Introduced in Japan for the 1995 model year, this nameplate emerged as the second entry in Honda’s “Creative Mover” lineup and helped define the modern compact crossover formula by blending passenger-car manners with the practicality and upright stance buyers wanted from an SUV. Early versions emphasized everyday usability, a roomy cabin, and a versatile cargo area rather than rugged off-road hardware, which made it stand out in a market that was still dominated by more truck-like utility vehicles.
From there, the nameplate grew into one of Honda’s most important global models. The second generation arrived in the early 2000s with more interior space and broader international reach, while later generations progressively shifted the design toward a more refined, urban-friendly crossover character. A major turning point came in the fifth generation, when a hybrid variant appeared for the first time, reflecting the model’s evolution toward efficiency and electrification. The sixth generation followed in the early 2020s, continuing the same broad mission with a larger, more sophisticated package aimed at a worldwide audience.
Over time, the nameplate became one of Honda’s signature global SUVs and a long-running benchmark in the compact crossover class, valued for its practicality, accessible size, and mainstream appeal.