Nissan and Honda Are Still Talking and This Time It’s About Bigger SUVs

From Vague Talks to a Clearer Target

Last November, Nissan let slip that it was talking with Honda about teaming up in North America. Back then, CEO Ivan Espinosa kept things vague – just hints about working together on products or powertrains, nothing nailed down.

Now, things are starting to take shape. Espinosa says the talks are still alive, but this time the target is clearer: the D-segment. That means midsize SUVs, crossovers, and maybe even bigger electrified platforms – where the costs (and risks) are higher, and teaming up actually pays off.

Still No Deal, But Talks Continue

In a recent interview with Automotive News, Espinosa confirmed that discussions with Honda remain active, even if nothing concrete has been finalized.

“We continue talking about what we could do in North America, particularly around the D segment, larger vehicles, not C segment, but above the C segment,” he said.

When asked about the slow pace, Espinosa did not point to any behind-the-scenes drama. According to him, it is simply about timing and priorities.

“We will announce when we are ready and we finished talking. Maybe it should not come as a surprise that they are also having some other things to do at the moment. But we continue very, very active and very constructive talks with them,” Espinosa said.

That last part matters. Despite the failed merger attempt between the two Japanese marques, both of them are still at the table, albeit working on a different approach.

So, What Can We Expect?

So what does Honda actually bring to the table? Most signs point to hybrid tech. That fits with where Nissan is right now. Nissan has its own e-Power system coming soon to models like the Rogue, but that’s a series hybrid, not a series-parallel setup like Honda’s.

That difference is key. Espinosa has already confirmed that a new V6 hybrid system is on the way, and it will use a parallel setup. This is an area where Honda brings a lot more experience to the table.

This is where models like the returning Nissan Xterra start to make sense. It’s confirmed to use a V6 hybrid setup, which makes it a strong candidate for joint development. The Pathfinder is another likely fit. It launched in 2021 and just got a facelift, so Nissan is likely already planning the next version. A hybrid system with Honda’s input could be a smart move as fuel economy becomes a bigger priority.

In return, Nissan could offer its body-on-frame platform to Honda – a segment that’s currently missing in the latter’s portfolio.

For now, these are still informed guesses. What is clear is that Nissan and Honda are not done exploring ways to team up, even after last year’s rough patch. The door is not shut, but it is not wide open either.

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