2028 Honda CR-V Preview.

Honda is in the process of redesigning almost all its curent models pretty soon. And it looks like the 1st one we’ll see is the next-generation CR-V. Due early next year as a 2028 model.

For a while, it seemed the Civic would be first, and it made sense, since the sedan was launched in the US in June 2021. The current CR-V was unveiled a year later.

A few months ago, many journalists were invited to drive a prototype version of Honda‘s next Hybrid platform. That test mule was for the new Civic, not the CR-V. So it seems the Civic was always scheduled to come out first. Now we hear the next-generation CR-V will start production in Canada in February 2027. US production will start a month later. Which I guess is before the next Civic since we haven’t really heard anything about it…

The next CR-V is also rumored to be a hybrid-only model, with just one powertrain available. This will be the new Honda Hybrid system with a new 2.0 Liter and new electric motors. The whole package will use a new platform. That will eventually also be used for the next Civic, Accord, Acura RDX, and maybe even a new Integra.

A few prototypes were already caught testing in Canada. And they all show a new horizontal rear light design. Which means Honda will abandon the classic vertical rear light design the CR-V has been using for decades.

Apparently, this is a beloved feature that many CR-V fans love. Going to a much more conservative and generic vertical design could anger many car nerds and detail-obsessed members of the populace. And it might end up being quite an unpopular move from Honda.

The illustrations above show what the next-generation CR-V could look like. A design that is inspired by Honda’s Hybrid Sedan prototype we saw a few months ago. Which is a preview of the upcoming Honda Crosstour.

And of course, these illustrations show a new horizontal rear light design. As recently seen on a prototype.