HondaJet Elite II Interior Review: The Acura TL of the Skies

The Elite II upgrades that will matter most to the front-seat occupants are the addition of "dump spoilers" (officially automated ground spoilers) that improve stability during landing and allow the HondaJet to land and stop in a considerably shorter distance. Other aero enhancements have allowed the takeoff weight to increase from 10,900 to 11,100 pounds, accommodating extra fuel that extends its range from 1,437 to 1,547 nautical miles. Other pilot-friendly features include Emergency Autoland, and Stabilized Approach.

We could find no evidence of any parts-bin sharing with other Honda/Acura products, and in fact everything was designed in Greensboro by Honda—no fancy design houses were consulted, and capricious owner requests for deviations from the original design are rarely accommodated, as alterations require FAA approval. One Elite II revision is the hardwood-look surface down the center of the cabin.

To our eye, the headrest shape looks vaguely related to the upmarket automotive brand, and the quality of the French stitching and leather certainly seem to meet or exceed the Acura standard.

Two new interior color palette options are now available. Most of our shots are of the Onyx theme offers a warm, neutral tones with "deep greige" accents. This image shows the Steel option of light, cool gray tones with deep blue accents. Both options offer new white marble counter tops and hardwood pattern flooring for increased durability.

The tight HondaJet interior has limited space for conventional speakers, so it uses a concept similar to what powers the Ridgeline bed speaker. The side panels are excited by 24 actuators engineered by Bongiovi Acoustic Labs, founded by the artist performing as Jon Bon Jovi. The system is designed to automatically compensate for ambient noise and also to partially cancel noises like the jet engine drone.

For takeoff and landing, the four main seats all must be locked in place up against the fuselage, but to provide a bit more head clearance, when in flight they can slide toward the center. The seat on the right has also been reclined, which slides the bottom cushion forward. Trays deploy from the side walls on both sides. There is no lie-flat option, as this is envisioned as a three-hour plane, but a tuffet is available that can fill the space between the seats for resting legs.

The fifth passenger can belt into a small seat immediately across from the entry door, and a tray table deploys from the door for use by this passenger. Folding down the seatback converts this space into a cargo area with a lip to help keep it in place. Alternately, a galley can be installed here, but doing so encourages the carrying of stuff (beverages, cups, ice, snacks) that may or may not be used every flight, but count against the takeoff weight.

The seat closest to the door can be slid inboard, swiveled 180 degrees, and slid back to make it easier for larger-framed passengers to pass between the two seat backrests. The intent is for it to be swiveled back around for use in flight.

Unlike some competing planes of this size, the HondaJet Elite II features a full lavatory and sink with running water, plus dual sliding doors with extensions that come out of the bottom to provide complete privacy. A padded cushion covers the toilet and features a backrest and seatbelt, as this is where a sixth passenger (eighth occupant) sits. There are no windows, but two small skylights mean you don't have to turn on a light. If used, the lavatory gets serviced from outside the plane as with big jets (some biz jets require running hoses through the interior), but most owners heavily encourage passengers to hold it for three hours.

The main cargo hold can accommodate 53 cubic feet of luggage weighing up to 500 pounds, while a smaller compartment in the nose accommodates 9 cubic feet and up to 200 pounds. (By comparison, an Odyssey van fits 33 cubic feet behind the third row, and up to 92 behind the middle row.)

Overall, Honda has created a comfortable place to fly, even if it reminds more of an Acura. Check out more of our Chicago Auto Show coverage!