Artificial intelligence has been a divisive technology. That includes Google’s Gemini AI, which Honda is now adding to models, including the Civic - but interestingly, not the Ridgeline - via a software update.
When we talk about AI, we’re really talking about Large Language Models, or LLMs. Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude - these are all examples of LLMs. They attempt to respond to prompts by producing what they deduce is the best answer based on scraping the Internet for information.
That’s a vast oversimplification, but it is a basic way in which LLMs work.
Honda Models That Get Gemini
Honda is using an over-the-air software update to the Google Assistant system that’s already in the vehicle to add Gemini.
Honda will be adding Gemini to the Civic, Accord, Prelude, CR-V, Passport, and Pilot. The model years and trims vary from model to model - for the Civic it will be Sport Touring Hybrid sedan and hatchback and the Si sedan, 2025 model year and later.
"Connected technology is no longer a convenience for Honda customers – it's an essential part of the driving experience," said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, in a press release. "The integration of Google Gemini reflects our commitment to providing technology that enhances every journey to help Honda drivers stay informed, connected, and productive."
Honda claims that drivers will be able to use more nuanced commands and prompts with Gemini than with a traditional voice-recognition system. The latter often demands the use of a formal, specific command.
Another way to put it is that you can use more natural language to phrase a request. Honda’s press release says that previously, a driver would have to be specific in their request, such as saying “find a restaurant for lunch.” With Gemini, Honda says that a driver can be more informal, saying something like “I need a bite, let’s a find an open hamburger stand”.
Honda also says that a driver and Gemini can engage in “free-flowing” conversation.
AI Can Both Be Annoying And Helpful - And Why Won’t Gemini Be In The Ridgeline?
If this works as advertised, it could make life a little more convenient for Honda Civic drivers - and other Honda owners. However, AI has been known to make mistakes - I can imagine a scenario in which a driver asks to find a lunch place with hamburgers, and perhaps the AI comes up with a place too far away, or one that’s closed at that time, or a place that sells tacos and not hamburgers.
Voice-recognition systems in cars can be tricky to use, too. Your author has been in test vehicles in which the voice-recognition system didn’t recognize the command, even when it was stated clearly and correctly. It’s happened with Apple’s Siri while using Apple CarPlay, too. I’ve asked Siri to, for example, play my music library and had the system take its time to “think” before saying it can’t process the request.
Simply put, this news could make it so that certain Hondas give their drivers and passengers some more convenience as they drive about town - if it works. If it doesn’t, it could be frustrating and even distracting.
It’s not clear why certain models are getting Gemini and why the Ridgeline pickup truck isn’t. It appears that Google Assistant isn’t available on the current Ridgeline, so that could be the explanation. We’ve reached out to Honda for clarification and will update if/when we hear back.
In the meantime, this sounds like something that could be appealing to Honda Civic drivers who like high tech and/or want to have a more convenient motoring experience. Certainly, in theory, it should at least allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road while searching for the nearest gas station, rest stop, or lunch spot.
On the other hand, if it doesn’t work well, it could end up frustrating users, and regardless of how well it works, some folks might further resent the proliferation of tech in vehicles. Some AI haters might also resent the creep of AI into their vehicle - though they don’t have to use it if they don’t want to.
We’ll probably keep seeing this type of thing in vehicles that use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa connectivity. For better or for worse.
About The Author
Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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