Honda Expands Propulsion Options in 2025Honda Expands Propulsion Options in 2025

American Honda embarks on a multi-propulsion future in 2025 and into 2026, launching four new models: one battery-electric, one hybrid and two pure internal-combustion engine additions joining the Japanese automaker’s lineup of hybrids and ICEs.

The ICEs arrive first, starting with a fully re-engineered 2026 Passport powered by a 285-hp, 262-lb.-ft. (355-Nm) 3.5L DOHC V-6 hooked to the model’s first 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda adds a more rugged TrailSport version featuring higher ground clearance, steel skid plates, off-road suspension and all-terrain tires. Passport interior upgrades include a standard 12.3-in. (31-cm) touchscreen powered by Google to manage infotainment functions.

Next up is the 2025 Acura ADX, a new compact CUV for Honda’s premium brand, arriving in the spring and priced in the mid-$30,000 range. The ADX is powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl. similar to the engine in the Acura Integra. In the Integra, it produces 200 hp and 192 lb.-ft. (260 Nm) of torque. It features a high-efficiency, quick-response turbocharger hooked to a 4-into-2 exhaust port cylinder head that helps maintain consistent boost pressure. A continuously variable transmission sends power to the wheels.

The electrified vehicles come late in the year and include the return of the Prelude as a hybrid, and the start of production of a small CUV BEV branded the Acura RSX. RSX brings back a nameplate from a former ICE performance sports coupe sold from 2002-2006 when it replaced the Integra. The RSX represents the automaker’s first entry from its Honda EV Hub in Marysville, OH.

The new entries come as American Honda completes a year in which overall sales were up 8.8% and the company projects 5% growth this year, says Lance Woelfer, vice president of sales. The automaker’s U.S. sales topped 1.4 million in 2024, including nearly 1.3 million in Honda sales while the Acura brand chipped in 132,000 units, according to Wards Intelligence data. Woelfer says Honda sales should hit 1.35 million this year while Acura is pegged at 160,000.

Woelfer touts Honda’s hybrid lineup, including the CR-V CUV and Accord and Civic sedans as strengths heading into this year’s market in which demand for the gasoline-electric options is increasing while BEVs are seeing some softening. Hybrid versions of the Accord and CR-V both outsold their ICE counterparts by a small margin in 2024. CR-V in hybrid and ICE versions topped Honda sales last year at more than 400,000 units.

The Honda Prologue BEV, based on General Motors’ Ultium platform, posted 33,000 sales in 2024 and is expected to gain this year and continue in the Honda showroom for a full lifecycle, amid the arrival of Honda-developed 0-series BEVs in 2026, Woelfer says. Volumes will be dictated by the market, he adds, but the company remains committed to its goal of having a 100% BEV lineup in 2040.

Honda introduces TrailSport version of Passport in 2025.