Honda’s Passport Is Dominating the SUV Scene—But There’s a Twist
The refreshed Honda Passport has been flying off dealership lots since it launched earlier this year, proving that drivers still crave rugged versatility with everyday comfort. And it’s easy to see why—Honda’s midsize SUV received major updates for the 2026 model year, giving it a sharper design, enhanced tech, and improved off-road confidence. But here’s where it gets interesting: the Passport isn’t just selling well—it’s smashing records.
By the end of September, Honda had already delivered 41,450 Passports, a jaw-dropping 74.8 percent jump compared to the same period in 2024. Fast forward to November, and the numbers shine even brighter. November marked a record month with 4,363 units sold, bringing total 2025 sales to 50,530. That’s a massive 73.2 percent increase year-to-date—up from just 29,172 units sold by the same time last year. Numbers like these don’t just happen by chance; they speak to Honda’s evolution in design and performance.
But even with these big wins, the Passport still plays in a smaller league compared to Honda’s other best-sellers. The CR-V continues to be the brand’s powerhouse, with more than 368,000 sales so far this year, followed by the HR-V at 137,000 and the Pilot surpassing 113,000. Still, the Passport boasts the largest percentage increase across Honda’s entire lineup, trailed only by the all-electric Prologue, which rose by an impressive 52.2 percent.
Adding to Honda’s expanding lineup is the return of a beloved nameplate: the new Honda Prelude. This hybrid coupe quietly entered U.S. showrooms last month, and while sales are still in their infancy—just 30 units so far—it’s a sign that Honda is eager to rekindle its performance roots. Will it appeal to nostalgic fans or attract a new generation entirely? Time will tell.
Here’s a snapshot of Honda’s lineup performance through November 2025:
| Model | November 2025 Sales | 2025 YTD Sales | YTD Change |
|--------|----------------------|---------------|-------------|
| Honda Accord | 10,613 | 134,686 | -9.0% |
| Honda Civic | 17,353 | 220,485 | -1.3% |
| Honda Prelude | 30 | 30 | 0.0% |
| Honda CR-V | 39,421 | 368,618 | 1.4% |
| Honda HR-V | 10,821 | 137,308 | -1.2% |
| Honda Odyssey | 5,492 | 81,900 | 13.9% |
| Honda Passport | 4,363 | 50,530 | 73.2% |
| Honda Pilot | 9,234 | 113,686 | -11.0% |
| Honda Prologue | 903 | 38,262 | 52.2% |
| Honda Ridgeline | 3,352 | 44,823 | 8.4% |
Overall, Honda’s 2025 lineup is trending upward, with most models seeing gains despite a few dips. The Pilot’s sales dropped by 11.0 percent—but that could soon change, as an all-new version is set to reach showrooms in early 2026. Meanwhile, the Accord’s numbers are down by 9.0 percent and the Civic shows only a slight 1.3 percent decline, suggesting a stable demand in the sedan space.
Shifting focus to Acura, Honda’s luxury arm tells a more complex story. The three-row MDX remains Acura’s best-seller at 37,512 units, but its sales have fallen 16.8 percent year over year. The RDX has been hit even harder, dipping 26.4 percent with fewer than 29,000 units sold. In a surprising twist, the now-discontinued TLX sedan has seen a small resurgence, climbing 5.8 percent compared to last year—even though only about 7,400 units have been sold in total. The fan-favorite Integra keeps its lead as Acura’s top “small sedan,” moving a respectable 18,462 units so far.
Acura’s 2025 sales breakdown looks like this:
| Model | November 2025 Sales | 2025 YTD Sales | YTD Change |
|--------|----------------------|---------------|-------------|
| Acura ADX | 2,837 | 17,313 | 0.0% |
| Acura Integra | 1,944 | 18,462 | -17.8% |
| Acura MDX | 3,309 | 37,512 | -16.8% |
| Acura RDX | 2,491 | 28,917 | -26.4% |
| Acura TLX | 639 | 7,424 | 5.8% |
| Acura ZDX | 22 | 11,962 | 115.8% |
Despite some turbulence, Honda’s combined momentum remains solid. The company sold 91,582 vehicles in November alone, pushing its year-to-date total up 1.8 percent. Acura, although showing a seasonal dip, still managed 11,242 units last month and keeps a slim year-to-date growth of 1.9 percent, surpassing 121,000 units for 2025. Together, the brands show Honda’s strong resilience in an increasingly crowded market.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Honda sustain this growth without sacrificing what made its lineup so dependable in the first place? With electrification and performance models like the Prelude and Prologue gaining traction, traditional nameplates could face an identity shift.
What’s your take—should Honda double down on its SUV dominance, or focus more on hybrids and performance revivals? Share your thoughts below—this debate is just getting started.
