The third-generation Honda Passport—reviving the decades-old nameplate in 2019—was essentially a shortened version of the three-row Pilot. With its rounded design and minivan-like cabin, it delivered comfort and practicality, but lacked the rugged appeal many SUV buyers want. That contrast helps explain why the all-new fourth-generation 2026 Passport, unveiled earlier this year, just recorded its best November sales ever. Shoppers are clearly responding to its chunkier styling and newfound rugged personality, which now puts it squarely in competition with the Subaru Outback.
Record-Setting Sales for Honda’s Two-Row Crossover
Even though it still rides on the same platform as the current Pilot, the 2026 Honda Passport now stands apart with a much bolder design, featuring completely redesigned front and rear fascias that embrace a more upright, boxy aesthetic. That added appeal helped Honda sell 4,363 Passports in November—its best November performance ever and a 50 percent jump over November 2024. Even more impressive, sales for the first 11 months of 2025 are up 73 percent year-over-year, with 50,530 units delivered.
The reason behind the surge seems obvious: shoppers love the Passport’s squared-off styling, which looks even more rugged than its Pilot sibling. Its boosted off-road credibility doesn’t hurt either. Honda claims the TrailSport variant is the most capable SUV it has ever built, surpassing even the body-on-frame, Isuzu-based first- and second-generation Passports. The 2026 TrailSport backs up that claim with a lifted, trail-tuned suspension, steel underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels.
The Prelude Is Officially On Sale
Alongside the Passport’s strong performance, Honda newest sporty offering has finally reached dealerships. The hybrid Prelude, priced from $43,165—though some dealers have added markups—sold 30 units in November. While that figure sounds small, the coupe only arrived in showrooms near the end of the month, and early supply appears tight as production ramps up. Even if it never comes close to the Civic’s sales numbers—the compact staple moved 17,353 units in November—the Prelude is off to a promising start, receiving eight times more pre-orders than Honda anticipated.
Whether that momentum continues after the initial wave of reservations is uncertain. As Honda’s first coupe in five years, some shoppers question its value, noting that its 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque seem modest for the price. For context, the 315-hp Civic Type R costs only about $3,500 more, which translates to roughly $80 extra per month for many buyers. Several competitors also present similar value challenges. Still, based on our brief first drive, the new Prelude is genuinely enjoyable behind the wheel—and we’re eager to spend more time with it soon.
