Sony Debuts Afeela Prototype 2026 Electric SUV, Custom PlayStation Themes for Afeela 1

Sony Honda Mobility’s joint EV venture, Afeela, returned to CES 2026 with its first-ever standalone press conference, using the spotlight to further flesh out its vision for a Sony-infused electric future. The company once again showcased the upcoming Afeela 1 electric sedan, shared new details about personalization features and US manufacturing plans, and it closed the presentation with a surprise reveal: the Afeela Prototype 2026 concept, a vehicle that, somewhat humorously, won’t arrive until “as early as 2028.”

Sony’s electric car ambitions date back to CES 2020, when it first unveiled the Vision-S concept sedan, followed by the Vision-S 02 SUV concept in 2022. Those early show cars laid the groundwork for what has since evolved into the Afeela 1, the brand’s first production vehicle, which is currently slated to arrive in the US later this year.

When Afeela finalized key details around the Afeela 1 at last year’s CES, I was critical of its relatively modest EV performance specifications, especially given a price that can stretch into six-figure territory. At this year’s press conference, Sony Honda Mobility America doubled down on its belief that the Afeela 1 won’t stand out on range or acceleration alone, but rather through its in-car entertainment ecosystem and advanced driver assistance and autonomy technology.

The Prototype 2026 brings the SUV proportions of Sony's previous Vision-S 02 concept closer to production.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

A major draw for future Afeela owners is Sony’s deep integration of PlayStation game streaming. The company confirmed that PlayStation Remote Play, a feature that dates back to the PS3 and PSP era and now works across PS4, PS5, smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs and the PlayStation Portal, will also be available on the Afeela’s expansive in-car displays. With a data connection and a DualSense controller, occupants will be able to stream console games directly in the vehicle, a feature clearly aimed at keeping passengers entertained or helping drivers pass the time while charging.

Sony also discussed its Afeela Co-Creator program, an initiative that will allow content partners to design downloadable experiences that include dynamic wallpapers, instrument cluster color schemes, ambient lighting effects, custom motor sounds and bespoke dashboard applications. Drivers will be able to access and manage these personalization options through a smartphone app, effectively tailoring the car’s digital personality to their tastes. The first fruits of the Co-Creator program will be custom themes and e-motor sounds inspired by Astro Bot and Gran Turismo PlayStation games.

Afeela will allow its content partners to create custom themes for its electric cars, starting with the Astro Bot and Gran Turismo PlayStation titles.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Music and sound, Sony says, will play a major role in Afeela's personalization strategy. Sony described how artists could develop custom sound profiles through the Co-Creation program, creating audio experiences meant to make the act of driving more engaging. One example created and demonstrated onstage by Grammy-nominated music producer Tomoko Ida blended elements of Western electronic music with traditional Japanese strings, shaping everything from startup sounds to motion-related tones as the car moves. I've gotta say, it sounded pretty cool. 

On the business side, Sony Honda Mobility America executives discussed "nearing operational readiness in the United States" for the production Afeela 1. The company currently operates four California-based studio hubs where prospective customers can experience the vehicle and its massive dashboard firsthand, with two additional locations planned to open this spring. An Afeela Advanced Access test drive program for early reservation holders is set to begin this year, and the brand also plans to expand its presence into Arizona in 2027, likely through additional studios and pop-up experiences rather than full-scale sales operations in the southwestern state.

Despite being called the Prototype 2026, Afeela's new electric SUV won't arrive until 2028 at best.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Manufacturing plans were also clarified during the presentation. According to CEO Yasuhide Mizuno, production of the Afeela 1 will take place in the US at Honda's plant in Ohio, where dry-run preproduction is already underway. Deliveries are expected to begin in California in late 2026, followed by Japan in the first half of 2027. As stated previously, orders are currently open with prices ranging from $89,900 for the base Origin spec to $102,900 for the full-fat Signature model.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the Afeela Prototype 2026, a compact SUV concept that borrows its design language and technology from the Afeela 1 sedan, while blending proportions and scale reminiscent of the Vision-S 02 Concept. While the name suggests something closer to market, Sony Honda Mobility made it clear that this next model is still several years away, with availability targeted for 2028 at the earliest.

Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at [email protected]

Article updated on January 5, 2026 at 7:58 PM PST

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Antuan Goodwin Senior Writer, Electrified Cars

Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at [email protected]