Nearly 40 years after its launch, an Acura vehicle will be exported from the U.S. to Japan for the first time. Acura models have never been sold in Japan, as the brand was primarily intended for North American markets. Instead, many Acuras sold in the U.S. were badged as Hondas in Japan. Alongside one Acura, one of Honda’s most popular SUVs in America will also be exported to Japan. Not all Honda retailers in North America have praised the decision, though, with at least one arguing that the move will stretch resources needed in the extremely competitive U.S. market.
Which Acura and Honda Models Are Going To Japan?
Honda Passport TrailSport Elite
The Acura Integra Type S will be the first Acura model to be exported to Japan. It will be joined by the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite, with exports of both set to begin in the second half of this year, according to Automotive News. A report from late last year suggests the Ridgeline may also be exported to Japan at some stage.
Both models will be exported in their U.S. specification, which means they’ll retain left-hand-drive configurations, even though Japan is a right-hand-drive market. The LHD layout will limit the mass appeal of these models, with just 5,000 to 6,000 combined annual sales projected by Sam Fiorani, Vice President of AutoForecast Solutions.
One of the reasons given for exporting specific Acuras and Hondas to Japan is “anticipated customer demand,” according to America Honda spokesperson Jessica Fini. That claim came despite the automaker not providing its own projected sales for the two exports. The decision will also help to ease trade imbalances, if only partially. According to United Nations Comtrade data, vehicles worth $34 billion were exported from Japan to the U.S. last year, as opposed to just $1 billion in the opposite direction.
Related: 2024 Acura Integra Type S Road Test: Just our Type
Not All Dealers Support The Decision
Acura
After a challenging 2025 in the U.S., not all Honda dealers support the export plan. Andy Wright, a Honda retailer in the U.S., is one of them. Wright is a managing partner of Vinart Dealerships in eastern Pennsylvania. “Honda dealers need every resource at our disposal to maximize market share in a very competitive U.S. marketplace,” he said.
Honda is exporting just two trims rather than model lines, so its operations in the U.S. are unlikely to be severely compromised. However, Wright’s concerns may prove more meaningful if the company decides to export more models to Japan in the months and years ahead.
Honda had a difficult year in the U.S. last year, with issues like microchip shortages, low dealer inventories, and lower passenger car sales limiting its growth.
Related: Honda’s 2025 Was a Mess, But SUVs and Hybrids Saved It
What It Means
Acura
Exporting a small number of Honda and Acura models will target an enthusiast niche in Japan looking for something unique. The first Acura-badged model in Japan is expected to attract particular interest, especially the potent 320-horsepower Integra Type S. The exports also serve to ease trade tensions and deficits.
Honda’s move is expected to be mirrored by fellow Japanese brands, too. Both Toyota and Nissan are assessing their own export options, a decision influenced by new, simplified inspections by the Japanese transport ministry of U.S. vehicles.
Related: U.S.-Made Cars Headed to Japan Face New Road-Legal Rule
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