Honda CR-V drops petrol-only version and gains new-generation hybrid powertrain
Honda has confirmed that the seventh-generation CR-V, due to launch in 2027, will be hybrid-only in North America. The new 2028 model-year SUV will feature an all-new platform, a more efficient two-motor hybrid powertrain and an electric all-wheel-drive system. Honda aims to cut fuel consumption by more than 10% while increasing power and improving driving dynamics.
New hybrid powertrain replaces conventional petrol engine
The next CR-V will use a fifth-generation two-motor hybrid system. Engineers are placing greater emphasis on petrol engine efficiency and reducing energy losses in the electric drive system. A new four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine can operate efficiently across a wider load range than before. Honda has also improved the hybrid powertrain’s electrical components and developed a new electric all-wheel-drive system that allows more precise control of tractive force.
The current North American CR-V Hybrid produces 150 kW. Honda has yet to disclose the new generation’s final power output, torque or official fuel consumption. The manufacturer aims to improve fuel economy by more than 10% in its next-generation hybrids. This is a development target, not yet a confirmed WLTP test result.
Lighter, stiffer body structure
The new CR-V will be the first model to use Honda’s next-generation platform.
In developing it, the company is focusing on greater body torsional rigidity, lower weight and a modular design. The latter allows more components to be shared across several future models, reducing development and production costs.
Honda also promises improved handling. A lighter, stiffer body structure provides a better basis for this, but the actual outcome will depend on suspension tuning, steering and tyres.
The manufacturer has yet to disclose the exact weight, dimensions or technical details of the chassis.
Honda invests billions in hybrids
The CR-V’s generational change forms part of Honda’s broader strategy to increase the share of hybrids in North America.
Hybrids currently account for more than half of CR-V sales. Since the hybrid version’s launch in 2020, its annual sales have grown almost tenfold.
Honda has sold more than 7.5 million CR-Vs in America and forecasts annual sales of more than 400,000 vehicles for a third consecutive year.
Honda is upgrading its Ohio plants to produce the new-generation hybrid powertrains. Hybrid system production capacity at the transmission plant is expected to increase by 250% over the next few years.
The Anna engine plant is also preparing to produce the new four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine.
The seventh-generation CR-V will continue to be built at three North American plants: in Ohio, Indiana and Canada.
Toyota RAV4 remains the main rival
Honda’s decision to drop the conventional petrol-only CR-V in the US reflects the growing importance of hybrids in this price bracket.
Its main rival, the Toyota RAV4, has also moved towards an entirely electrified powertrain line-up. Honda therefore has to compete primarily on fuel consumption, price, ride comfort and reliability.
In Europe, Honda already offers the CR-V as a full hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. A switch to hybrid-only powertrains would therefore represent less of a change in Europe than in North America.
Honda has not yet confirmed when the seventh-generation CR-V will reach Europe or whether the plug-in hybrid version will remain available there.
The new CR-V’s greatest significance lies in Honda’s strategic shift. The company is directing more investment towards hybrids, which are currently in strong demand, while continuing to develop electric cars.
Moving to an all-hybrid CR-V line-up will allow Honda to reduce the complexity of its powertrain range and increase production volumes. Whether the new system can deliver better fuel economy and driving dynamics than Toyota’s hybrids will become clear once the first cars have been tested.
