Before we could even finish our debate about the virtue of the RSX badge returning to an electric SUV, Honda stepped in to squash the argument by cancelling the vehicle altogether. In a statement, Honda Motor Company announced a “reassessment” of its electrification strategy. Part of that reassessment includes killing off the Acura RSX EV, along with two Honda-branded EVs that were slated for the North American market.
In the statement, Honda said that the decision was made largely due to declining profits in its automobile business. According to Honda, the profit decline is driven by two main factors: U.S. tariffs and a decline in the competitiveness of Honda products in Asia due to the automaker allocating more resources to EV development. Honda also pointed to decreasing EV demand in the U.S. market due to relaxed fossil fuel regulations and revisions to EV incentives.
Two Other Honda EVs Also Canceled
In addition to the Acura RSX, the Honda 0 SUV, and the Honda 0 sedan. The vehicles were set to be the first EVs designed and engineered entirely in-house by Honda for America. The automaker proudly showed off the vehicles recently at CES and Monterey Car Week. The Honda 0 SUV and sedan were also on display at the automaker’s HQ when it announced its partnership with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
While all three vehicles were still technically in the concept phase, the Acura RSX seemed closer to production. While the use of the RSX badge was debatable, we were still looking forward to seeing the stylish SUV up close and personal once it was ready for the road. Now, we’ll just have to wonder what could have been.
Is The Sony Honda AFEELA Canceled?
If you’re wondering what this news means for the Sony Honda AFEELA 1 and AFEELA Prototype SUV, you’re not alone. However, it is currently uncertain if those vehicles will be canceled as well. That situation could get tricky, as Sony Honda Mobility began accepting deposits and reservations months ago, with deliveries scheduled for 2026.
One possible scenario is that production is cut early and only a very limited amount of completed vehicles are delivered, which could turn the Sony Honda AFEELA into an unintentional unicorn. Though that is speculation on our part. We’ll continue to follow this development closely, so stay tuned. In the meantime, if you’re one of the people who put a deposit down for an AFEELA, let us know in the comments or reach out to us on Threads.