After years of anticipation, Honda has officially confirmed the return of the iconic CR-V to the Indian market. Once known as one of the most refined, premium, and reliable SUVs in its class, the Honda CR-V had built a strong fan base before it was discontinued due to shifting market trends and high import costs. With SUVs dominating India like never before and hybrid technology gaining rapid acceptance, Honda is ready to bring back this global favourite in an all-new avatar.
The upcoming 2025 Honda CR-V is expected to be more feature-rich, more premium, and significantly more fuel-efficient than before, thanks to Honda’s strong hybrid technology. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the relaunch of this legendary SUV.
✅ 1. Why Honda Is Bringing Back the CR-V
Honda has been watching the Indian SUV market grow at a tremendous pace. Mid-size and premium SUVs from brands like Toyota, Jeep, Hyundai, Skoda, and Volkswagen have seen significant demand. Customers now expect:
- A comfortable and premium cabin
- Efficient hybrid powertrains
- Strong brand reliability
- Advanced safety
- Spacious family-friendly interiors
The CR-V has always met these expectations globally. With Honda shifting its India focus toward premium and hybrid vehicles, bringing back the CR-V was a strategic move.
This time, Honda is ready with a global model already successful in countries like the USA, Japan, and Europe — making the relaunch more promising than ever.
✅ 2. Design: A More Mature, Premium & Modern CR-V
The new Honda CR-V has undergone a complete design transformation. The older models had a soft, curvy appearance, but the new generation looks bold, mature, and SUV-like.
✅ Exterior Highlights Expected in India Version
- Stronger, more upright stance
- Elegant LED headlamps with DRLs
- Wider grille with chrome or black finish
- Sculpted bonnet for a muscular look
- 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels
- Wraparound LED taillamps
- Longer and wider body for more cabin space
- Better ground clearance
This updated global design has already received appreciation, and Indian buyers are likely to welcome the new model’s classy yet rugged presence.
✅ 3. Interior: A Step Up in Comfort, Quality & Space
The new CR-V promises a premium cabin inspired by Honda’s latest global designs. Expect superior materials, a cleaner layout, and great practicality.
✅ Interior Features Expected
- Minimalist dashboard layout
- Full-soft touch panels & leather upholstery
- Large touchscreen infotainment (10.2-inch expected)
- Digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic sunroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charging pad
- Multiple USB-C ports
- Ventilated front seats (expected in top trims)
Honda cars are known for spacious cabins, and the CR-V should continue this tradition.
✅ Seating Options
Globally, the CR-V is available in:
- 5-seater
- 7-seater (select markets)
For India, Honda might bring the 5-seater hybrid variant first, followed by a potential 7-seater version depending on demand.
✅ 4. Powertrain: Hybrid Technology Will Be the Highlight
The biggest attraction of the upcoming Honda CR-V is its strong hybrid system.
Honda is expected to offer the:
✅ 2.0-L e:HEV Hybrid Powertrain
- Combined power output: around 204 hp
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Smooth electric-motor-driven performance
- EV-only driving capability at low speeds
This powertrain is already used in the Honda Accord and new Honda ZR-V internationally.
✅ Why Hybrid Makes Sense in India
- EV charging infrastructure is still growing
- Hybrid SUVs provide high fuel savings without range anxiety
- Toyota’s hybrid models success shows strong demand
- Lower emissions and quieter operation
The CR-V hybrid will directly compete with the Toyota HyCross Hybrid and MG Hector Hybrid (if revived).
✅ 5. Expected Performance & Driving Dynamics
The Honda CR-V has always focused on comfort, stability, and refinement rather than outright performance. The 2025 model continues the same philosophy.
✅ What to Expect:
- Linear and smooth acceleration
- Strong low-end torque from electric motors
- Excellent high-speed stability
- Comfort-tuned suspension
- Lower cabin noise thanks to hybrid tech
- Light steering for easy city driving
Honda’s hybrid powertrains are known to deliver real-world efficiency, which could be a major selling point in India.
✅ 6. Features: Loaded With Modern Tech
Honda plans to position the CR-V as a premium SUV, so expect a long list of advanced features.
✅ Likely Features
- Large touchscreen with updated Honda UI
- Fully digital instrument display
- Ventilated seats
- Premium Bose or Honda Signature Audio
- 360-degree camera
- Powered tailgate
- Head-up display (expected on top trims)
- Memory seats
- Multi-mode drive selector
- Connected car technology
Honda has been working to improve the feature list in its Indian models, and with the CR-V, it is expected to go all-in.
✅ 7. ADAS & Safety: Honda Sensing Expected
The CR-V will likely debut with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance suite.
✅ ADAS Features Expected:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Auto Emergency Braking
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Additionally, the SUV will come with:
- 6 to 8 airbags
- ABS + EBD
- ESP
- Hill assist
- A strong global safety rating
Honda has always delivered high safety standards with CR-V, and India should be no exception.
✅ 8. Price Expectations
Honda will likely position the hybrid CR-V competitively but within the premium range.
✅ Expected Price Range:
₹32 lakh – ₹45 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant.
This puts it in competition with:
- Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid
- Jeep Compass
- Hyundai Tucson
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Citroen C5 Aircross
The hybrid advantage, premium cabin, and Honda reliability will justify the pricing.
✅ 9. Expected Launch Timeline
Honda is expected to bring the CR-V to India in late 2025 or early 2026. The brand may showcase the SUV earlier at an auto expo or special preview event.
✅ Conclusion: A Premium Hybrid SUV That Could Reshape Honda’s Future in India
The return of the Honda CR-V marks a major shift in Honda’s Indian strategy. With a strong hybrid powertrain, improved design, luxurious cabin, advanced features, and global safety standards, the upcoming CR-V is set to become a premium, family-friendly SUV for India.
If Honda prices it right and offers competitive features, the CR-V can easily regain its iconic status and attract buyers looking for a refined, efficient, and premium SUV experience.