While Honda’s newest electrified kei cars—the N-One e: and the rugged Super-One—may be capturing most of the public attention, the traditional gasoline-powered N-One is far from finished. For the 2026 model year, Honda has refreshed the familiar model with a series of upgrades and the introduction of a stylish new special edition. The current generation of the N-One first arrived in 2020 and received a mild cosmetic update in 2023, but this latest round of changes brings a more meaningful boost in technology and refinement.
One of the most notable improvements is the replacement of the old analog gauge cluster with a modern 7-inch digital display, giving the interior a more up-to-date feel. Honda has also equipped the car with a new two-spoke steering wheel, which looks cleaner and more contemporary than the outgoing design. Additionally, front parking sensors now come standard across every trim level, improving convenience and safety in tight urban environments—an important feature for a kei car primarily used in crowded cities.
Visually, the sporty RS trim continues to stand out in the lineup. It retains its distinctive honeycomb-patterned grille complete with an RS badge, along with a black front splitter, rear spoiler, and 15-inch alloy wheels. For 2026, these wheels can now be ordered in white, a nostalgic touch that subtly nods to iconic Civic Type R models of the past. Buyers can choose among three exterior colors—Platinum White Pearl, Frame Red, and Crystal Black Pearl—all paired with a contrasting black roof for a sleek two-tone finish.
Inside the RS, Honda has kept the athletic theme strong. The cabin features carbon-look interior trim, unique digital cluster graphics, and Ultrasuede upholstery with red stitching and embroidered RS logos. The upscale Premium Tourer model, available exclusively with an automatic transmission, also receives updates for 2026. It now wears 15-inch Berlina Black wheels, a rear spoiler, black chrome accents, and premium Prime Smooth seat upholstery.
The biggest addition to the range is the new Craft Style special edition. Honda says the model is inspired by a “Scandinavian worldview,” focusing on natural textures and gentle color tones. Based on the entry-level Original trim, the Craft Style adds a chrome-finished grille and white accents on the door handles, mirrors, and wheel caps. Exterior color choices are restricted to Seabed Blue Pearl, Fjord Mist Pearl, and Premium Ivory Pearl II. The interior continues the Nordic theme with wood-look dashboard trim paired with Taupe and Platinum White upholstery on the heated seats.
Of all the variants, the N-One RS remains the enthusiast favorite. It is the only trim still offered with a six-speed manual transmission rather than the CVT used elsewhere in the lineup. It keeps Honda’s familiar 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine, making 63 horsepower and sending power to the front wheels only—no all-wheel-drive option is available for the RS, which enhances its simple, driver-focused charm.
In Japan, pricing begins at ¥1,767,700 (approximately $11,200). Choosing a four-wheel-drive version of the non-RS trims adds ¥145,200 (around $920). The new Craft Style starts at ¥1,881,000 (roughly $12,000), while the manual-equipped RS tops the range at ¥2,278,100, or about $14,500.