A few weeks ago, a reliable insider told us Honda was looking to offer the Avancier in Southeast Asia. The current generation model has been in production in China since 2017, and has undergone facelifts in 2020 and 2023. With Honda needing to revitalize its lineup to regain its market share, an aging model would not be the answer for that.

Apparently, Honda has been developing a next-generation Avancier after all. The Japanese manufacturer was spotted testing a camouflaged prototype at the streets of Suzuka – a city in Japan where the Honda-owned Suzuka Circuit is situated.

The spy photos reveal the Avancier as a CR-V sized midsize crossover SUV, which likely shares the same underpinnings. But unlike the CR-V, the Avancier prototype looks much bulkier at the rear end, with proportions similar to the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Mazda CX-60.

What’s more interesting is that the front fascia looks to have a split headlight design, where the upper tier houses the DRLs while the main headlights are mounted on the lower part. This design direction has been seen with the Honda Hybrid Sedan prototype, and it looks like the next-generation Avancier could be the first to debut the new design theme.

At the rear, the next-generation Avancier’s taillights appear to have a very basic shape, and are connected by a light bar that runs across the entire width of the tailgate.

According to reports, the all-new Avancier could have three rows of 6 to 7 seats, and could debut a new generation e:HEV powertrain, which is likely an improved version of the 2.0-liter e:HEV found in the CR-V, the Civic, and the Prelude with better power and fuel efficiency.

What’s new for the all-new Avancier is that it won’t be made in China, as our insider says the model will start production in Honda’s regional hub at Prachinburi province in Thailand. The model is also reportedly being pegged for a world premiere by the end of 2026, before export markets get dibs at it by 2027.