Honda Reportedly Fast-Tracks Next-Gen CR-V, More Hybrids After Killing EVsRoad & TrackZac PalmerFri, September 18, 2026 at 3:12 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleHonda Fast-Tracks Next-Gen CR-V, More HybridsHondaHonda took the axe to its whole EV operation earlier this year, leaving it with a few holes in its lineup. Now, it could be fast-tracking the development and launch of next-generation hybrid vehicles, starting with the CR-V.As reported by Nikkei, Honda is moving up the launch and production of its next-gen CR-V to February 2027. The current model isn't especially old, considering it went on sale in late 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. That said, it's Honda's most popular vehicle here in the U.S., so keeping it competitive with other hybrid compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 (now hybrid-only) is vital.Nikkei reports that the CR-V that launches next year will be a full redesign of the current model. It's set to be fitted with Honda's next-generation hybrid technology, which we suspect will be an evolution of the company's two-motor hybrid system it's used for years. The report doesn't specify whether or not this CR-V will be hybrid-only or continue to offer a purely gas-powered variant, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Honda follow in Toyota's footsteps and go all-in on its excellent hybrid powertrain.AcuraIn addition to this Honda news, the report says Acura will launch a new hybrid vehicle based on this next-gen CR-V. The RDX has long been Acura's CR-V-like SUV offering in terms of size and use case. However, Acura said in January that the next RDX was "planned for market introduction in the next couple of years," suggesting it will launch much later than this next-gen CR-V.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe already knew Honda was developing a three-row hybrid SUV based on previous reports, but this latest report from Nikkei further confirms the presence of such a vehicle. The plan would be for that model to launch in 2029. Instead of the four-cylinder two-motor hybrid powertrain, a V-6-based two-motor hybrid system is reportedly being developed that would power this large hybrid vehicle.Road & Track reached out to Honda about this report and received the following statement in response."This was not announced by Honda. While we cannot comment on specific future product plans, as outlined in our 2026 Business Update, Honda remains on track to introduce next-generation HEV models beginning in 2027, featuring an all-new hybrid system and platform."You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
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