Presenting its outlook on the 2025 U.S. automobile business last month, American Honda said that it was planning changes for the CR-V this year. While the brand offered no further details, it’s clear that a facelift is in order to help Honda’s best-selling car stay competitive against new entrants like the next-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Subaru Forester Hybrid, and the incoming Mazda CX-5 Hybrid.
The CR-V will see changes in 2025, including the addition of a new TrailSport trim, which will add rugged appearance to the best-selling Honda model.
American Honda, announcing its 2025 U.S. automobile business outlook, on Jan 15, 2025
Here are the 5 changes that we expect from the 2026 CR-V Hybrid:
1. New Grille
Honda should introduce a new front grille to give the CR-V Hybrid a fresher, more premium look. As shown in our exclusive illustrations, the expectation is that it will follow Honda’s latest design language, taking inspiration from the fuel-cell CR-V. A split-grille format with a gloss black accent in the lower half could enhance its sportiness while maintaining the CR-V’s character.
2. New Bumper
The updated CR-V Hybrid will feature a restyled bumper with sharper lines and a more aggressive stance. Honda may tweak the lower air intake and fog lamp housings to bring a bolder appearance. With many rivals opting for a rugged front-end design, a more sculpted bumper could add to the CR-V’s visual appeal while improving aerodynamics.
3. Semi-Clear-Lens Taillights & Tailgate Applique
At the rear, Honda designers are expected to refine the CR-V Hybrid’s styling with semi-clear-lens taillights. This update would give the CR-V a fresh look without straying far from its well-received design. Additionally, a tailgate applique could provide a sleeker finish, similar to what Honda has done with the latest Pilot and Accord models. These subtle changes would add a more premium feel to the CR-V’s rear-end design.
4. Digital Instrument Cluster
Honda has been slowly introducing fully-digital instrument clusters in its latest models, and we expect this feature to make its way to the CR-V Hybrid facelift. A 10.3-inch fully digital display, similar to the one in the Civic and Accord, is expected to replace the current semi-digital setup in higher trims. This would improve the driving experience by offering clearer graphics and more customization options for powertrain-related information.
5. Infotainment System Update
Customers can also expect to see updates to the infotainment system in the 2026 CR-V Hybrid. As with recent Honda launches, the first upgrade is expected to be Google built-in. This would integrate Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Play Store support, making the CR-V Hybrid more connected and user-friendly.
Alexa Built-In is the second update that’s expected, enabling voice commands for navigation, entertainment, and smart home functions. With competitors offering increasingly advanced infotainment systems with connected car features, Honda will likely enhance the CR-V’s tech to keep up with customer expectations.
The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid will likely arrive at U.S. dealers in the second half of 2025, following Honda’s typical mid-cycle refresh timeline. Pricing should remain competitive, with an estimated starting price of around $36,000 and the top-end trim going up to $43,000. Based on our experience with previous model years, Honda will need to preserve the CR-V Hybrid’s “feel-good factor” while introducing any updates.
Also Read: 5 minor features on the Honda CR-V Hybrid that you probably missed!
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
