Honda’s Next Electric SUV Will Woo You with Wacky Looks

In a world where most electric vehicles (EVs) are fast and efficient, Honda is looking to set its zero-emission vehicles apart with unique designs. The brand’s next EV SUV hasn’t been named yet, but it currently goes by Honda 0 (Zero) SUV prototype and is slated to start production in mid-2026 and to be sold as a 2027 model year vehicle.

A Fresh Start

This SUV will be the first North American EV that Honda has researched and developed on its own, without any collaboration from other automakers. This ground-up approach gave designers a lot of freedom to be creative with design and packaging. Although they took the challenge seriously, it’s clear they weren’t afraid to take some risks and have some fun in the process. 

While this bold-looking SUV is currently still a prototype, Honda says the way it looks now is pretty much how it will look as a production model, minus a few small details. The mid-sized SUV will compete with EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E, and is not too different in customer profile and size than the Prologue. 

The retro-futuristic design is characterized by an upright front end where the headlights are integrated into the grille. The lighting design comprises 64 animated LEDs in the grille that combine to make the headlights, turn signals, and a funky light signature. The Honda logo will be a freestanding H instead of the current one encased in a rounded-off box, signifying a fresh start for the brand.

The unique rear design is a huge departure for the brand and the industry in general. The funky shape of the SUV’s rear end will be divisive, but it’s sure to grab a lot of attention since there’s nothing else like it. The chunky D-pillar will likely create a huge blind spot, but the SUV has so much windshield and roof glass that it’s still light and airy inside with a roomy cabin. The rear window is small, but there are sure to be camera-based aids for rearward visibility.

Some prototype features won’t make it to a Canadian production model. The camera-based side mirrors, for example, aren’t legal here, so when it arrives, it will have traditional mirrors. The yoke steering wheel is also being debated for inclusion.

Specs? What Specs?

Not much has been revealed about the SUV in terms of specs, but its range has been estimated at 480 km, and it will be the first Honda to come with the Tesla-style North American Charging System (NACS) charging port. The Honda will also be capable of bidirectional charging. 

The SUV will likely have standard front motors and optional rear motors for all-wheel drive, with regular and extended-range versions available.

Honda will also debut its new operating system in the upcoming SUV, which is named Asimo OS after a robot created by the brand in 2000. Artificial Intelligence will be integrated into the user interface to customize a driver’s experience and will likely play a big role in Honda achieving its goal of having Level 3 “eyes off” autonomous driving in its future EVs.

Final Thoughts 

The EV platform Honda has engineered for this upcoming SUV is modular, so it has the potential to underpin all sorts of vehicles. A sedan (currently referred to as the Honda 0 Saloon) will arrive after the SUV, and the platform will also be used in the upcoming Acura RSX, which will debut before the production version of this SUV. All the EVs based on this platform will be built in Ohio.

The Honda 0 SUV Prototype presents a fresh start for Honda, which is planning to sell only EVs by 2040. Honda also has a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2050. Honda’s upcoming SUV will lead the way for its EVs and will hopefully usher in a new era of bold design that will help make electric driving a more stylish affair for the brand.