Next-generation Honda CR-V coming in 2027

Honda in the US has announced a new generation of its global best-seller, which will go on sale in the US market next year with a new platform and hybrid-only power.

The announcement comes as industry journal Automotive News reports the seventh-generation Honda CR-V was shown to American dealers at a conference in Las Vegas, using the brand's new dual-motor 'Honda Hybrid' system with a next-generation Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and available electric all-wheel drive.

Honda says it aims to improve fuel efficiency in the CR-V hybrid by more than 10 per cent.

The brand is describing the seventh-generation CR-V's platform as "all-new", with greater rigidity and a "modular architecture that enables greater parts commonality".

Per the Automotive News report, American dealers attended a conference in Vegas on November 11, getting a preview of "a handful of new and updated models arriving in the next several years", with "15 next-generation hybrid models" to be launched globally through to March 2030.

Among these new products were the next-generation CR-V SUV, in addition to a heavily facelifted Accord, both understood to be on track for a 2027 launch in the US.

According to Automotive News, the seventh-generation CR-V retains its signature upright, boxy form with more muscular rear haunches and "ultra-thin" headlights.

In the US, the CR-V will move to a hybrid-only powertrain strategy, based around the new-generation 'Honda Hybrid' system that will debut in the new Avancier that will be revealed next week.

A full-width LED rear light bar is said to complete the next CR-V's exterior design, while inside high-spec models will get a massive 15.4-inch centre touchscreen, with a gear shifter positioned on the steering column.

Hints at the new design could come from the Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype revealed earlier this year, which previewed a more angular and muscular design for what's believed to be the next-generation RDX, which is the premium brand's version of the CR-V – much like the Lexus NX is to the Toyota RAV4.

The CR-V is an immensely important model for the Japanese brand. It's the automaker's best-selling vehicle globally, and it's a major player in the United States where it even outsold the ever-popular Ford F-150 during the first half of 2026. Honda is expecting to exceed 400,000 sales for the third consecutive year in the US.

It's worth noting that there may be a staggered rollout of the new-generation CR-V given its broad global production schedule – for North America, the CR-V is built both in Indiana and Ohio in the US, plus Ontario in Canada.

Also revealed at the dealer event was a refreshed Accord, which is said to hit the market (at least in the US) during the back half of 2027.

According to dealer accounts reported to Automotive News, the new Accord will score a "more futuristic look" with a "sweeping hood, premium grille and slim headlights that echo the coming CR-V".

The more 'upscale' design is said to be aimed at entry-level luxury buyers, which shouldn't interfere with Honda's premium Acura brand in the US given its only non-SUV model is the Integra – a premium small liftback based on the current Civic.

While not confirmed, it's possible the design of the updated Accord could be based on the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype also shown in May, which wears some of the design elements described by Honda's American dealers as well as a fastback-like rear end.

Rounding out the future product conference for Honda's North American dealers was a teaser for a reborn Element crossover, the revival of a cult hero in the US.

Automotive News reports executives were shown a silhouette teaser showing a boxy side profile and rear-hinged doors just like the original.

Production is reportedly due to commence in 2029, and the new Element will sit between the North American HR-V (our ZR-V) and the CR-V. Should it hit the market on schedule, it will have been an 18-year gap since the first-generation Honda Element ceased production.

These new products will support Honda's growth mission in the United States, targeting 1.6 million sales by the early 2030s, up from a projected 1.37 million sales this year.

The Japanese brand has also committed to a US$3 billion (A$4.41b) new plant in Ohio, scheduled to open its doors in 2029. Much of the brand's projected growth will be powered by this new factory, which is forecast to add production capacity of around 240,000 units.

Last week, Honda teased a new Avancier SUV ahead of its reveal before year's end, expected to take the form of a large, three-row hybrid crossover to sit atop the CR-V in the brand's lineup in markets such as Asia and Australia, where the three-row, US-built Pilot crossover isn't sold.

A teaser video shared by Honda Australia reveals crisp styling with a sharply creased shoulder line and simple, L-shaped tail-lights, as well as slim lighting elements up front. The new Honda Hybrid system with electrified all-wheel drive has also been confirmed, supported by a new platform developed with an emphasis on weight reduction and rigidity.

The Avancier will plug a massive hole in Honda's Australian lineup, with the last large-segment three-row SUV offered locally being the MDX that was last sold here in 2007. The US-built Pilot has only ever been produced in left-hand drive.

It will finally give the Japanese brand a proper rival to the popular Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger, while also expanding the global presence of a nameplate that has previously been restricted to models exclusively sold in Japan and China.

Following its reveal, the Avancier is understood to be scheduled to commence production in Thailand from early 2027, following which it will hit the market in countries like Japan and Australia.

Honda also sources the Australian-market Accord and CR-V from Thailand currently.

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