4 Japanese Cars That Will See Price Drops in Early 2026
Written by
Brooke Barley
Edited by
Cory Dudak
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Looking to buy a car in 2026? Some Japanese models are set to have huge price drops as the new year rolls over.
GOBankingRates reached out to experts to get their takes on which Japanese vehicles are set to drop in price, why that is and reasons to consider buying them when the price drops. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Nissan Altima
Hugh Dixon is a marketing expert at PSS International Removals, and has experience managing commercial vehicle procurement across international markets. He said the Nissan Altima is likely to see 5% to 6% price drops in 2026, bringing the average price to $26,877 compared to its sticker price of around $28,570.
“Nissan is phasing out the Altima, and there are huge price savings available to those who can buy one prior to it becoming unavailable,” Dixon noted. “The demand for the Altima from consumers is also very low for Nissan, and fleets are selling thousands of them through the fall. This will cause the private market prices of the Altima to come down.”
Not only will the Altima become more affordable, but it offers drivers pretty much everything they’d need in a car. “People looking for affordable, reliable transportation will find great value in the Altima because it drives well and has good gas mileage,” he added. “It also comes with the right amount of features to include comfort and safety.”
2. Honda Passport
Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, said there might not be a lot of significant drops on Japanese cars because of the heightened tariffs that President Donald Trump implemented last year. However, Musson said the 2025 Honda Passport might get a little cheaper so room can be made for newer models.
“Whenever a dealer is trying to move vehicles, you have a better chance of getting a deal,” she explained. “So Honda hasn’t announced a lower MSRP, but it’s possible you’ll find a good deal.”
The 2025 Honda Passport currently starts at $42,400, according to Honda’s website. Drivers will love the spaciousness the two-row SUV offers. Not only is it comfortable for passengers, but the Passport is able to carry a lot of cargo, too.
3. Subaru Impreza
“The Subaru Impreza is seeing slumping sales, so there may be a good opportunity to take advantage of the low demand and negotiate a deal on one,” Musson pointed out. On the Subaru website, the Impreza starts at $24,360, so you could get it for even less. The Impreza is all-wheel drive, which is great if you’re often in snowier or rougher terrains.
4. Toyota bZ
Looking for an electric vehicle? Musson recommended looking at a Toyota bZ. “[It] is getting cheaper in 2026 — it’s also getting a better battery pack, so you really get more for your money,” she noted. “EVs in general are having prices slashed, and the bZ is on the list. It’s about $2,000 less for the 2026.”‘
Toyota has the 2026 starting MSRP as $34,900.
Disclaimer: Prices accurate as of Jan. 10, 2025 and subject to change.
More From GOBankingRates
