Honda N-BOX Series Tops 3 Million Sales – Japan’s Favorite Kei Car  

By Steve Laser

The popular Honda N-BOX series is celebrating a significant milestone in Japan with cumulative sales topping 3 million units. Originally launched in Dec. 2011, and now in its third generation, N-BOX has a achieved impressive sales records over the years (first-generation N-BOX + shown below).

Cumulative N-BOX sales reached 500,000 units in March 2014, topped 1 million units in Dec. 2016, reached 2 million in May 2021, and achieved the current cumulative record of 3,009,248 units at the end of April 2026.

Today’s model choices include the standard N-BOX, N-BOX CUSTOM, and N-BOX JOY, the latter joining the lineup in 2024. Additional models included in the cumulative totals, yet no longer produced, include the N-BOX + and N-BOX/ (pronounced N-BOX Slash).

The third generation N-BOX JOY is shown above with an array of “Active Leisure Style” accessories from Honda Access. Features include a unique grille with “HONDA” script logo, LED fog lights, garnish trim, and sporty 14-inch MS-024 alloy wheels finished in Stealth Berlina Black.

Mini vehicles in Japan, also known as Kei Cars, are limited in exterior dimensions and gas engine size. Yet N-BOX delivers a spacious four-passenger cabin, along with offering abundant amenities. N-BOX JOY is shown above with its standard unique check-pattern upholstery.

N-BOX powertrain choices include naturally aspirated and turbocharged 660cc DOHC 3-cylinder gas-engines, teamed with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and the choice of front- or 4WD.

High-tech accessories from Honda Access include a 9-inch Honda CONNECT “Gathers Series” Navigation System, Drive Recorder (front and rear camera set), 12.8-inch Rear Seat Monitor, JVC Kenwood speaker set, and Rear Camera Anshin Plus 4.

Honda N-BOX features the Honda Sensing safety system, including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Sensor System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and other features that vary by model.

Note: Features, specifications, and availability of accessories for Japan market models are subject to change without notice.

News sources and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Honda Access Co., Ltd. Photos are posted in this story for editorial use.

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