New Acura Hybrids Looking More and More Like a Sure Thing
Since the discontinuation of the NSX sports car, and before that the RLX sedan MDX Sport Hybrid SUV, Acura has been one of the rare car companies not to offer a single hybrid model. It’s banking instead on the all-new ZDX and other fully electric vehicles to come, such as the small crossover set to revive the RSX name. EVs are supposed to account for 60 percent of Acura sales by 2030.
At least that was the plan. Now, Honda’s luxury brand isn’t so sure. Like many across the industry, it’s starting to realize that going all-in on EVs may not be the smartest thing to do, and that hybrids would help make the transition easier.
- Also: Acura RSX to Return as Sporty Electric Crossover, Enter Production in Late 2025
- Also: 2026 Acura Integra Reportedly Adding Hybrid Option
Mike Langel, Acura’s assistant vice president of sales in the U.S., said something along those lines in a recent interview with Automotive News. No longer committing to a percentage of EVs by 2030—"we’re flexible with that” were his words—he acknowledged it could definitely be a “windy road” to get there.
As you’re probably aware of, parent company Honda has invested billions of dollars in Ohio and Ontario to build next-generation EVs and batteries, including Acura models. However, the automaker has also decided to spend an extra $300 million USD in Ohio to ramp up production of hybrids and even ICE-powered vehicles.
So, which nameplate is likely to mark the return of hybrid technology at Acura? Don’t count on the upcoming ADX small crossover due to launch this spring. The Integra is arguably a prime candidate. Last November, people familiar with the company’s plans told The Car Guide that an electrified powertrain will be part of the 2026 model lineup, joining the turbocharged 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines, the latter powering the high-performance Integra Type S.
The system will derive from the one that powers the new-for-2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, which delivers 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque while achieving a combined 5 L/100 km in five-door hatchback configuration similar to the Integra’s.
That sounds like a wise move by Acura. As for a hybrid variant of the best-selling RDX, it looks like we’ll have to wait for the next generation if one ever comes.
