The Honda Hybrid Prototype Could Preview the Next Accord or Civic. Or Something Else.

Ever since Honda showed its new Hybrid Sedan Prototype, people have been wondering what it is. The “Prototype” is obviously a preview of a production model, and it has all the details of a production car. But what is it?

It could logically be the next Honda Accord, or even the Civic. However, we just heard a rumor about the Accord receiving a “substantial” facelift for the 2027 model year soon. Whatever that menas… Which would push back a new generation by at least 2 years.

As far as the Civic is concerned, we had heard many times that a new generation is indeed coming for the 2027 model year. One that is based on a brand new hybrid platform with a new powertrain. A few international journalist were even invited to Japan last year to drive test mules of the new car and its new platform.

But the prototype looks quite large. Larger than a Civic, although it’s really hard to say. The Civic also comes as a sedan and a hatchback, Unlike the Accord. The prototype is obviously a “fastback” design. And at first, doesn’t look like a proper hatchback. Although that’s exactly what we first thought about the new Prelude. Which turned out to be a proper hatchback after all.

That means the car above could very well be the next Civic hatchback. Which in my opinion, would be a vast improvement over the sad design of the current generation. Which, to me, always looked old, busy and dated. Even when new.

I am also posting another car to compare. The new Peugeot 408, which is obviously not sold in the US. But does remind me of the Hybrid Sedan Prototype. Especially with its Crossover/SUV-like black plastic trim around the wheels. Which is something the Civic or Accord never had.

And that brings us to the good old Honda Crosstour. Which was a raised up hatchback version of the Honda Accord. A car that was probably ahead of its time.

Honda doesn’t seem to have anything against bringing back old names from older slow selling models. They did it with the Prelude. And with the ZDX for Acura. That means there is a chance the new prototype could become a new Crosstour. Something many readers of this site have already mentioned.

I personally used to think it was a preview of the next Accord. Not anymore. As a new Accord now seems to be at least 2 years away. But a Crosstour, why not?

A new Civic hatchback makes a lot of sense too, if the design is actually a hatch. Since I don’t think a Civic sedan would look like a hatchback as well. Honda would make sure both versions don’t look that similar. It would make sence for the Civic to grow a little bit with the new platform. And maybe eventually be the only Honda sedan/hatch left and replace the Accord. Maybe this is a new Civic Crosstour? Who knows…

At the same time, that black trim around the wheels would point to some AWD vehicle.

It’s all so complicated, I’m actually getting a headache. I guess it’s time for some Laphroaig…

What do you think it is?