- Honda launched a new Remote Engine Starter retrofit in Japan.
- The system works with many models, including the new Prelude.
- Most US-market Hondas already include remote start as standard.
For years, drivers in the US have taken remote engine start for granted, with the feature built into most new Honda models at no extra cost. In Japan, though, it’s a different story. Honda has just launched an official “Remote Control Engine Starter” as a standalone accessory, bringing the convenience many American buyers already enjoy to its domestic market.
The new device is compatible with a broad swath of Honda’s Japanese lineup, including the new Prelude, Civic, ZR-V, Vezel, WR-V, Odyssey, Step WGN, Freed, Fit, N-Box, N-WGN, and N-One. There is a catch, however. Most of these models need to have rolled off the assembly line fairly recently to make the cut.
That said, Honda is not drawing a hard line at brand-new vehicles. Some exceptions apply, such as the Vezel (Japan’s version of the HR-V), where the accessory is available for all units built since April 2021.
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The new fob is separate from the key, although it is shaped like one. It includes dedicated Start and Stop buttons, along with a built-in LED and an audible buzzer to confirm whether the car has started or if the fob’s battery is running low.
In addition to firing up the engine, the system also activates features like the climate control, heated mirrors, and window defroster, depending on the vehicle’s spec. The user can select a warm-up duration of 10, 20, or 30 minutes, which could prove especially handy during the cold mornings of Northern Japan.
The Remote Control Engine Starter by Honda Access is available in Japan for ¥33,000, roughly $210 at current exchange rates. There is a required mounting attachment too, priced at ¥3,300 (about $21), which brings the total to just over $250.
Offered As A Subscription Too
Another option for Japanese Honda owners who want to enjoy a pre-heated cabin is to remotely start the engine from their smartphone without the need of a physical fob. However, this requires a paid subscription plan and the Honda Remote Control application.
Standard in the States
In America, remote start hardware is included in the factory price of nearly every model in the Honda lineup, including the Civic, HR-V, CR-V, Accord, Passport, Ridgeline, and Odyssey.
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All it takes is holding down the circular arrow button on the standard key fob. No extra parts to buy, no accessory installs, and no subscription fees. For now, that is.