Honda Australia outlines future product strategy for 2026 and beyond

Honda Australia has outlined its strategic direction and continued commitment to the local new vehicle market. 

Key announcements were new product launches slated for 2026, including the return of the Honda Prelude and the brand’s first-ever Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). 

The update provided an in-depth look at the plans for Honda to drive the future of mobility in Australia.

“This is an exciting time for Honda in Australia, building momentum by serving customers with high quality and high value vehicles that leverage our best-in-class hybrid and other technologies to offer consumers what they want with the confidence of a fair and transparent purchase process,” Honda Australia president and chief executive Jay Joseph says.

“2026 is an exciting year and a clear demonstration of our intent to bring the best of Honda to Australia, as we welcome updated versions of the CR-V and Honda ZR-V in the first half of the year, closely followed by an all-new Prelude,” Honda Australia Rob Thorp says.

“Complementing our refreshed product line-up is our commitment to customer ownership with our leading Low-Price Service ensuring Honda drivers in Australia are supported long after purchase.”

Honda has more than 55 years in Australia, selling motorcycles, cars, SUVs, marine engines, and a range of power equipment products assembled at its facility in Somerton, Victoria. 

The company’s automotive lineup in Australia includes a range of SUVs, from the high-value HR-V to the Honda ZR-V, and CR-V, in addition to the Civic hybrid hatchback, the Honda Accord sedan, and the halo performance Civic Type R.

Electrification and continued sales momentum

Honda is advancing its long-term electrification roadmap for Australia, focusing on a pragmatic expansion of its hybrid offerings while preparing for the full integration of BEVs. This approach is designed to align with market readiness and consumer demands, ensuring a smooth transition towards a more electrified future.

The company is seeing the results of its approach to electrification with strong sales of its hybrid offerings. March 2025 proved the best single-month sales in the past four years, followed by similarly strong results in June with 50% of sales coming from hybrid models. The advanced Honda e:HEV two-motor hybrid system, built on 25 years of hybrid powertrain experience delivers range-topping driving performance and fuel economy for each model it is applied to, underpinning the potential for Honda to grow its business and demonstrate its competitive drive.

Honda announced a number of upcoming product launches in Australia, including:

• Minor model updates to CR-V and Honda ZR-V in early 2026, which will see: the Honda Hybrid offering further expand; the introduction of a new AWD Hybrid drive train; and the Honda Connect Gen2, which includes Google Built In that currently feature in the Accord and Civic
• the new Honda Prelude in mid-2026
• the introduction of the first-ever BEV for Honda in the second half of next year.

By mid-next year, Honda expects that close to 90% of its sales will be comprised of vehicles with hybrid or battery electric powertrains.

Honda has a heritage of pioneering innovation and success that continues to define its engineering excellence. This legacy actively shapes the brand’s current positioning and its engagement with Australian consumers.

“We are continuously pushing the boundaries of mobility technology, drawing on our deep heritage of innovation and engineering excellence,” Honda Australia brand and marketing general manager Eva Barrett says.

“Crucially, we are actively engaging with a new generation of Australian consumers. Our messaging reflects a more modern and relevant brand, exploring new channels and leveraging cultural moments such as the F1 season to align with and target younger audiences.”