by Record hybrid sales amid high fuel prices
The war in Iran continues, keeping gasoline prices high. The average cost of a gallon in the U.S. reached $4.10, which is 95 cents more than last year. In California, drivers pay an average of $5.66 per gallon.
That is why it is not surprising that Honda set a new hybrid sales record in July. Americans purchased 36,609 such vehicles, with 54% of all CR-Vs sold being hybrids. Hybrid versions of the Accord accounted for 41% of model sales, while the Civic Hybrid accounted for 32%.
Details by model
CR-V Hybrid sales rose 18.4% to 20,710 units. The Accord Hybrid grew 28.7%, while the Civic Hybrid unexpectedly fell 6.8%.
As for hybrids, the Prelude achieved 354 sales. The company noted that this allowed it to surpass the “target mark” for sales, with a total of 2,077 units since the start of the year.
Passenger cars and crossovers
Passenger car sales jumped 35.7% to 43,604 units. The Accord grew 54.7% and exceeded 20,000 sales in a month for the first time since 2019. The Civic also gained 20.7% and posted its best July since 2021.
The real star of July was the CR-V, which found 38,335 buyers. That is 18.8% more than last year, and the model remains the best-selling crossover in the U.S. The HR-V had 13,539 sales, and the Pilot had 10,125.
Even more notable: Passport sales rose 18.5% to 5,641 units. That is a relatively small number, but more than 80% of buyers chose the more expensive TrailSport version, which starts at $48,650.
Among those losing ground is the electric Prologue crossover: its sales fell 75.4%, with dealers selling only 1,554 such vehicles. The Ridgeline lost 8.5%, but Honda recently confirmed plans for an all-new model with a more truck-like design.
Acura shows growth
In the luxury segment, Acura had a successful month: MDX sales rose 60.8% to 4,786 units. The entry-level ADX also remains popular, gaining 28.3%. Even the Integra posted a good result: the hatchback grew 68.8% to 2,370 units.
The only weak spot was the RDX, which lost 4.2% and stopped at 1,891 units. However, this model will soon be discontinued and will not be replaced for “a couple of years.” When it returns, it will become “the first Acura with our dual-motor hybrid-electric system.”
Lance Woelfer, vice president of American Honda Auto Sales, said: “By staying committed to a balanced lineup of passenger cars and light trucks, Honda and Acura customers can find affordable products that meet their needs in changing market conditions. Our Honda hybrid models have also been very successful, attracting record numbers of buyers looking for vehicles with high fuel efficiency that are still fun to drive.”
Final sales figures for Honda and Acura
Overall, Honda sold 124,553 vehicles in July, up 12.3% from last year. Key models posted the following results:
- Accord — 20,255 (+54.7%)
- Civic — 22,995 (+20.7%)
- CR-V — 38,335 (+18.8%)
- HR-V — 13,539 (+15.6%)
- Pilot — 10,125 (+2.2%)
- Passport — 5,641 (+18.5%)
- Odyssey — 7,183 (-18.6%)
- Ridgeline — 4,572 (-8.5%)
- Prologue — 1,554 (-75.4%)
- Prelude — 354 (new model)
Acura finished the month with 11,996 sales (+18.9%). Best performers:
- MDX — 4,786 (+60.8%)
- ADX — 2,941 (+28.3%)
- Integra — 2,370 (+68.8%)
- RDX — 1,891 (-4.2%)
- TLX — 8 (-99.0%)
- ZDX — 0 (-100%)
These results show that even in difficult economic conditions, fuel-efficient vehicles remain in demand. Honda successfully balances traditional models and hybrids, allowing it to maintain leadership in key segments. At the same time, the decline in Prologue and RDX sales points to shifting demand and preparation for a new generation of technology. Future models with hybrid systems and updated design are expected to help the company maintain its growth pace. Meanwhile, record demand for the hybrid CR-V and Accord underscores that the electrification strategy works even with high fuel prices.
