A proposed Ohio factory could build two flagship SUVs and the next Acura MDX, but Canadian availability remains unconfirmed.
- Honda and Acura are reportedly developing larger three-row SUVs to compete with the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX.
- A proposed U.S. factory could build both models alongside the next-generation Acura MDX.
- Honda says no factory decision has been made and describes the reports as speculative.
Honda Hybrid | Photo: HondaHonda and Acura could offer families more room with two new flagship SUVs positioned above their existing three-row models. According to Automotive News, the vehicles would share a platform with the next-generation Acura MDX and could be assembled at a proposed factory in Ohio.
The report follows Nikkei’s reporting that Honda is negotiating a potential investment of up to US$2.5 billion in a U.S. hybrid vehicle assembly plant. Ohio is reportedly the preferred location.
Honda has not confirmed the project. A spokesperson told Automotive News that no decision has been made on a new U.S. plant and characterized reporting about the factory and its products as speculative.
Honda Hybrid | Photo: HondaLarger Alternatives to the Pilot and MDX
The Honda flagship, internally identified as “Pilot XXL,” would reportedly measure nearly eight inches, or approximately 20 centimetres, longer than the current Pilot. Production is targeted for the first quarter of 2032.
The Acura counterpart, internally labelled “Acura XL,” is reportedly scheduled to enter production in September 2029. The next-generation MDX would follow in the third quarter of 2030.
These are internal project names, not confirmed showroom badges. Seating layouts, cargo dimensions and powertrain specifications have not been announced.
The larger vehicles would give Honda and Acura alternatives to the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX. For families travelling with passengers in all three rows, additional luggage space could be a meaningful selling point, although dimensions remain unconfirmed.
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More Manufacturing Capacity in Ohio
Citing a person briefed on the plans, Automotive News reports that the proposed plant would be located in central Ohio, near Honda’s existing factories and supplier network.
Annual capacity could reach approximately 250,000 vehicles, increasing Honda’s North American production capacity by roughly 10%. The investment would also support the company’s growing emphasis on hybrids.
Honda Hybrid | Photo: HondaWhat It Could Mean for Canada
The MDX is already assembled in Ohio, while the Pilot comes from Alabama. Honda’s Alliston operations produce the Civic and CR-V. The proposed factory would therefore expand an existing U.S. manufacturing footprint rather than move these SUVs from Japan.
If the new flagships are offered in Canada, U.S. assembly would make cross-border supply and import costs relevant. However, production is reportedly several years away, making it premature to predict which tariffs or exemptions would apply or how Canadian pricing might be affected.
Source: Automotive News
