Next-Gen Honda Avancier Heads to Thailand with Hybrid

Honda has confirmed the next-generation Avancier will adopt a self-charging hybrid powertrain, and manufacture is expected to move to Prachinburi, Thailand, where the model will be assembled for regional export.

The revelation follows a short teaser posted by Honda Australia and unofficial renderings by Kolesa contributor Nikita Chuyko, which together outline the vehicle's styling and the powertrain direction. Honda and reporting outlets describe the hybrid as an updated iteration of the companys self-charging architecture, with some outlets saying it could be based on a revised 2.0-liter four-cylinder; details such as output and thrust will be released in due course.

Design cues and packaging

The teaser footage and renders show a markedly different Avancier compared with the current China-market SUV. Up front the model sports a closed-off grille and slim, horizontally oriented headlights. Hood contours and certain proportions draw visual comparisons to other compact premium crossovers, and the sides feature flush door handles and a gently arched roofline that terminates in thick C-pillars and a roof spoiler. At the rear, vertical taillight elements are linked by a narrow light strip across the tailgate, with the Honda badge positioned below the strip and the Avancier emblem beneath it. The tailgate includes a recessed license-plate area, while the lower rear bumper is short, accompanied by a discreet diffuser element.

Reports indicate the new Avancier will be offered with three-row seating for up to seven passengers, positioning it above the CR-V in terms of practicality and overall size. The design language shown in the teaser is expected to influence upcoming Honda models, including the next-generation Civic and Accord, though each will receive adjustments to retain model differentiation.

Background and technical lineage

The Avancier nameplate has two distinct histories. The original Avancier was a Japan-only station wagon produced at the Sayama factory from 1999 to 2003, offered with a 2.3-liter straight-six or a 3.0-liter V6 and four- and five-speed automatic transmissions respectively. After a 13-year gap the name returned in 2016 as a China-market SUV. The current Avancier, also sold as the Honda UR-V by Dongfeng Honda, is built in Wuhan by Dongfeng Honda while the GAC Honda Avancier is produced in Guangzhou.

The current China-market Avancier sits at 189.6 inches (4,816 mm) long, 76.5 inches (1,942 mm) wide and 65.7 inches (1,669 mm) tall, with a 111-inch (2,820 mm) wheelbase. Curb weight ranges from under 3,800 to over 4,100 pounds, roughly 1.7 to 1.8 plus metric tons. The model shares underpinnings with the Global Light Truck Platform 2 and has commonality with the third-generation Acura MDX. Powertrains for the current generation include two gasoline engines mated to either a CVT or a ZF nine-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard on base grades and all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Avancier received a mid-cycle refresh in 2020 and another update in 2023.

Honda has not announced an official unveiling date for the new Avancier, though industry sources suggest a full reveal could be only months away. When it reaches showrooms the model will compete with three-row rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-80.