 is the Acura MDX. This large family SUV is one of the most attractive and well-balanced out there; the perfect car for anyone tired of the current crop of European luxury offerings. The cabin is well refined, with gorgeously quilted seats and a driver-centric interior that still utilizes tactile buttons like most interiors should, but it’s the Type S variant that really elevates and turns it from good to great.
This version adds more aggressive looks, some of the best in the Acura lineup, with low-profile five-spoke wheels, massive Brembo brakes, new chassis controls, a turbocharged V6 engine, and the brand’s iconic Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. When we tested it, we thought it was one of the best all-around performance SUVs on the market, but we can’t help but think hybridization would only improve it.
Engine
2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4
Power
272 hp
Torque
280 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined)
21/27/23 MPG
Out of all the vehicles on this list, the Acura RDX is likely the biggest reach for this new powertrain due to sitting on the same platform as the CR-V. However, we think its proximity to that model also makes it the perfect candidate. The RDX is the brand’s volume seller, the model that will continue to keep it afloat when all else fails. It hasn’t gone hybrid just yet, instead focusing on its exterior looks and interior luxury, but it’s spent quite a while barking up those trees. Now it needs to focus on performance, and a great way to separate itself would be by looking at this new hybrid powertrain.
While the CR-V hybrid mainly focuses on fuel economy, the RDX could come out swinging with over 300 hp and AWD standard. With power like this, we could even see an expansion of the Type S trim, giving Acura its own X3 M Sport competitor. It would be electrification on its own terms, and we believe buyers will see the appeal in that.
Sources: Honda
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