Honda’s position is a more turbulent one compared to direct competitors like Toyota and Mazda. The Japanese company is still synonymous with reliability - especially in the engine department - but when it comes to EV offerings, the company falls behind its peers. Honda recently cancelled three fully-electric models. Those include the 0 Concept SUV, 0 Concept sedan, and the new, fully-electric Acura RSX SUV. I am actually glad about that last part, as the name deserves better.
Related story: 2026 Toyota C-HR Vs 2026 Acura RSX: Battle of the Japanese EV SUVs
That said, Honda still makes some great cars, and in U.S.News’ most recent 2026 Best Cars for Families awards, four distinct models were included, and for a good reason. While you may expect the usual suspects, there are one or two models that may surprise you.
Honda Accord and Accord Hybrid
Not one, but two variants of the Honda Accord made it on the list, and for a good reason. While I am disappointed that the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is no longer available on the eleventh-generation Accord, the midsize sedan excels in other areas. The switch from a sleeper performance sedan to a sensible and frugal family companion is not that surprising, given Honda’s recent focus on electrification.
It is very rare to find a midsize sedan for under $30,000. The 2026 Honda Accord proves it is still possible, with a starting MSRP of $28,395. You get the familiar 1.5-liter turbo-four engine, which in its early days was known for oil-dilution issues, but has since been improved. It makes an adequate 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet, which are sent to the front wheels through a CVT. I wish they had kept the manual as an option. The non-hybrid Accord will get up to 33 MPG combined (EPA) - 30 city / 38 highway.
The 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid will set you back from $33,795. You are getting the most frugal version of the K20 engine, paired with a single electric motor for a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet. The same setup is seen on the Honda Civic e:HEV, which already proved you can have the best of both worlds.
The Accord has always been the slightly more exciting and less sensible (but still frugal) competitor to the Toyota Camry, which became even more fuel-efficient with its latest generation. The Accord Hybrid is very frugal, returning up to 49 MPG combined (EPA) - 51 city / 46 highway. Whether you are looking at the hybrid or non-hybrid version, the Accord perfectly combines roomy interior, generous standard equipment, and a comfortable ride despite the sporty handling. The only downside is you can’t get all-wheel drive on either model while some competitors like the Camry offer that option.
Related story: The Best Hybrid Vehicles You Can Buy In 2025
Honda Passport
Some people are quick to dismiss the Honda Passport when cross-shopping midsize SUVs, but there are plenty of reasons why this is a mistake. The Japanese two-row SUV doesn’t flaunt itself with complex hybrid technology. Instead, it offers a tried-and-tested, 3.5-liter V-6, which has been continuously revised over more than two decades. The 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet may be focused higher in the rev range, but this is still enough for a 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 to 6.4 seconds, according to MotorTrend. The 10-speed automatic shifts quickly and keeps the RPMs in the sweet spot.
The fuel economy is rated at 21 MPG combined (EPA), with 19 city and 25 on the highway, which is about what you’d expect from a V-6-powered SUV. The Passport comes with a payload capacity of 948 pounds, while towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds, which is less than the 4Runner’s 5,800-6,000-pound figure.
The unibody platform is the main reason why off-road enthusiasts flock to other models, but for some the extra refinement of the Passport, compared to models like Toyota 4Runner is enough to sway the balance in Honda’s favor. Aside from the well-built interior and great handling, the Passport shines with a very high safety rating. Thanks to advanced safety systems and strengthened chassis, the 2026 Passport received IIHS Top Safety Pick. The only real downside is the high starting price of $44,950.
Related story: All-New 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Has Us Excited - Here’s Why
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is one of the least-talked-about Japanese pickup trucks, and that’s because it isn’t the best pick when it comes to choosing a rugged workhorse. The unibody platform and controversial looks play against the truck’s otherwise great value for money. It shares a platform with the Honda Pilot as well as the same J35, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet. Compared to the Honda Passport (also on the list), the engine is tuned for better low and mid-range torque. Fuel economy is rated at 21 MPG combined (EPA) - 18 city, 24 highway.
The Ridgeline comes with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is far less than most competitors (Toyota Tacoma - 6,000 pounds, Nissan Frontier - 7,150 pounds). Payload capacity is 1,500-1,583 pounds. The Ridgeline is ideal for light duty, but prefers staying on the road. That’s also where it excels, as it offers, by far, the best handling of any midsize pickup truck. The 5.3-foot bed also features a 7.3 cubic feet lockable storage, spacious enough for a travel bag or two.
The interior features a surprisingly polished finish for a truck starting at $40,795. Standard equipment is generous, safety ratings are high, and the interior is roomy. A pickup truck may not sound like the ideal family vehicle, but the Ridgeline does it surprisingly well. In true tradition, for Honda’s larger SUV and truck models, four-wheel drive is standard. Instead of low gears, the Ridgeline features a nine-speed automatic with low first gear and an intelligent i-VMT four-wheel-drive system.
Which of these Honda models do you think would make a great family car? Would you have a pickup truck as a family commuter? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Image source: 2026 Honda Ridgeline, 2026 Honda Accord, 2026 Honda Passport
About the author
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experience to the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Experience
- 2012-2017 and 2025-Present: Insurance Advisor - ANG Univers and Generali Insurance Group
- 2016-2016: Car salesman at Toyota dealership
- 2014-Present: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, test driver
Education
- Bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations
- Master's degree in Marketing
- Master's degree in Media and Communications
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