New Luxury Minivan from Honda to Compete with Toyota Alphard for Buyers
Honda may release a large premium minivan with a hybrid powertrain. The new model is set to compete with the Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, and Nissan Elgrand.
Honda is considering the creation of a new flagship minivan for the Japanese market. The model is intended to occupy a more luxurious niche than the current Odyssey and compete with the Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, and Nissan Elgrand.
Currently, the Odyssey remains Honda’s main minivan in Japan, though it differs from these models in body height and overall concept. The vehicle places greater emphasis on practicality and a sporty character. This year, Honda plans to discontinue the Odyssey, replacing it with the Avancier crossover.
According to preliminary data, the upcoming model will be nearly five meters long and over 1,850 mm wide. The base configuration will seat seven passengers across three rows. The second row may feature individual seats with electric backrest adjustment and large ottomans, allowing passengers to stretch their legs.
Developers are expected to pay special attention to noise insulation, making the vehicle suitable for long family trips and corporate transportation.
The first independent render of the future minivan has already appeared online. The image shows a massive grille with a black base, narrow LED headlights, and vertical air intakes on the sides of the front bumper. Expressive lines on the body sides are intended to give the vehicle a more dynamic appearance.
As the primary powertrain, Honda may use the two-motor hybrid system e:HEV, which combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors, providing smooth acceleration and moderate fuel consumption. For the large minivan, engineers may develop a more powerful version tailored to its weight and dimensions.
The introduction of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is also possible. Its battery could be charged from an external power source, though a final decision on this powertrain has not yet been made.
The vehicle may come equipped with the Honda SENSING 360+ driver-assistance system, designed to reduce driver fatigue on highways and enhance comfort during long trips.
Japanese media estimates the minivan’s starting price at around 6.5 million yen. For comparison, the base version of the new Nissan Elgrand in Japan costs 6.9 million yen. By the time Honda enters the market, an updated Toyota Alphard may also be released, potentially at a significantly higher price than the new model.
