2027 Honda HR-V.

The spy shot above gives us an early look at what appears to be the all-new 2027 Honda HR-V. However, this prototype is the European-market HR-V (current generation shown in the bottom photo). Which is a very different vehicle from the one currently sold in North America.

Honda has been running two distinct HR-Vs for a while now, which can be confusing for buyers but allows the brand to better tailor each model to regional tastes and regulations.

Even under heavy camouflage, the new model’s much more angular design is already obvious. The body looks sharper and more geometric overall, and the vertical rear taillights stand out immediately. This is a stark contrast to the current European HR-V’s smoother, more conservative styling. The new design direction suggests Honda may be aiming for a more rugged design. Even if the HR-V remains firmly a city-focused SUV.

The current third-generation HR-V debuted in February 2021. In global markets, it rides on the same platform as the Japanese-market Honda Fit, emphasizing efficiency and compact dimensions. In North America, however, Honda took a very different approach. Our HR-V is larger, heavier, and built on the Honda Civic platform. Based on that timeline, it’s reasonable to expect the next North American HR-V to arrive roughly a year after the new European version. Unless Honda decides to simplify things and merge both models into a single global HR-V once again. As it did with earlier generations.

The Honda HR-V has proven to be a strong seller in the U.S., with more than 151,000 units sold last year alone. That’s a huge improvement over the previous generation, which never managed to break the 100,000-unit mark. Topping out at around 99,100 units in its best year. Clearly, American buyers responded positively to the larger size, improved ride, and Civic-based underpinnings. In a way, this confirms that Honda’s strategy worked. Even if it resulted in a slightly weird, lumpy small SUV that doesn’t really look or feel like a traditional Honda. For some reason, people love it.

One major omission remains, though. The North American HR-V still doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain, not even as an option, despite growing demand and increasing competition. That feels increasingly outdated, especially as rivals continue to electrify their lineups. It’s hard to imagine Honda not correcting this with the next generation. In other markets, the smaller HR-V is already available with hybrid powertrains and even as a fully electric model, making the U.S. version feel a step behind.

At least for now.