Discussions of name loyalty that embrace the likes of Honda and Toyota ought to come as no shock to these which were paying consideration over the previous couple of a long time. Each carry fiercely loyal fan bases unfold out amongst their numerous platforms, a few of that are of their eleventh-generation, spanning throughout 50 years or extra.
Although Honda’s SUV line would not return almost as a few years, it is wasted no time in constructing a really loyal following, a lot of that are comeback shoppers which can be moving into newer variations of a automobile they’ve little question been pleased with, or, as J.D. Powers’ report says, leaving their conventional gas-powered autos behind in lieu of one of many automaker’s new hybrid choices. Whereas some manufacturers are combating transferring the needle, J.D. ranks Honda primary by way of buyer loyalty based mostly round their mass market SUVs.
Repeat Clients
J.D. Energy’s buyer loyalty evaluation, now in its sixth 12 months, pulls stats from the Energy Data Community to seek out if, after buying and selling in an present automobile, the client selected the identical model for his or her new automobile buy. That info is strictly taken from new-vehicle franchised sellers and break up into particular classes, that embrace premium automobile, premium SUV, mass market automobile, truck, and mass market SUV, the class during which Honda stood above all others.
With information based mostly on gross sales that happened between September of final 12 months and August 2024, Honda’s mass market SUV line, which incorporates the Pilot, Passport, HR-V, CR-V, and all-electric Prologue fashions, produced a outstanding 65.1% loyalty ranking, additional cementing the truth that its followers are undoubtedly loyal to the model. Honorable point out goes to the Subaru SUV group that landed in second place with a 62.2% ranking.
Hybrids Pay Off
A few of that proportion probably comes from Honda’s hybrid choices, as J.D. Energy studies that each Honda and Toyota are seeing promising numbers from consumers making the change to hybrid choices whereas sticking with the identical model. In comparison with the remainder of the business, earlier Honda homeowners are making their option to the model’s hybrid choices at virtually 3 times the speed of others.
With stock shortages changing into virtually normal today, J.D. Energy discovered that essentially the most loyal clients truly held off on a brand new automobile buy totally in the event that they weren’t capable of supply precisely what they wished. An attention-grabbing tidbit when you think about that years in the past, an unavailable automobile would often end in a possible purchaser exploring different makes and fashions. Now, the common purchaser seems extra affected person.
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Select Your Personal Journey
How does a model stand out within the very crowded waters of the fashionable SUV craze? For starters, quite a lot of sizes and costs definitely assist. Honda has carried out a superb job of providing an reasonably priced entry-level chassis within the HR-V. The subcompact SUV initially rode on the Honda Match chassis however with that automobile not in manufacturing for the U.S. market, it is now based mostly on the Civic platform. Beginning at $24,600, it is the most affordable option to enter Honda’s SUV section.
Honda’s stuffed the compact SUV market with its CR-V for six generations now, constructing a gradual fan base round its virtually three a long time of evolution. In the present day, you may get your fingers on a entrance or all-wheel drive mannequin, or go for a hybrid CR-V like so many different Honda followers are doing. You’ll be able to even add loads of choices to your hearts content material, as long as your checking account agrees.
If more room is critical, then a mid-size SUV may be your best option and for that, Honda’s provided their Pilot for 4 generations. Its bigger proportions are evident inside, the place third row seating is accessible. As well as, the 2025 mannequin was awarded the IIHS Prime Security Decide+ ranking. There are six trims to select from, together with an off-road-inspired TrailSport.
Additionally within the mid-size group is Honda’s revived Passport identify, which is analogous to the dimensions of the Pilot, however supposed extra for hauling cargo, fairly than extra passengers, as it is a five-seater in comparison with the Pilot’s eight. It is also accessible in a TrailSport trim and if you happen to’re caught deciding between the 2, CarBuzz did a head-to-head comparability to make issues a bit simpler for you. But when neither of these is what you are trying or in a midsize SUV, then perhaps its an EV you are after, and Honda has that market coated with the all-electric Prolugue.
