Honda’s New V6 Hybrid Promises Power and Efficiency for Large All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Honda has offered a first glimpse into a new-generation hybrid powertrain built around all-wheel drive and robust performance, designed for both off-road adventures and heavy towing.
The company confirmed it is developing an all-new V6 petrol engine paired with a hybrid system specifically for larger vehicles. This is not a reworked version of an existing six-cylinder unit but a ground-up design intended to blend strong performance with modern efficiency. According to Honda, the new powertrain will find its way into models such as the Pilot, Passport, Odyssey and Ridgeline.
While technical details remain under wraps, Honda hinted at significant gains in both dynamics and fuel economy. Early estimates suggest around 30 percent better fuel efficiency compared with current petrol models, along with more than 10 percent quicker acceleration.
At the heart of the new system is an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This setup eliminates the traditional driveshaft and allows the vehicle to distribute power more intelligently between the axles. The result, Honda says, is a true all-wheel-drive feel rather than the mere “rear-axle assist” effect found in some hybrids. The goal is not just frugality but also durability and confidence when driving off-road or towing heavy loads.
Honda expects the V6 hybrid drivetrain to reach production in 2027. In parallel, the development team is working on multi-motor configurations that can support a large internal combustion engine while improving both efficiency and pulling power.
The company has yet to reveal the engine’s displacement, output or battery capacity. But with the all-electric market expanding more slowly than analysts once predicted, Honda is clearly doubling down on hybrid technology, particularly in segments where weight, towing capacity and range still matter most.
The move suggests carmakers are no longer racing blindly toward an all-electric future. In a market where EV sales continue to rise but are held back by infrastructure gaps and high prices, hybrids offer a pragmatic middle ground. The new V6 hybrid puts Honda squarely back in contention with rivals like Toyota and Hyundai and could help the brand regain ground in the SUV-heavy markets of North America and beyond.
The second wind of the hybrid era has begun, and this time, Honda intends to set the pace rather than chase it.
