Honda CR-V, Passport & Ridgeline Earn 2026 Best Value Awards from Cars.com
Three Honda models recognized as category leaders in affordability — all priced well below the national average transaction price.
The 2026 Honda CR-V LX, Passport RTL, and Ridgeline Sport each earned a 2026 Best Value New Cars award from Cars.com. With an average Honda transaction price roughly $10,000 below the industry average, all three models are priced under the $46,303 national new-vehicle average.
Cars.com editors have spoken: Honda is delivering more value per dollar than nearly any other automaker in the country. The 2026 Honda CR-V, Passport, and Ridgeline each finished at the top of their respective categories in the 2026 Cars.com Best Value New Cars awards — recognition that underscores what Charlotte-area shoppers already know about Honda’s commitment to delivering capability without the premium markup.
The 2026 Award Winners
Every one of those MSRPs falls below the $46,303 national average transaction price for a new vehicle in America, according to J.D. Power. The CR-V LX, at $30,920, comes in more than $15,000 under that benchmark — making it one of the strongest value propositions in the compact SUV segment.
Value Beyond the Sticker Price
Honda’s value story doesn’t stop at MSRP. The brand continues a nearly 50-year history of fuel-efficiency leadership in the U.S. auto industry. According to the 2025 EPA Automotive Trends Report, Honda holds the highest fleet average fuel economy of any automaker producing a full lineup of gasoline-powered and electrified vehicles in America. That means lower cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle — savings that compound every month at the pump.
Maintaining competitive pricing while leading the industry in fuel economy is a rare combination. It’s one of the reasons Honda continues to earn third-party recognition from outlets like Cars.com, and it’s a core part of why our customers at Hendrick Honda Charlotte keep coming back.
What This Means for Charlotte Shoppers
Whether you’re looking for a versatile compact SUV for the daily commute, a capable mid-size SUV for weekend trips to the mountains, or a pickup that handles both work and lifestyle, Honda has an award-winning option priced well below what most Americans are paying for a new vehicle. At Hendrick Honda Charlotte, we carry all three models and can help you find the right fit for your budget and your lifestyle.