Useful info about the most popular cars in Japan for 2026

If you drive in Japan and have been thinking about buying a car this year, a new survey offers an interesting look at what people here actually want to be getting around in.

According to a survey conducted by NEXER Co., Ltd. and Goo-net Used Cars, the Toyota Prius came out on top as the most desirable Japanese car right now. Respondents praised the Prius for its fuel efficiency, hybrid tech, and lower running costs, which are all things that are especially appealing in the present global climate!

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In second place were two very different icons, the Suzuki Jimny and Nissan Skyline GT-R. The Jimny continues to win people over with its compact size, outdoorsy appeal, and fun design, while the GT-R seems to be the dream pick for those who want more of a performance car. Also ranking highly were the Toyota Land Cruiser, Honda N-BOX, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Spacia, Daihatsu Tanto, Mazda Roadster, Honda Stepwgn, and Suzuki Hustler.

For us expats in Japan, I think the results are a good reminder that the "best" car here often comes down to your lifestyle. If you're navigating narrow neighborhood roads or paying for city parking, a kei car or compact hybrid may make more sense than a big SUV.

One more standout result was that 69.7% said they'd choose a new car, while 30.3% would go used. New cars were seen as more reliable and better for long-term ownership, while used cars were favored for value. Having bought second hand cars here, I've been pleasantly surprised with how well they've been maintained!

Do you own any of the cars listed above? Any dream cars on your list?