Honda dealers discuss future models: CR-V, Accord, Pilot and Element

Honda has given dealers a sneak peek at several upcoming models, and there’s a lot to look forward to. The seventh-generation CR-V is getting a major redesign and will ditch gasoline-only powertrains, while the Accord is expected to get a substantial facelift. There’s also a new Pilot on the horizon, a more rugged Ridgeline, and perhaps the biggest surprise of all: the return of the quirky Element.

The previews took place at a dealer meeting in Las Vegas earlier this week. Although Honda hasn’t officially released any images or technical specifications, retailers who attended the event shared some juicy information with Automotive News. The biggest surprise of the dealer meeting was the confirmation that Honda is working on bringing back the Element.

Production of the original Element ended in 2011, but Honda apparently thinks there’s still room for another original SUV. Dealers saw a silhouette that would have retained the square proportions of the original and even the hinged rear doors. Honda hasn’t provided a launch date, but insiders say production will begin in the second quarter of 2029.

The revived Element is expected to be an adventure-oriented hybrid crossover, positioned between the CR-V and HR-V. Honda targets younger buyers and urban adventurers, with at least optional all-wheel drive being an educated guess. Up to 100,000 vehicles would be planned for its first full year of production.

This is an ambitious goal for a brand that has been dormant for 18 years. Still, bringing back some of the personality of the original could give Honda something different in an SUV market increasingly filled with lookalike crossovers.

The next-generation Ridgeline takes shape

The Ridgeline, meanwhile, gets a more rugged appearance for 2028. A rugged concept shown to dealers included an aggressive grille, roof-mounted light bar and distinctive bed rail system. One retailer claims that “the redesign is more upscale and will also appeal to entry-level luxury shoppers.”

The doors also featured a more pronounced lower curve, which dealers who attended the private meeting said reminded them of the Toyota Tacoma. Honda seems keen to give its unibody pickup a more adventurous personality, although it’s unclear how much of the concept’s styling will make it into production.

Furthermore, also in 2028, Honda will rebrand the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 as a body-on-frame pickup suitable for certain Asian markets.

New Honda rider on the way

Honda also offered a brief glimpse of the next-generation Pilot through a video. The three-row SUV appears to have a more futuristic design, with triangular headlights and taillights and significantly revised bodywork.

Oddly, dealers haven’t mentioned the larger three-row SUV that Honda is reportedly developing as a roomier alternative to the Pilot. The automaker has yet to officially confirm the model, so it’s unclear whether it will arrive alongside the next-gen Pilot or later.

The Honda Accord moves upmarket

The Accord is also getting a visual overhaul, although it won’t be a complete overhaul yet. Honda has a substantial mid-cycle refresh planned for the second half of 2027.

The relatively conservative styling of the current sedan will give way to a more futuristic look. Dealers were able to see a car with a large hood, premium grille and slim headlights inspired by the upcoming CR-V. One retailer described the redesign as more upscale, adding that it should appeal to entry-level luxury shoppers.

Honda apparently didn’t mention the rumored Crosstour revival. As previously reported, the automaker is reportedly working on a lifted, hybrid-powered Accord sedan that would effectively bring back the Crosstour nameplate. The model is reportedly scheduled for 2029, but dealers apparently didn’t get a preview of it at the Las Vegas meeting.

The new Honda CR-V is getting closer

Perhaps the biggest product reveal was the seventh-generation CR-V. Behind closed doors, Honda is reportedly showing dealers the redesigned crossover ahead of its planned showroom debut next summer. The new model will adopt a more muscular appearance, with pronounced rear haunches and a straight, squared front end.

The headlights will be particularly slim, measuring around 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in height, while the rear will feature a full-width taillight signature. The rear is said to have a cleaner look, with the wiper hidden under the roof spoiler; a design solution popularized by Range Rover and later adopted by Hyundai, Kia and other automakers.

The cabin will also receive a substantial upgrade. Higher trim levels will feature a large 15.4-inch touchscreen, while today’s big gear selector will become a joystick behind the steering wheel, freeing up space on the center console. The updated Honda emblem will also appear on the steering wheel.

Under the hood, the next CR-V will be available exclusively with a hybrid engine. Honda reportedly expects the redesigned crossover to surpass 400,000 U.S. sales in its first full year after arriving in dealerships next summer. Dealers have high hopes, with one retailer saying “the CR-V is going to be a real pain in the ass,” while another predicts “it’s going to sell like crazy.”