Honda's CR-V is experiencing a strong commercial performance, prompting the Japanese automaker to reassess its plans for the next generation of the SUV. Originally slated for a 2028 model year release with a hybrid powertrain, the new model will now debut later than anticipated, as the company seeks to maintain production levels of the current version.
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Industry insiders indicate that the proposed alteration would push back the commencement of production by approximately three months.
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The decision would also have significant implications for other models produced by the brand, notably the Civic, which was slated for production at a U.S. manufacturing facility.
Honda reported a significant increase in sales, with 336,844 units sold between January and September 2026, representing a 9.5% growth over the same period in the prior year.
The third quarter concluded with a new sales record, with a total of 110,730 vehicles sold, and September ended with 34,788 units sold. Notably, hybrid variants comprised 53% of the model's overall sales during the quarter.
Honda may choose to maintain its current production levels rather than accelerating the transition to a new model generation following these latest results.
The projected delay is anticipated to result in a 6.7% decrease in the initial year's production volume for the newly introduced CR-V model.
Production of the new generation is now expected to commence in the spring of 2027, with a possible timeframe between March and April. In the United States, the launch is anticipated to take place in May or potentially later.
Honda has yet to officially confirm the production timeline for its upcoming model, although it is evident that the current CR-V will maintain a prominent market presence until the new model's release.
The base price for the 2027 model's LX trim is $31,520, while the Sport Hybrid variant starts at $36,030, not including a $1,550 destination charge.
Honda's decision to reconfigure its manufacturing operations appears to extend beyond the CR-V model. Sources indicate that the company has also considered ceasing production of the next-generation Civic at its shared facility in Greensburg, Indiana, which currently produces the SUV.
Honda's manufacturing facility has the capability to produce approximately 250,000 vehicles annually. The company has indicated that it will prioritize production of the CR-V model, with the Civic sedan continuing to be manufactured in Ontario, Canada. Meanwhile, the next generation of the Civic hatchback may be sourced from Japan.
Honda's U.S. production reorganization is part of the company's broader strategy to adjust its domestic manufacturing and mitigate the effects of tariffs. The CR-V model is primarily assembled at Honda's facilities in East Liberty, Ohio, and Greensburg.
The upcoming 2028 model of the CR-V is set to signify a significant change in the manufacturer's product strategy, with the new generation exclusively featuring a hybrid powertrain option.
Honda is poised to launch a significant expansion of its hybrid lineup, with up to 15 new-generation models scheduled to be introduced by the end of March 2030. The company anticipates that its upcoming hybrid system will yield substantial cost savings, with production costs expected to decrease by more than 30 percent, while also enhancing fuel efficiency by over 10 percent.
The current CR-V model will remain available for purchase for a longer period due to the ongoing renewal process.
