From late 2026 Honda will sell US‑built Passport SUVs and Acura Integra Type S in Japan, plus a new Insight EV from China. Find out more today!
Honda announced a landmark plan to bring several models built in the United States to the Japanese market starting in the second half of 2026. The move follows a recent easing of certification procedures for U.S.-origin vehicles under the Japan‑U.S. trade agreement, opening the door for a new wave of imports.
New U.S.-Built Models for Japan
Two flagship models will lead the launch:
- Honda Passport TrailSport Elite – a large‑size, three‑row SUV powered by a 3.5‑litre V6 engine. Production takes place at Honda’s plant in Alabama, USA.
- Acura Integra Type S – a performance‑tuned, five‑door liftback from Honda’s premium Acura brand. The car is built in Ohio and will retain the left‑hand‑drive configuration used in the North American market.
Both models will be sold through Honda’s existing dealership network in Japan, offering local buyers the same specifications and driving dynamics found on U.S. roads.
Simplified Certification Boosts Imports
In February 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism introduced a special safety‑approval pathway for American‑made vehicles. Rather than undergoing a full on‑site inspection, manufacturers can now obtain certification by submitting detailed documentation, dramatically shortening the time to market.
The streamlined process is a direct result of the bilateral trade pact signed last year, which includes provisions to reduce barriers for automotive trade between the two countries.
Acura Integra Type S – A First for Japan
The Integra Type S marks the debut of the Acura brand on Japanese soil. While Acura is Honda’s upscale marque in North America, it has never been sold domestically in Japan, where the Honda brand itself is already a household name. The Type S variant offers a high‑output engine, sport‑tuned suspension, and distinctive styling cues that set it apart from the standard Integra.
Japanese enthusiasts can look forward to a vehicle that blends Acura’s performance pedigree with the reliability and after‑sales support of Honda’s extensive dealer network.
Honda Insight EV Arrives from China
Honda also disclosed plans to launch an all‑electric version of the Insight in Japan in the first quarter of 2026. The new Insight is based on the e:NS2 platform currently produced by the Dongfeng‑Honda joint venture in China and has been adapted to meet Japan’s strict emissions and safety standards.
This will be the first time a Japanese automaker imports a fully built electric car from China for sale at home. The move is expected to improve utilisation rates at the Chinese plant and give Honda a foothold in the rapidly expanding Japanese EV market.
What This Means for Japanese Buyers
By expanding its lineup with U.S.-manufactured SUVs, a premium Acura model, and a Chinese‑made EV, Honda aims to broaden choice for Japanese consumers while leveraging more efficient global production footprints. The relaxed certification rules make the rollout faster and potentially more cost‑effective, which could translate into competitive pricing for shoppers.
For fans of larger crossovers, the Passport TrailSport offers a spacious, V6‑powered alternative to domestic SUVs. Meanwhile, performance lovers gain a new high‑output option with the Integra Type S, and eco‑conscious drivers can consider the Insight EV as an affordable entry into electrified mobility.
Stay tuned as Honda prepares dealer training, marketing campaigns, and test‑drive events ahead of the 2026 launch.