The largest market for both automakers is the US, where Honda's models typically outsell Nissan's. The CR-V, for example, has outsold the rival Rogue by more than 100,000 units this year.
The companies said Monday they plan to merge in 2026, which would create the world's third-largest automaker. Pooling resources, like many other automakers have done in recent years, could help them speed up the development of new EVs while reducing production costs by using shared parts. The companies
The companies could also help fill gaps where each is lacking.
Honda, for example, doesn't have a presence in the full-size SUV market, a highly competitive but lucrative segment, with transaction prices often reaching six figures. Nissan has long been a player with its Armada and Infiniti QX80 SUVs.
Here's a closer look at the five top-selling models in the US from Nissan and Honda:
1. Nissan Rogue
The 2024 Nissan Rogue SL.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
2024 Sales (through Q3): 189,156
The Rogue is Nissan's top seller, and given the popularity of the compact SUV segment, the brand's most important product. Business Insider recently reviewed the Rogue and was impressed by its punchy three-cylinder engine.
2. Nissan Sentra
A 2024 Nissan Sentra SR sedan.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
2024 Sales (through Q3): 123,732
For decades, the Sentra has been one of the most popular subcompact economy cars in the US. We recently reviewed a 2024 Sentra and found it to be an attractively styled little sedan at an affordable price.
3. Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
Nissan
2024 Sales (through Q3): 86,679
The midsize Altima is Nissan's answer to the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. Despite its relatively strong sales, Nissan reportedly plans to end production of the Altima after 2026.
4. Nissan Pathfinder
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.
Nissan
2024 Sales (through Q3): 58,896
The Pathfinder has been a staple of Nissan's SUV lineup since its launch back in 1986. The current fifth-generation Pathfinder SUV launched in 2022.
5. Nissan Frontier
The 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X pickup.
Nissan
2024 Sales (through Q3): 54,257
The Frontier is one of the most popular midsize pickups on sale today. The current third generation launched in 2022.
1. Honda CR-V
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport Touring SUV.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
2024 Sales (through Q3): 298,164
The CR-V has been Honda's best-selling model in the US since 2017. We recently reviewed a 2025 CR-V Hybrid and found it to be one of the best small SUVs on sale today.
2. Honda Civic
The 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring Hybrid.
Honda
2024 Sales (through Q3): 188,422
The compact Civic is one of the models that helped Honda establish itself as an automaker more than 40 years ago.
3. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord Touring
Honda
2024 Sales (through Q3): 124,689
Until the rise of SUVs in the last decade, the Accord held the mantle as Honda's top seller. In fact, the Accord was the last vehicle to dethrone the mighty Toyota Camry as America's best selling car more than two decades ago.
4. Honda HR-V
The 2024 Honda HR-V Sport.
Honda
2024 Sales (through Q3): 114,805
The subcompact HR-V is Honda's smallest and most affordable SUV, competing directly against the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Corolla Cross.
5. Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite AWD.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
2024 Sales (through Q3): 103,115
The Honda Pilot is one of the most popular family SUVs on sale today. We recently reviewed a 2025 Pilot Elite and came away impressed by its smooth V6 engine, smartly designed cabin, and superb quality.
