Honda unveiled a refreshed version of its flagship minivan, the Step WGN, in the Japanese market. This latest update goes beyond a typical model year refresh, introducing upgraded trims and a special edition. While the exterior design remains familiar, the interior has seen significant enhancements, striking a balance between practicality and luxury.
In 2024, the Step WGN recorded impressive sales of 55,147 units in Japan, a 25% increase from the previous year. Building on this momentum, Honda has expanded trim options without altering the exterior and enhanced key convenience features, offering more choices to consumers.
EX Package Adds Luxury to the Base Trim
The base Step WGN Air model now comes with the newly introduced EX package, redefining what a base trim can offer. One standout upgrade is the addition of foldable footrests in the second-row seats—a feature previously reserved for the higher-end Spada trim. This change significantly enhances passenger comfort.
The EX package includes premium features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a three-zone climate control system, a power tailgate with memory function, and USB ports for all seating rows. These are typically found in higher-end vehicles, making the Air trim a more luxurious offering.
Safety features are also upgraded. The Honda Sensing suite, which includes advanced driver assistance technologies, now adds blind-spot monitoring. Given the Step WGN’s family-oriented design, this addition is expected to boost customer satisfaction. Overall, the EX package offers a compelling combination of practicality, safety, and comfort.
Spada Black Edition: Premium and Sporty Appeal
The high-end Spada trim now includes a special Black Edition based on the Premium line. This variant features blacked-out elements on the grille, side mirrors, door handles, and wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance and sporty character.
The powertrain options remain unchanged. The Step WGN has a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (150 horsepower) paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Honda also offers an e:HEV hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (145 horsepower) with a 184-horsepower electric motor.
The hybrid version is available only with front-wheel drive and is praised for its quiet operation and fuel efficiency. Pre-orders for the updated Step WGN have already begun, with the official launch set for May. While pricing details have yet to be announced, this refreshed model is expected to raise the bar for premium minivans and redefine the segment beyond the traditional family vehicle.
