Honda Horizon Imagined

The Unmade Honda Horizon SUV

Imagine if the Honda-Nissan merger had taken off. We’d likely be seeing a totally new full-size SUV from Honda, potentially reviving the Horizon nameplate from the ’90s. The merger could have meant Honda building a vehicle on the heft and toughness of the Nissan Armada. Think of it as siblings in the same family, with the rendered designs hinting at slight but noteworthy changes to the Nissan look.

A Bigger Picture

The renderings provided by design enthusiasts envision a Honda Horizon that would slot above Honda’s Pilot. Now, the Pilot isn’t small by any means with its three-row seating, a 113.8-inch wheelbase, and total length of around 200 inches. But compare that to the Nissan Armada’s beastly 121.1-inch wheelbase and 210-inch length, and suddenly the Horizon becomes a titan’s name revived with American SUVs in mind.

Design Gesture

Though just renderings, some captivating themes are evident. The transformative redesign swaps out the familiar Armada grille with a sleek, blacked-out Honda grille. This isn’t just badge engineering; it’s a facelift with distinct headlights meshing into the grille, promoting a sharper look that shaves off some bulk.

Rear alterations are just as eye-catching. Designers tweaked the shape of C-pillars and ditched the Armada’s signature LED lightbar for a new design. The taillights themselves might carry the same outline, but the redesign gives them a fresh LED pattern for an updated look. The bumpers also drop some of that rough, off-road vibe for a smoother, streamlined look – a nod to urban adventurers perhaps over dirt-road warriors.

Driving Dynamics

If these changes blended with the Nissan Armada’s powertrain, a V8 engine producing 400 horsepower, the potential Horizon would drive with a force yet to be seen in Honda’s current lineup. The Armada’s handling might be what one expects for off-road roughness and highway stamina, but a Horizon would likely redefine it for comfort when cruising city streets while retaining that power to hit the trails, integrating Honda’s knack for practicality and efficiency. Imagine the feeling of a well-tuned unit cruising effortlessly down highways while still being capable of taking on some off-beaten paths without missing a beat.

What’s Next?

While the Horizon name may not be hitting showrooms, Honda is charging forward. They’re preparing to launch the “0 SUV” next year as part of its electric future, using a new platform standing alongside the 0 Saloon. While it isn’t the Horizon dream, it shows Honda’s commitment to keeping things fresh and always advancing in the SUV market. Once the electrics roll out, it’ll be interesting to see how Honda tackles the traditional SUV ethos in a transforming market landscape.

In the meantime, enthusiasts continue to dream what the Honda-Nissan partnership could have manifested, giving legacy names like the Horizon a comeback starring role in the ever-competitive SUV market.