Honda has unveiled a modular trailer that can sleep up to four people and is light enough to be towed by compact SUVs – ideal for nimble off-grid getaways. Olivia Palamountain reports

Honda's Base Station Prototype is a neat travel trailer that applies Honda's "Man Maximum/Machine Minimum" design philosophy – maximising space for people whilst minimising mechanical components. The result is a trailer that fits in a standard residential garage or parking space, yet offers an open, spacious interior.

Designed to be towed by compact SUVs (including the Honda CR-V – America's best-selling SUV over the last 25 years – and the Toyota RAV4), the prototype trailer can sleep a family of four comfortably with a large futon-style couch that folds out to provide a queen-sized sleeping area and an optional kids' bunk bed.

The top can be quickly raised to create seven feet of stand-up space, whilst a top-hinged rear tailgate enables flow between the trailer and campsite.Five large side windows allow natural light and can be removed and replaced with various accessories. Ambient light rings around the windows are programmable for brightness and colour, and will illuminate a campsite to make setting up easy at night.

The Base Station Prototype is outfitted with modular accessories including an air conditioner, external shower and external kitchen complete with running water and induction cooktop. Zero emissions power off the grid is enabled through a standard lithium battery, inverter and integrated solar panels. External power sources, whether campsite hookup or Honda generator, can be connected for extended stays.

Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the American Honda R&D Business Unit, says: "Base Station is a perfect example of what can happen when you let a team of researchers, designers and engineers pursue bold new ideas to create new value for our customers. Just like the Motocompacto, Base Station is the product of fresh and innovative thinking. We designed it to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for families across America."

Honda celebrated 50 years of R&D in the United States in 2025, with 21 facilities across the country engaged in product development including market and technology research, product styling, engineering design, prototype fabrication and testing.