2027 Honda Afeela SUV: Price, Specs & UAE Guide
Published on: February 7, 2026
Author: Myo Satt
Estimated read time: 5 minutes
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Starting 330,000 AED
If you live in the UAE and care as much about screens and sound as you do about horsepower, the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV is probably on your radar already. It lines up against the Tesla Model Y and Mercedes EQE SUV, but leans heavily into Sony-style entertainment rather than chasing range records alone.
The SUV is expected to sit on the confirmed Afeela 1 sedan platform, which already uses a 91 kWh battery with an estimated 300-mile EPA range. Adjust for the taller SUV body and a bit of extra weight, and you are realistically looking at about 290 miles on paper.
Price-wise, early projections peg the UAE starting figure at around 330,000 AED, derived from an Origin trim at roughly 89,900 USD, converted at 3.67 AED per USD as of 2026-02-07. That number will move a little with currency and local markups, but it gives you a sensible ballpark.
Real-world range in the Gulf will be lower than the brochure figure. Once you factor in AC at 45°C, higher cruising speeds and some heat derating, the usable UAE range will sit closer to a comfortable 240 to 260 miles, which still covers a Dubai–Abu Dhabi round trip of about 200 km without stress.
Charging should integrate cleanly with local infrastructure. The car is set up for NACS (Tesla-style) charging, which lines up neatly with Dubai’s DEWA public network and any future Supercharger access in the region.
The US launch is targeted for late 2026 with sedan deliveries, with SUV production following around 2028. That timing hints at GCC imports starting from around 2029, once RTA and MoIAT approvals and local homologation are done. The SUV itself was previewed as the AFEELA Prototype 2026 at CES 2026, and Sony’s fingerprints are everywhere, from an almost theatre-like cabin to the promise of deep entertainment integration meant for long family drives in desert heat.
What is the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV?
The 2027 Honda Afeela SUV, also referred to as the Afeela Prototype 2026, is expected to be Sony Honda Mobility’s second production EV. It is a fastback-style electric SUV that shares the dedicated Afeela 1 architecture rather than any legacy Honda platform.
Unveiled at CES 2026, the SUV trades some of the sedan’s low-slung look for better space, easier access and more family-friendly practicality, while keeping the same advanced sensors, AI features and deep-focus in-car entertainment. It is fully electric, with no hybrid variants on the roadmap, and is positioned as a software-heavy vehicle that prioritises immersive experiences over raw range leadership.
Relation to Afeela 1 Sedan and Honda 0 Series
The SUV is essentially a taller evolution of the Afeela 1 sedan, inheriting key hardware:
- 91 kWh lithium-ion battery
- Dual-motor AWD
- Around 482–483 hp combined from two 241 hp (180 kW) motors
- 150 kW DC fast charging through a native NACS port
The sedan’s EPA range is about 300 miles, so the SUV is expected to sit around 290 miles because of its higher, heavier body.
It also stands apart from Honda’s more mainstream Honda 0 Series Saloon and SUV prototypes scheduled around 2026. Those 0 Series models prioritise efficiency, bold styling and broader market reach. By contrast, Afeela is pitched to buyers who want PlayStation integration, Unreal Engine graphics, and 800 TOPS of Qualcomm computing power, along with richer entertainment features.
There will still be some shared DNA with the 0 Series, such as electrical architectures and sensor suites to keep manufacturing scalable. However, Afeela leans more toward luxury tech, quiet comfort and Level 2+ ADAS, rather than trying to be the “everydriver” electric Honda. Production in Ohio is set to begin for the sedan first, then the SUV, with a US-first rollout before exports to Japan, Europe and eventually the Gulf.
Sony Honda Mobility Brand Positioning
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), founded in 2022, is building Afeela as a standalone premium EV brand that fuses Sony’s entertainment expertise with Honda’s chassis engineering. On the Sony side, you get things like 360 Reality Audio, PS5 Remote Play, and advanced UI work. On the Honda side, there is serious suspension tuning, likely air suspension, and 3D Motion Management to keep the hefty SUV composed at speed.
SHM’s pitch is that cars can become “creative spaces on wheels”. Central to that is the Afeela Personal Agent, an AI assistant running on Microsoft Azure OpenAI, designed for natural conversation rather than stiff voice commands. There is also a Co-Creation Program, opening the door for developers to build apps, themes and cloud-based services tailored to the cabin.
At CES 2026, SHM summed up the SUV’s role by saying the Afeela Prototype 2026 takes the core idea of the Afeela 1 and adds greater spatial flexibility while turning the interior into an AI-driven creative environment. That is marketing language, obviously, but it reflects the intent: your car is supposed to feel part lounge, part cinema, part console.
Afeela SUV Prototype 2026 Design and Dimensions
The prototype wears a sleek, coupe-like fastback shape, with a smooth roofline, clean surfaces and visible sensor modules that make no attempt to hide the tech. You get the kind of visual presence more often associated with Range Rover products than with a traditional Honda.
Aerodynamics are clearly a focus. Expect flush bodywork, a subtle active rear spoiler and very tight panel gaps to eke out every extra kilometre of range.
Also read: Top 10 Best Electric Suvs In 2025 Uae Ranked
Exterior: Coupe-Like Fastback Silhouette
Key exterior elements are projected as follows:
- Flush pop-out handles and frameless doors to keep the side profile clean.
- Adaptive LED matrix headlights and a front Media Bar display between the lamps, which can show charging status, basic messages or warnings.
- Large wheels, with 22-inch staggered alloys suggested by the sedan’s Signature trim, using around 245/40R21 front and 275/35R21 rear rubber in the concept phase.
- Paint options like Core Black, Tidal Gray and Calm White, with more durable, UV-resistant finishes that should survive UAE sun better than traditional clear coats.
Size-wise, extrapolated dimensions are:
- Length: ~200 inches
- Width: ~77 inches
- Height: ~65 inches
- Wheelbase: 120+ inches
- Ground clearance about 6.5 inches for light off-road tracks and ramp-friendly parking entries
That makes it noticeably taller than a Tesla Model Y, typically around 57.5 inches high (the 55.4 inches figure sometimes quoted is for certain trim measurements), which should translate into easier rear access, more headroom and a more SUV-like driving position that suits UAE traffic and occasional rougher roads.
Interior Space and Practicality for UAE Families
Inside, the priority is space and flexibility rather than a strict “sports SUV” vibe. Expect a 5-seat layout with a flat floor, optional rear entertainment screens and plenty of storage areas. Sustainable materials and soft-touch finishes are likely to be standard, with recycled fabrics, plant-based trims and layered ambient lighting.
Highlights for UAE use:
- Panoramic glass roof combined with quad-zone climate control to give each seat a say in cabin temperature, crucial when passengers climb in from 45°C heat.
- Cargo space around 30 cu ft with seats up, expanding to 60+ cu ft when folded. This should edge past the Tesla Model Y’s rear compartment, typically around 30.2 cu ft behind the seats, and offer more flexible load shapes for strollers, coolers and luggage.
- Rear seating with enough legroom and headroom for three adults, plus ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
Practical features are expected to include 120V outlets, HDMI input, USB-C ports for every row, a hands-free kick sensor tailgate and camera-based side mirrors, all of which help when threading through tight mall car parks or dense Sheikh Zayed Road traffic.
Release Date and UAE/GCC Availability
Global Timeline: Sedan vs SUV Rollout
The staggered launch looks roughly like this:
- Afeela 1 sedan: reservations in California from late 2026, with deliveries spreading to Arizona and Japan in the first half of 2027.
- SUV Prototype 2026 becoming the production SUV: targeted production start in 2028 at the Ohio plant, after the sedan has ramped up.
SHM has talked about releasing three models by 2030, which would include the sedan, this SUV and a smaller model. As of the post CES 2026 updates, no major delays have been formally announced.
US-First Launch and Potential UAE Import Paths
The United States is the priority market because of its established NACS charging ecosystem and federal and state EV incentives. For UAE buyers, that means initial access will probably come via:
- Parallel imports around 2029, mirroring what happened with models like the Lucid Gravity.
- Premiums of about 10–15% on top of US-equivalent pricing, plus 5% VAT at import stage.
- Registration costs around 4,000–6,000 AED, and insurance running at roughly 2–3% of vehicle value per year, which for this price bracket works out to about 6,600–11,300 AED annually for comprehensive cover.
Also keep an eye on DEWA EV incentives, which have previously included perks like free registration, preferential parking, or Salik exemptions in certain periods. Policies shift, so it is worth checking the latest RTA and DEWA announcements if you plan to import early.
SHM’s January 6, 2026 press line emphasised that the AFEELA Prototype 2026 is meant to broaden accessibility compared with the initial sedan, even if prices remain in a premium band.
2027 Honda Afeela SUV Price and Trims in AED
Origin vs Signature Trim Expectations
Using the Afeela 1 sedan as a template, UAE pricing is expected to shake out roughly as follows:
- Origin: about 330,000 AED (around 89,900 USD) with black-only paint, 19-inch wheels and core tech features.
- Signature: about 378,000 AED (around 102,900 USD) with additional colour choices, 21-inch wheels, rear entertainment screens and features like HomeLink.
Both are expected to include a three-year tech subscription that covers navigation, cloud connectivity and AI services. After that, subscription fees could apply for some connected features, similar to how German brands handle advanced driver assist and infotainment services today.
UAE On-Road Costs: VAT, Registration and Insurance
Once you add local costs, you get a more realistic picture of what ownership will look like in the UAE:
- 5% VAT: roughly 16,500–19,000 AED depending on trim.
- Registration: about 4,000–6,000 AED.
- Insurance: around 6,600–11,300 AED per year for comprehensive cover, depending on driver profile and insurer.
All-in, indicative on-road costs look like this:
- Origin: around 355,000 AED out the door.
- Signature: around 410,000 AED.
Electricity costs with DEWA are significantly lower than petrol. With a typical EV rate of around 0.30 AED/kWh, you are looking at roughly 70% lower cost per kilometre compared with a similar-size petrol SUV at about 0.40 AED/km.
Powertrain and Performance Specs
Fully Electric Confirmation: Battery, Motors and AWD
The Afeela SUV is a 100% battery electric (BEV). No internal combustion engine, no plug-in hybrid option, and no mild hybrid.
Key expected hardware:
- 91 kWh battery pack
- Two 180 kW (241 hp) motors, one front and one rear
- Dual-motor AWD with a one-speed direct-drive transmission
- Likely air suspension with a double wishbone front and multi-link rear setup
Expected Horsepower, Acceleration and Handling
Combined output is estimated at around 483 hp, with projected performance roughly in line with the sedan:
- 0–60 mph in about 4.0 seconds
- Top speed around 146 mph (about 235 km/h) based partly on Gran Turismo simulation data that Sony has showcased
The 3D Motion Management system is intended to coordinate motors, brakes and suspension in real time. On UAE highways, that should translate into a stable, composed ride at 140–160 km/h, while softening things up for rougher surfaces or speed bumps in residential areas.
Range and Charging: UAE Real-World Performance
EPA Estimate vs Hot Climate Derating (AC, Highways)
On paper, the SUV aims for:
- EPA range around 290 miles
- Rough WLTP equivalent of about 480 km
In UAE heat, the story is different. With AC running hard at 40–45°C and cruising at 120–140 km/h, expect:
- Real-world range of roughly 240–260 miles
- Enough to comfortably handle a ~200 km Dubai–Abu Dhabi return trip without charging, as long as you start above about 60–70% charge
Research on EVs shows 5–18% range loss at 32–37°C simply from cooling and AC loads. At 40°C+, especially when parked in the sun, the hit can be higher. The Afeela’s liquid-cooled battery should help, usually keeping about 80–90% of original capacity over 8 years, provided fast charging and storage habits are sensible.
150 kW DC Fast Charging Times and NACS Compatibility
Fast-charging specs target:
- 150 kW DC peak
- 10–80% charge in roughly 30 minutes, which adds around 200 km of range in real conditions
The SUV will use a native NACS connector, which means straightforward access to Tesla Superchargers where available, plus compatibility with DEWA 150 kW chargers using local adapters if required. For cross-emirate trips, that combination should be more than adequate.
Home AC Charging on DEWA Wallboxes
With an 11 kW onboard AC charger, a full 0–100% charge from a home wallbox typically takes 8–9 hours. For most owners, an overnight top-up from 20–80% will be common and quicker.
At DEWA residential rates, a full battery might cost around 20 AED, compared to roughly 100 AED of petrol to drive a similar distance in a comparable ICE SUV. Over a year, that gap grows quite large.
Tech and Infotainment Features
PlayStation Integration and Entertainment Space
This is where Afeela tries to stand out. The dashboard is dominated by an ultra-wide display, while rear passengers can get 12.9-inch individual screens.
Planned features include:
- PS5 Remote Play, so you can stream console games to the car’s displays when connected to a strong network or home Wi-Fi.
- HDMI and USB-C ports for plugging in laptops, streaming sticks or other consoles.
- Video calls, including Zoom-style multi-person conferencing, which should appeal to remote workers and business users who find themselves parked between meetings.
The goal is for the cabin to feel like a dedicated entertainment pod, especially during charging stops or when you are waiting in the car for school pickups and mall errands.
Afeela Personal AI Agent and Level 2+ ADAS
The Afeela Personal Agent uses Azure OpenAI to hold more natural conversations. Instead of stiff commands, you might say, “I am exhausted and it is too hot,” and the system could lower the lights, cool the cabin and suggest a relaxing playlist. Over time it is expected to learn driving and charging habits, favourite routes and even gaming preferences.
On the safety and convenience side, Afeela targets Level 2+ driver assistance, with:
- Around 40 sensors in total
- 18 cameras
- 1 LiDAR unit
- 9 radars
- 12 ultrasonics
- Up to 800 TOPS of onboard compute
That stack underpins features like hands-free driving in certain conditions, self-parking and predictive hazard detection. It will not be full self-driving in the legal sense, but it should noticeably reduce fatigue on long Sheikh Zayed Road stretches.
Sensors, Unreal Engine and Co-Creation Apps
The car uses Unreal Engine to render its 3D navigation and ADAS visualisations. Instead of simple blue lines, you see a stylised 3D model of the road environment, with other vehicles, lane markings and obstacles represented in real time.
Through the Co-Creation programme, third-party developers can build custom visual themes, interactive experiences and integrated apps, potentially turning the car into a rolling platform similar to a modern smartphone. Expect an Android-based infotainment stack, with app support and over-the-air updates for both features and safety systems.
2027 Afeela SUV vs Rivals Comparison Table
On paper, the Afeela SUV sits in the same price band as BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV, but chases Lucid-level cabin immersion rather than class-leading range.
Also read: Top 10 Best Electric Suvs In 2025 Uae Ranked
| Feature | Afeela SUV (Proj.) | Tesla Model Y | Mercedes EQE SUV | BMW iX | Lucid Gravity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (AED Start) | 330,000 | 180,000 | 290,000 | 320,000 | 295,000 |
| Range (EPA mi) | ~290 | 320 | 305 | 324 | 450+ |
| Charging Peak (kW) | 150 | 250 | 170 | 195 | 300 |
| HP (AWD) | ~483 | 483 | 402+ | 516 | 800+ |
| ADAS Level | 2+ (40 sensors) | 2+ FSD Opt. | 2+ (L3 Opt.) | 2+ | 2+ |
UAE Ownership: Costs, Infrastructure and Lifestyle Fit
Running Costs vs Petrol SUVs (Electricity vs Fuel)
Electricity in Dubai at around 0.30 AED/kWh works out to roughly 0.10 AED/km for a vehicle of this size. Comparable petrol SUVs often hover near 0.40 AED/km once you factor in real fuel consumption.
Over 20,000 km per year:
- Charging cost: roughly 4,000 AED
- Petrol cost: around 16,000 AED
That is a saving of about 12,000 AED each year just on “fuel.” Stretch that over 5 years, and you are looking at roughly 60,000 AED in savings, not counting reduced servicing costs.
Battery in Gulf Heat: Degradation and Cooling
High ambient temperatures are the main concern for EV buyers in the region. A liquid-cooled pack like Afeela’s is designed to limit degradation to about 1–2% per year, versus 3–5% in some early air-cooled designs.
Simple habits help:
- Pre-cool the cabin while plugged in.
- Avoid frequent 0–100% fast charges in peak heat.
- Park in shade or covered parking when possible.
Do those things and you are more likely to maintain useful range beyond the 8-year mark.
Service, Warranty and Resale Outlook
A battery warranty of around 8 years / 100,000 miles is expected, which is standard for this segment. Routine servicing on EVs is generally cheaper than on ICE SUVs, since there are fewer fluids, fewer moving parts and no regular engine maintenance.
With Honda’s global reputation for reliability and Sony’s tech appeal, early imported Afeela models could hold strong resale values. In the first year, 80–90% retention of original value would not be surprising if supply is limited and demand among tech-focused buyers is high.
Conclusion
Viewed as a whole, the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV looks like a premium tech-first EV for buyers who care about PlayStation-level entertainment, Level 2+ ADAS and a well-tuned cabin atmosphere as much as they care about specs like a 91 kWh pack, ~290-mile range and 150 kW DC fast charging. It will not beat a Lucid Gravity on sheer range or charging speed, but it offers a different story: a Japanese-American collaboration where the car is as much a digital space as a mode of transport.
For UAE drivers willing to import, the logical plan is to watch the 2028 US SUV launch and the first 2029 Gulf arrivals, follow SHM updates closely, and then decide whether to wait or buy existing options like the Tesla Model Y, BMW iX or Mercedes EQE SUV that are already locally available.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Confirmed (Sedan) | Projected SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 91 kWh | 91+ kWh |
| Range EPA | 300 miles (sedan) | ~290 miles |
| HP | ~483 (dual 241 hp) | ~483 AWD |
| Charging | 150 kW NACS | 150 kW NACS |
| Price USD | 89,900–102,900 | 100,000+ |
| ADAS | Level 2+ (40 sensors) | Level 2+ (40 sensors) |
| Launch | Sedan late 2026 US | 2028 US |
People Also Ask
What is the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV and how is it related to the Afeela 1 sedan?
The 2027 Honda Afeela SUV is Sony Honda Mobility’s fastback electric SUV, based on the Afeela Prototype 2026. It shares the Afeela 1 sedan’s core platform, including the 91 kWh battery, dual-motor AWD, around 40 sensors, and PlayStation-style integration, but offers more cabin space and practicality.
When will the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV be released globally and will it come to the UAE?
Global SUV production is targeted for 2028 in the United States, following the Afeela 1 sedan, which begins US deliveries from late 2026. For the UAE, realistic availability is around 2029 via imports after RTA approval, as there is no official regional timeline yet.
What price segment will the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV compete in (in AED)?
It is projected to start around 330,000 AED, placing it next to the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV in the premium tech-focused EV segment.
What battery, range and performance specs for the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV?
Expected specs, largely carried over from the sedan, are:
- 91 kWh battery
- Around ~290 miles of EPA range
- About 483 hp from dual motors
- 150 kW DC fast charging via NACS
- Standard dual-motor AWD
Is the 2027 Honda Afeela SUV fully electric?
Yes, it is fully electric, with a 91 kWh battery pack and dual motors. There are no hybrid or ICE versions planned.
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