Acura's Surprise Move: Off-Road SUV and Its Largest 8-Seater SUV In The Works

Acura, Honda's luxury division, has announced plans to add two new SUVs to its lineup. This marks the brand's first dedicated off-road model since the SLX in the 1990s. The second model will be the largest SUV in Acura's history, featuring three rows and seating for eight passengers.

Acura Returns to Its Off-Road Roots

While Acura hasn't revealed the names of either model yet, it described the new off-roader as 'adventure-ready.' The vehicle is set to launch in the first half of 2028. The goal is to push Acura into an entirely new market segment. Remember the SLX? This time, it's a different game.

Teaser Image Reveals All-Terrain Tires

The company released a teaser image showing a multi-spoke wheel fitted with what appears to be an all-terrain tire, spinning through dirt. Without the Acura logo—inspired by brake calipers—you might have mistaken it for a wheel from a Honda Passport TrailSport. Since Honda and Acura share engineering platforms, the new Acura off-roader is very likely closely related to Honda's TrailSport models.

Acura's Largest SUV Yet: Eight Seats

The second model will be an eight-passenger SUV, larger even than the current MDX. That is a midsize three-row vehicle. This size reflects the brand's ambition to compete in the luxury family-hauler segment. Acura hasn't announced a timeline for this flagship SUV, but it's expected to arrive by 2030. That timing coincides with the anticipated start of operations at Honda's new factory dedicated exclusively to hybrid vehicle production.

What This Means for Acura's Future

The shift toward off-road capability and larger SUVs isn't just a whim. It's a strategic move. The global market is seeing growing demand for SUVs that can handle tough terrain. Honda itself has long experience in this area with models like the Passport TrailSport. But Acura wants to offer something more luxurious. And with Honda's new hybrid factory, we might soon see hybrid Acuras capable of competing in the electric and hybrid segment. Until then, the question remains: can Acura succeed where others have stumbled? The answer may come in 2028.