LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models

Initially conceived as a better alternative to blind spot monitoring, Honda’s ingenious LaneWatch system could be discontinued in the near future.

What is Honda LaneWatch?

Honda LaneWatch, like the name suggests, utilizes a camera mounted on the passenger-side wing mirror that feeds a video stream to your car’s head unit.

The aim is to allow drivers to see if there are motorcyclists or other drives in their blind spot, and it also works in poor weather conditions.

If it’s so good, why does Honda want to discontinue it?

One word: cost.

You see, when Honda first introduced LaneWatch, blind spot monitoring was still in its infancy, which meant that it costs a lot to implement it to a car.

But the cost for blind spot monitoring have came down a lot, as new cars such as the Toyota Yaris and Vios come equipped with this feature.

The same cannot be said for LaneWatch, as it requires a camera mounted to the wing mirror as well as specific wiring.

Blind spot monitoring, on the other hand, only requires an electronic device mounted on the sides of the car, sending either an audible or visible signal to the driver when there’s an object in his/her blind spot.

No more LaneWatch from Honda?

That seems to be the case.

While not apparent in the Malaysian market Honda models, the move can be observed in North American and Japanese market Hondas.

When Honda introduced the all-new Insight in North America and Japan back in 2019, it was offered with LaneWatch on selected variants.

But that changed after Honda gave the Insight an update recently, which removed LaneWatch and was replaced with blind spot monitoring.

It’s a similar case with the Japanese-market Honda Accord, which is fitted with blind spot monitoring and not LaneWatch.

Okay, if I still want LaneWatch, which Honda models should I get?

Several models offered by Honda Malaysia have LaneWatch included.

The cheapest is the Honda HR-V 1.8 V, which goes for RM 118,800. Other Honda models, such as the CR-V, Civic, and Accord also offered LaneWatch on upper variants.

Interestingly, LaneWatch is not available on the made-in-Japan Honda Odyssey; instead it gets blind spot monitoring.