The Honda CR-V is America’s best-selling Honda, and its hybrid variant now enjoys widespread acceptance, accounting for 50% of the SUV’s sales in 2024 (203,366 out of 402,791 units).
To keep its position in the market in the face of new competitors which include the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, and the incoming next-gen Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda is expected to roll out a mid-cycle refresh for the CR-V this year, adhering to the standard 3+3-year lifecycle.
Here’s our expectations for the Honda CR-V Hybrid facelift.
Changes confirmed for CR-V
While delivering its outlook on the 2025 U.S. automobile business, American Honda confirmed that updates are planned for the CR-V this year. The company did not explicitly call it a “CR-V facelift,” but it is unlikely to be anything else.
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 January 15, 2025
Design
We expect the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid to feature a restyled front-end with a new grille and redesigned bumper, aligning it with Honda’s latest styling direction. As represented in our exclusive illustrations, the new CR-V Hybrid is likely to switch to the sporty split-grille format for a more premium appeal.
At the rear, we expect semi-clear-lens taillights and a gloss-black tailgate applique to be the talking points. These refinements should pep up the looks without altering the CR-V’s well-received design.
TrailSport trim
Honda has been expanding its rugged TrailSport sub-brand across its SUV lineup, and while a CR-V TrailSport has been confirmed for 2025, it remains to be seen if it will be offered with the hybrid powertrain. Here are the expected differentiators in the TrailSport:
- Amber DRLs
- Redesigned bumpers with shorter overhangs for better approach and departure angles
- Recovery hooks at the front
- Raised roof rails
- Off-road tires and gray alloy wheels
- Black door handles
While these elements would give the CR-V a more adventure-ready look, we don’t feel that designers should change the Hybrid model’s urban-friendly persona.
Interior & Features
Honda should refine the cabin of the CR-V Hybrid with new technology and comfort features, reserving major design changes for the next-gen model that’s due in 2028.
Fully-digital instrument cluster & infotainment system upgrade
A 10.2-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, similar to the one in the Civic Sedan, could replace the existing semi-digital setup. The infotainment system is also expected to receive an upgrade, integrating Google built-in, which includes native Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the ability to install apps via Google Play. Alexa Built-In support could also be added, making hands-free operation even more seamless.
Ventilated front seats & panoramic sunroof are on our wishlist
These features may require a full model change before becoming available, but they remain on our wishlist for the CR-V Hybrid facelift:
Ventilated front seats could be added, unless Honda intends to reserve this feature for the pricier 2025 Passport. If introduced, this would address a key missing feature in the current CR-V, and would earn praise during the sweltering summer months. Similarly, it remains to be seen whether Honda will offer a panoramic sunroof, which would help the CR-V level up with competitors, and make the compact SUV feel more spacious and luxurious.
Specifications
One area we expect Honda to work on in future CR-V models is the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the existing two-motor hybrid system. The current powertrain pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of torque. We’re not expecting performance to go up with the facelift, and fuel efficiency should stay at 37-40 mpg (combined).
Price & Release Date
Given the pricing of the current model, we expect the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid to start at around USD 36,000, and top out at around USD 43,000 when it reaches U.S. dealerships. The current-generation CR-V arrived in September 2022, followed by the CR-V Hybrid in October 2022. If Honda follows a similar launch pattern, we should see the facelifted version debut in the second half of 2025, with deliveries commencing shortly after.
TopElectricSUV says
The refreshed Honda CR-V Hybrid can build on its strong foundation with subtle styling changes, an upgraded infotainment system, and possibly reduced NVH. If priced competitively around USD 36,000, it will continue to be a compelling choice for U.S. buyers seeking a practical, economical, and well-designed compact SUV.
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.
