It’s mind-blowing to me that heading into Model Year 2026, Acura has zero hybrids. How’s this possible? And really doesn’t even have an electric car.

There is also no trail-oriented, off-road capable SUV. I realize that’s not Acura’s lane, but it is America’s lane. Do you think a modestly lifted, rugged-clad and trail-equipped hybrid RDX capable on double-track forest roads would sell? I do.

And where’s the RLX Sport Hybrid wagon with 400HP?

What do you think?

 

Acura has been lagging quite a bit with hybrid powertrains (I'm guessing due to shifting gears to fully electric, and then realizing recently that they need hybrids too).

From engineering concept to production takes at least 18-month, if not 24-months to ensure something is reliable. The Civic Hybrid speaks volumes about their capabilities, but they have to make sure production will match their demand; scaling up in today's climate is very hard with the cost to been in the green/red very slim.

Additionally, Acura/Honda is very prone to waiting for a full model refresh before releasing new powertrains to avoid killing resale value on the older models.

Acura had the MDX and RLX Hybrids and those did not sell well at all; nevermind their pricing was a bit higher than what consumers would reasonably want to pay when cross shopping.

 

Aside from the Integra-S, all of Acura is one giant gap right now.

 

The 17-20 MDX Sport Hybrid in Tech or Adv trims was only $1500 MSRP above a similar MDX tech/adv sh-awd 3.5L model. Acura had to take a huge loss on the MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain because of it complexity (3.0L P.I. V-6, 7DCT with 1st gear electric motor/generator, DC inverter, 19.4 gal gas tank, added Sport+ IDS mode, Comfort/Sport Mode electronic dampers, 1.3kWh battery pack, Twin Motor Unit rear diff, larger FNC front brakes, EV power distribution screen at to Navi).
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I purchased my MDX Adv SH back when end of the model run vehicles were discounted $3500-$6000 off MSRP 2019. It was the usual weak Honda/Acura marketing and having the right vehicle at the wrong time that really hurt the Sport Hybrid RLX, MDX, and NSX. The Sport Hybrid powertrain would sell at a much higher volumes today compared to 2014-2020 years. Most mainstream, sporty, and luxury brand now offer a sport hybrid powertrain option compared to only have a MPG focused hybrid with Honda Civic or CR-V.

I haven't checked in awhile to see if Honda/Acura has any "sporty" hybrid models in Japan or in China that "might" make it over to the North America?

 

The more Integras I see on the road, the more I like it.
Would be a tough choice between it & the Civic

 

The Hybrid in the 26 Prelude is software programmed to feel like a DCT in "S-mode". Japanese youtubers were given an opportunity to take it on Honda's test track and seemed to really like it.

It is the same platform as the Integra so Acura would be smart to surprise the market with a 2-door Hybrid Integra.

 

It is hard to believe that Honda/Acura has gone so far adrift. All they needed to do was watch the competition - specifically Toyota/Lexus. I know they were full on going EV but the missed a step and are now playing catch up. It’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.

 

Always Catching Up, Rarely Ahead