The CR-V may go full-hybrid for the next-gen model.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreThe end of the gas-only-powered Honda CR-V may be near. A new report from Drive in Australia with contributing details from AutomotiveNews claims that Honda may be doubling-down on gas-electric hybrid propulsion for its bread-and-butter crossover SUV.It's the latest developing after the big Japanese H faced some and recent major hurdles, particularly with its electrification strategy. Due to growing financial pains and a failed return-on-investment on its EV plans, Honda is apparently in a dire need to right its ship.AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd a hybridized CR-V may be a major ticket towards this correction.Keeping with the Joneses and industry trendsThe gas-only-powered CR-V may be coming to an end with this generation. - Credit: HondaThe apparent shift to hybridization doesn't come at all as a surprise. It's a bandwagon that many automakers, including Honda's archrivals, jumped on after the market for EVs wasn't as strong as anticipated.This lukewarm EV reception forced many product planners back to the drawing board. And it has them reconsidering gas-electric hybrids as a better interim step towards full-electrification.Honda recently teased its next-gen design language with its most recent SUV Concept. - Credit: HondaTo Honda's apparent reluctance, the brand is stepping down from its EV soapbox to better optimize its product strategy moving forward. And that means making the most out of its best-selling SUV, the CR-V.The next-gen CR-V is likely going full-hybridChances are, the next-gen CR-V might resemble said aforementioned SUV Concept above. - Credit: HondaIf this hybridization strategy sounds familiar in Honda world, it's actually an initiative that began a few years ago. It all started with the Civic and Accord, both of which Honda engineered to utilize gas-electric powertrains only.AdvertisementAdvertisementCurrently, majority of Accord models come with some sort of hybrid power above the mid-tier Sport model. The story is very similar with the Civic as only high-performance Civic Si and Type R still making do with gas-only power.But now, Honda's looking to port the treatment over to its SUVs. However, because of the brand's current financial status, they're hoping to introduce a fully hybridized CR-V lineup in the most cost-efficient way.Honda will be late to the hybrid game with its CR-V as the Toyota RAV4 and other competitors are already shifting to gas-electric-only options. - Credit: Honda"We've got the capability of making significant changes without what we would call a platform change," American Honda's sales chief, Lance Woelfer, told AN.As for when we can expect this next-gen CR-V, rumor has it that it could arrive sometime before the end of the decade.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe current sixth-gen CR-V has been with us since 2023. Model production runs typically last anywhere between five to seven years.So if we had to guess, a new CR-V will likely arrive sometime around 2029 or 2030.Availability and pricingThe current Honda CR-V is available at local dealers. Buyers can still opt for a gas-only powertrain for base LX, EX and mid-range EX-L models. But those wanting the hybrid powertrain will have to start at the $36,030 Sport Hybrid trim.2026 Honda CR-V Starts at $30,920 About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.