Eight common buyer scenarios, with our top Honda recommendation for each — plus a runner-up and the reasoning behind every pick.
Our Pick: Honda Civic LX
At $24,950, the Civic LX delivers everything a new driver needs: standard Honda Sensing safety, excellent fuel economy, legendary reliability, and the strongest resale value in its class. The 5-year cost of ownership is among the lowest of any new car.
Also Consider: Honda HR-V LX ($26,200) for buyers who want a small SUV.
Our Pick: Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport-L
The CR-V Hybrid offers 40 MPG combined, AWD, two LATCH seats with great access, 39.3 cu ft of cargo behind the second row, and the best safety scores in its class. Honda Sensing is standard.
Also Consider: Honda Pilot Sport ($43,500) if you need a third row.
Our Pick: Honda Odyssey Touring
Nothing beats a minivan for family hauling. The Odyssey seats 8, has CabinWatch and CabinTalk for monitoring kids in back, integrated rear-seat entertainment, and a standard built-in vacuum. Sliding doors are essential in tight parking spots.
Also Consider: Honda Pilot Elite ($52,000) for adventure-oriented families.
Our Pick: Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring
49 MPG combined means you fill up half as often. Combined with Honda reliability, the Civic Hybrid is one of the cheapest cars to own over 10 years. Fully loaded for $33,550.
Also Consider: Accord Hybrid Sport ($33,990) for more space.
Our Pick: Honda Civic Type R
315 hp, six-speed manual, helical LSD, adaptive dampers, and a chassis that has set front-wheel-drive lap records on tracks worldwide. Daily drivable, weekend track-capable.
Also Consider: Civic Si ($30,250) for a more affordable, slightly slower experience.
Our Pick: Honda Passport TrailSport
8.6 inches of ground clearance, 31-inch all-terrain tires, real skid plates, and torque-vectoring AWD. Two-row layout means more cargo space than the Pilot TrailSport.
Also Consider: Pilot TrailSport ($50,100) if you need three rows.
Our Pick: Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
Unibody construction means it rides like an SUV but tows 5,000 lbs and has a watertight in-bed trunk. The dual-action tailgate (drops or swings) is genius. Best-in-class on-road comfort.
Also Consider: Standard Ridgeline RTL ($43,000) if off-road capability isn't needed.
Our Pick: Honda 0 Series SUV RWD
308 miles of range, 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging, built in Ohio (full $7,500 federal tax credit), and Honda's steer-by-wire technology. The most refined new EV in its price class.
Also Consider: Prologue ($47,400) for proven Honda hybrid heritage in EV form.