The Honda Stepwgn, pronounced "step wagon," is a minivan manufactured and marketed by Honda since 1996. It has a taller cabin than either the Odyssey or the Stream. The Odyssey and Stream, on the other hand, can only fit seven passengers in each, while the Stepwgn can fit eight occupants. There was only one door on each driver and passenger side for its first two generations of automobiles.
History of the Honda Stepwgn
Honda Stepwgn First Generation (RF1/2; 1996–2001)
The first generation Stepwgn was unveiled during the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. On May 8, 1996, Japanese sales started. Rival Japanese automobiles were more likely to have their engines beneath the driver's seat or on the cab. In 1997, Honda added additional convenience features, including standardization of ABS and twin SRS airbags across the whole lineup. Honda's Primo, Verno, and Clio networks began selling Japanese cars in August 1997. In May 1999, the car had a makeover. The headlights were restyled, and they lowered the license plate to the bottom of the bumper.
Honda Stepwgn Second Generation (RF3/4/5/6/7/8; 2001–2005)
In April 2001, the second generation Stepwgn premiered, primarily focusing on the first generation's model. The Stepwgn of the second generation was designed with families with young children in mind. They did not change a set of sliding doors solely on a single side of the Stepwgn. Honda introduced the model at the 35th Tokyo Motor Show. The company also introduced the Stepwgn Spada model in this generation. Sales of the Stepwgn in Japan totaled 24,389 units in the first half of 2004.
Honda Stepwgn Third Generation (RG; 2005–2009)
Compared to its predecessors, the third generation Stepwgn was more streamlined. On May 26, 2005, Honda officially unveiled the Stepwgn third generation.
In strategies to succeed with rival minivans like the Nissan Serena and Toyota Noah, the third generation of the minivan had sliding doors on both sides, unlike the earlier generations. Honda car dealerships began selling Japanese models in May of 2005. Sales of Stepwgn in Japan were 7,093 units in November 2005.
Honda Stepwgn Fourth Generation (RK; 2009–2015)
Honda completely reworked the fourth generation vehicles of Stepwgn. Compared to the prior generation, the new one is taller and longer, but it has the same width. With its distinctive grille and headlamps, the Stepwgn Spada model reappeared. In October 2009, Japanese vehicles went on the market. There were several early versions, including the Stepwgn and Stepwgn special-needs car. New grilles and bumpers were added to the Stepwgn in 2012, along with new taillights and rims. Cameras for parking were also standard. A total of 6,715 of the Stepwgn were sold in July 2013.
Honda Stepwgn Fifth Generation (RP1–5; 2015–2022)
In April 2015, the fifth-generation Stepwgn was released. The fifth-generation Stepwgn has a functional passenger area and a unique tailgate system dubbed the Waku Waku Gate ('Waku Waku' means 'exciting' in Japan), powered by an all-new 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo engine. In September 2017, the Stepwgn was updated. The Stepwgn Spada Hybrid features a three-mode powertrain that can operate in EV, Hybrid, or Engine driving modes. There's also a Sport driving mode.
Honda Stepwgn Sixth Generation (RP6–8; 2022–Present)
On the 7th of January 2022, the sixth generation of the Stepwgn was revealed to the public for the first time. There are three variations: the Air, the Spada, and the Premium Line Spada. Honda dropped Waku Waku Gate in favor of a more typical automatic tailgate release for this generation.
Price
The first generation Honda Stepwgn had a starting price of ¥1,548,000 that could go up to ¥2,368,000. The all-new 2022 Honda Stepwgn was introduced by Honda in Japan on Friday, January 7, 2022, with prices expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2022.
Features
Reverting to a basic design, the door only opens upwards in the 2022 model. Before this, two sideways-swinging doors could be opened as a single unit, opening upwards. The Waku Waku Gate, which translates to "pleasing gate" or "thrilling gate," was the name given to this particular entranceway. According to Honda, the Step WGN's body is longer, broader, and higher than before. Honda also opted for a more pared-down design with fewer lines and more straight angles. The headlights and grille are rectangular, and the brightwork is modest on the Air model. The Spada and Spada Premium Line has additional chrome, a bigger grille, and a rear spoiler compared to the standard model. However, the new Step WGN interior is the most impressive feature. Because the van has a big body, the interior is light and airy because of its high headroom. Honda's new HR-V and Civic feature a more angular dashboard design, and Honda follows suit. The center stack is dominated by a large floating screen, and there is a shelf above the glove box. Step WGN's instrument cluster, like most modern automobiles, is digitally displayed. Initiation of Step WGN's second row features two captain's seats. These seats may be moved from side to side except for forward and backward movement. Honda has moved a second-row seat closer to the front to make it easier for parents to reach for their children. You may fold down both the second and third-row seats into a bed.
Specs and Performance of the Honda Stepwgn
So far, Honda has kept the details of its powertrains under wraps. There are hybrid and non-hybrid variants of the vehicle. Honda's newest e-HEV hybrid powertrain technology is used in the gas-electric model. Moreover, the hybrid Step-WGN includes a push-button gear selector, while the non-hybrid has a traditional lever. No left-hand drive version of the Step WGN is expected from Honda. Additionally, there is a slight possibility that this model will be offered for sale outside of Japan. Like the previous model, it may only be available in Hong Kong and Macau. The previous generation of Honda Stepwgn delivers 148 hp (110 kW) of power at 5,500 rpm and 150 ft-lb (203 Nm) of torque at 1,600-5,000 rpm. This model accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 kph) in 11.2 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph (185 kph). Honda manufactured the Stepwgn with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain.
Release Date
Since 1996, Honda has been producing the Hond Stepwgn. Earlier this year, on January 7, 2022, they released the 2022 Honda Stepwgn.