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Honda Previews 2026 US Sales Strategy, New Models Ahead
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Key Takeaways
American Honda forecasts about 1.5M U.S. vehicle sales in 2026, up roughly 4% year over year.
Honda will boost value-focused trims on CR-V, Civic and Accord to address affordability and price pressures.
Acura plans RSX electrified SUV in second half of 2026, MDX enhancements.
American Honda (HMC - Free Report) shared details of its U.S. automotive outlook for 2026, which includes its sales performance in 2025 and a peek into key elements of its upcoming product strategy. Per Lance Woelfer, vice president of sales, nearly the entire Honda and Acura portfolio has been redesigned or refreshed over the past 18 months, positioning the company with one of the most up-to-date model lineups in the industry as it heads into 2026.
The automaker expects a tougher competitive environment next year, and the industry seasonally adjusted annual rate is projected between the high 15-million and low 16-million units. Against this backdrop, American Honda forecasts total 2026 sales of about 1.5 million vehicles, suggesting a rise of 4% year over year. Both brands are expected to post moderate gains, with Honda sales exceeding 1.35 million units and Acura aiming for roughly 135,000 units. Entering 2026, the company continues to operate with a below-average inventory level as it works through supply chain challenges that emerged late last year.
To remain agile in shifting market conditions, American Honda plans to follow a flexible and balanced approach. In response to affordability concerns and rising average vehicle prices, the company will boost production of value-focused trims across core Honda models, such as the CR-V, Civic and Accord, as well as entry-level Acura offerings, including the ADX and Integra.
On the product front, Acura will introduce the RSX electrified SUV in the second half of 2026, while the Integra Type S will receive interior and exterior updates. The MDX will gain additional enhancements later in the year. Development is underway on the next-generation RDX, which will debut Acura’s first two-motor hybrid system, with the current RDX set to pause production this year.
Honda has also begun rolling out the refreshed 2026 Pilot, featuring a larger touchscreen, refined steering, a quieter interior, updated styling and enhanced safety technology. The S+ Shift feature, first seen on the Prelude, will be added to the Civic Hybrid and the Civic Type R will receive design updates. In addition, Honda revealed a prototype of the Honda Base Station, a compact, towable travel trailer designed in the United States to tap into growing interest in outdoor lifestyles, particularly among young families.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM’s 2025 and 2026 EPS has improved by a penny and 16 cents, respectively, in the past seven days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GT’s 2025 EPS has improved 19 cents in the past 90 days. EPS estimates for 2026 have moved down 13 cents in the past 90 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PHIN’s 2025 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 1.1% and 33.4%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have improved 45 cents and 81 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days.
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Honda Previews 2026 US Sales Strategy, New Models Ahead
Key Takeaways
American Honda (HMC - Free Report) shared details of its U.S. automotive outlook for 2026, which includes its sales performance in 2025 and a peek into key elements of its upcoming product strategy. Per Lance Woelfer, vice president of sales, nearly the entire Honda and Acura portfolio has been redesigned or refreshed over the past 18 months, positioning the company with one of the most up-to-date model lineups in the industry as it heads into 2026.
The automaker expects a tougher competitive environment next year, and the industry seasonally adjusted annual rate is projected between the high 15-million and low 16-million units. Against this backdrop, American Honda forecasts total 2026 sales of about 1.5 million vehicles, suggesting a rise of 4% year over year. Both brands are expected to post moderate gains, with Honda sales exceeding 1.35 million units and Acura aiming for roughly 135,000 units. Entering 2026, the company continues to operate with a below-average inventory level as it works through supply chain challenges that emerged late last year.
To remain agile in shifting market conditions, American Honda plans to follow a flexible and balanced approach. In response to affordability concerns and rising average vehicle prices, the company will boost production of value-focused trims across core Honda models, such as the CR-V, Civic and Accord, as well as entry-level Acura offerings, including the ADX and Integra.
On the product front, Acura will introduce the RSX electrified SUV in the second half of 2026, while the Integra Type S will receive interior and exterior updates. The MDX will gain additional enhancements later in the year. Development is underway on the next-generation RDX, which will debut Acura’s first two-motor hybrid system, with the current RDX set to pause production this year.
Honda has also begun rolling out the refreshed 2026 Pilot, featuring a larger touchscreen, refined steering, a quieter interior, updated styling and enhanced safety technology. The S+ Shift feature, first seen on the Prelude, will be added to the Civic Hybrid and the Civic Type R will receive design updates. In addition, Honda revealed a prototype of the Honda Base Station, a compact, towable travel trailer designed in the United States to tap into growing interest in outdoor lifestyles, particularly among young families.
Honda’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks
HMC carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
Some better-ranked stocks in the auto space are General Motors Company (GM - Free Report) , The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT - Free Report) and PHINIA Inc. (PHIN - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM’s 2025 and 2026 EPS has improved by a penny and 16 cents, respectively, in the past seven days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GT’s 2025 EPS has improved 19 cents in the past 90 days. EPS estimates for 2026 have moved down 13 cents in the past 90 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PHIN’s 2025 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 1.1% and 33.4%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have improved 45 cents and 81 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days.