Quick Facts:
- Vehicle: 2028 Honda CR-V, the seventh generation.
- Powertrain: a new two-motor hybrid, with no gas-only version.
- AWD: a newly developed electric AWD unit.
- Fuel economy goal: more than 10 percent better than today’s hybrid.
- Arrival: 2027, according to Honda.
- Price and EPA ratings: not announced.
 6 min read
In This Article
2028 Honda CR-V Overview: Hybrid-Only in 2027
The 2028 Honda CR-V will arrive in 2027 as a hybrid-only model, Honda announced on Nov. 12, 2026. Instead of a gas-only version, the seventh-generation compact SUV moves to a new two-motor hybrid system. If you shop for a gas CR-V today, you now face a real decision: buy a current model or wait for the redesign. The short answer: buy now if you need a vehicle this winter or want gas. If neither applies, then wait for the full reveal.
Honda says hybrids already make up more than half of CR-V sales. Toyota made the same move with the RAV4 for the 2026 model year, according to MotorTrend. Notably, the CR-V joins the RAV4 as an all-hybrid compact SUV, and the switch matches the sales mix.
Honda gave no price, horsepower figure, EPA rating, or on-sale date. It also left out ground clearance and towing numbers, so off-road shoppers must wait for the full reveal. This article separates what Honda confirmed from what stays unknown. Then it shows what each choice means for your next purchase.
If you buy a current model now, protect the interior first. WeatherTech lists FloorLiners, FloorLiner HP mats, and a cargo liner for the 2023-2026 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid. For example, they keep mud, snow melt, and camp gear off the carpet.
Gear for a current-generation CR-V
WeatherTech FloorLiner HP Custom Fit Floor Mats for Honda CR-V Hybrid
Key Facts: What Honda Confirmed
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Arrival | “Next year” per Honda; no on-sale date. |
| Powertrain | Fifth-generation two-motor hybrid with an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder. |
| Drive | Newly developed electric AWD unit; trim availability not stated. |
| Platform | New platform aimed at higher rigidity and lower weight. |
| Fuel economy | Honda aims for more than 10 percent improvement. |
| Assembly | Ohio, Indiana, and Alliston, Ontario. |
| Price, power, EPA, clearance, towing | Not announced. |
Honda also calls the next-gen CR-V the first of several hybrid models planned for North America by 2030. Fuel economy is the one target Honda did share, so start there.
2028 Honda CR-V Fuel Economy Target
Honda aims to improve fuel efficiency by more than 10 percent over today’s hybrid. This figure is a goal, not an EPA rating. For reference, MotorTrend lists the current model at 43/36/40 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive and 40/34/37 mpg with AWD.
By MotorTrend’s math, a 10 percent gain would put CR-V hybrid MPG near 47/40/44 with FWD. Likewise, AWD models would land near 44/37/41. Meanwhile, Toyota rates the 2027 RAV4 Hybrid LE at 46/40/43 mpg with FWD and 45/39/42 mpg with AWD. As a result, the redesign lands within one mpg of the RAV4 on combined mileage.
Owner reports add context. Current CR-V Hybrid owners praise city mileage. However, several report high-20s to low-30s mpg on the highway, in cold weather, and on hills. Therefore, treat any sticker number as a best case until Honda publishes EPA ratings for the redesign.
CR-V Hybrid AWD: What We Know About Electric AWD Off the Pavement
Honda describes a newly developed electric AWD unit with precise and responsive motor control. MotorTrend reports an electric motor now drives the rear wheels instead of a mechanical connection. Although Honda has not confirmed this layout, treat it as a report.
Honda has not announced ground clearance, skid plates, towing capacity, or a TrailSport version of the redesign. Owners of earlier CR-Vs tell a consistent story. The AWD handles maintained dirt, gravel, and forest roads with good tires. However, owners do not call it a rock crawler. Since these owners drive the current system, their reports do not describe the redesign. For the basics, read our AWD vs 4WD explained guide.
One complaint comes up again and again: the current hybrid has no spare tire, only a repair kit. Owners describe costly aftermarket spares, and they worry especially on remote roads. Also, Honda has not said how the next-gen CR-V handles a flat. For me, this is the first detail to check when the full specs arrive.
Until Honda answers, carry your own backup. For example, an AstroAI cordless inflator, a Rhino USA plug kit, and an AstroAI digital gauge fit in the cargo area. They cover a common trailhead puncture.
Flat-tire gear for dirt roads
AstroAI Cordless Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor 160PSI 12VDC…
2028 Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the benchmark, and price looks close. MotorTrend lists the 2027 RAV4 at $33,895 to start and the current gas CR-V LX at $33,070. Both prices include destination. MotorTrend expects Honda to price the new model slightly above the LX, although this is an expectation, not a Honda figure.
On clearance, however, Toyota leads today. The 2027 RAV4 Woodland clearance of 9.1 inches is a published figure. While Honda lists 8.2 inches for the current AWD CR-V Hybrid, it has no number for the redesign. If trail clearance drives your decision, the RAV4 is the only choice with an answer.
What This Means for You as a CR-V Shopper
Because the redesign has no gas version, a current model is your only choice if you want gas. Honda has not announced an end date for gas production. Earlier, Car and Driver relayed an Automotive News report of an April 2027 production start for the redesign, although Honda has not confirmed it.
Buy a current model if you want gas or need a vehicle this winter. Because the redesign brings a new platform and a new hybrid system, wait if you are open to a hybrid. Honda has given no on-sale date, so set your own deadline. Meanwhile, price a current gas model against the hybrid before Honda posts 2028 pricing.
Honda has posted no towing numbers. Campers should read about the Honda Base Station camper prototype in the meantime. Shoppers who want a hybrid with real trail intent should also watch the 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk hybrid. If you already own a current CR-V Hybrid, nothing changes today.
Final Thoughts
If your CR-V search is about commuting and fuel bills, the move to an all-hybrid lineup makes sense. Honda’s own sales mix shows buyers already pick the hybrid, and the efficiency goal points in the right direction. Therefore, if you are open to a hybrid, I would wait for the full reveal. However, if you want gas or need a vehicle this winter, buy a current model.
If you drive dirt roads and camp, hold your decision until Honda posts clearance, tire, and spare-tire details. Those details matter more than the badge on the tailgate. Then compare them against the RAV4 Woodland before you sign anything.
Whatever you choose, buy for the roads you drive now. While a current CR-V is a known quantity, the redesign is a promise until Honda shows more.
FAQ
When does the 2028 Honda CR-V arrive?
Honda says it arrives “next year,” which means 2027. The company gave no on-sale date or price. Car and Driver relayed an Automotive News report of an April 2027 production start, although Honda has not confirmed it.
Will the 2028 Honda CR-V be hybrid-only?
Yes. Honda says the seventh-generation CR-V will be powered exclusively by an all-new two-motor hybrid system. No gas-only version is planned.
Does the 2028 Honda CR-V have AWD?
Honda says it will use a newly developed electric AWD unit. The company has not said whether AWD is standard or optional, or how the system splits torque.
Should I buy a current CR-V or wait?
Buy a current model if you want gas or need a vehicle soon. Wait if you are open to a hybrid. Honda has not announced pricing, clearance, or an end date for gas models. Dirt-road shoppers gain the most from waiting.
How much better will CR-V hybrid MPG be?
Honda aims for a gain of more than 10 percent over the current hybrid. This is a target, not an EPA rating. Therefore, expect official numbers closer to the reveal.