The SUV Transformation of Sony Honda's Afeela Prototype 2026 at CES

America’s Ongoing SUV Craze

At last year's CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, Sony Honda Mobility unveiled yet another iteration of their still-unreleased Afeela 1 sedan, which had a base price of $89,900 and a maximum range of 300 miles. Fast forward one year, potential customers are introduced to a taller variant, although the price equation remains unchanged.

Introducing the Afeela Prototype 2026

This new model, the Afeela Prototype 2026, represents a larger version of the Afeela 1 sedan, designed to cater to the American SUV preference. It retains the minimalistic design of the original Afeela, complete with a nose-mounted external LCD, and is expected to roll out possibly by 2028, although 2029 seems more plausible.

The Afeela 1's Current Status

Regarding the Afeela 1, Shugo Yamaguchi, the president and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility of America, affirmed that its debut is still slated for this year. The sedan will be priced starting at $90,000 and produced in Honda's Ohio factory, a favorable development considering the volatile global tariff landscape.

Challenges and Market Aspirations

Other features of the Afeela 1 have not evolved significantly, especially in light of its target audience in the United States, which is growing increasingly skeptical. The range of 300 miles appears average for a vehicle nearing the price tag of a Porsche Taycan, prompting Honda to reconsider its U.S. electric vehicle ambitions.

Advancements in Technology

To make the Afeela 1 appealing, Sony Honda Mobility emphasizes technological advancements. It will feature a hands-off, eyes-on driver assistance system similar to GM's Super Cruise. Over-the-air updates will ultimately support Level 4 autonomy, facilitated by comprehensive sensor systems, including a LIDAR on the roof, potentially allowing games like Gran Turismo 7 to run while commuting.

Initially, drivers can only enjoy GT and PlayStation games when the vehicle is stationary, due to the installed Remote Play feature. Beyond gaming, Sony is expanding its in-cabin experience capabilities through APIs that let developers create personalized gauge displays and infotainment themes, all powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis.

Production Delays and Regional Availability

Despite these features, potential buyers will experience a delay before customizing their vehicles. The Afeela 1's production has been postponed, with the first units expected for delivery at the very end of 2026. Initially, sales will be exclusive to California, with Arizona following in 2027, but no further state releases have been confirmed.

Is the wait justified? We will revisit this topic with detailed insights from this year's model of the Afeela 1.