Honda has earned strong recognition in the latest 2026 affordability rankings released by Cars.com, with three of its popular models named top value performers in their respective segments. The Honda CR‑V, Honda Passport and Honda Ridgeline were each identified as leading choices for buyers seeking well-equipped vehicles at competitive price points.
Editors at Cars.com selected the CR-V LX as a standout in the compact SUV category, while the newly updated Passport RTL secured recognition among mid-size SUVs. The Ridgeline Sport also earned a top position in the mid-size pickup segment. These rankings highlight Honda’s continued emphasis on balancing affordability with practicality and everyday usability across multiple vehicle categories.
Pricing comparisons further strengthened Honda’s performance in the report. The average transaction price of a new Honda vehicle in 2025 was approximately $35,060, significantly lower than the broader industry average. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 2026 CR-V LX at $30,920, Passport RTL at $44,950 and Ridgeline Sport at $40,795 all remained below the U.S. average new vehicle transaction price of $46,303, according to J.D. Power.
Alongside competitive pricing, Honda continues to prioritize fuel efficiency across its lineup. According to the 2025 Automotive Trends Report released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the company maintains one of the highest fleet average fuel economy ratings among manufacturers offering a full mix of gasoline powered and electrified vehicles in the United States. This reflects Honda’s long standing focus on efficiency while maintaining performance and reliability.
The annual Best Value New Cars awards from Cars.com evaluate non-luxury vehicles equipped with essential modern safety and technology features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Pricing structure, fuel economy ratings and long term operating cost estimates are also considered in the rankings. The recognition reinforces Honda’s position as a strong contender for buyers seeking dependable vehicles that combine affordability with everyday functionality. Credit: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
