It has been revealed that Honda’s flagship SUV, the CR-V, will make a full-scale comeback to the Japanese market as the hybrid model e:HEV in October 2025. The CR-V made a limited comeback in July 2024 as the fuel cell vehicle CR-V e:FCEV (price: 8,094,900 yen, lease only), but this time it will be developed as a hybrid model that is more affordable for the general public.
Background to the CR-V’s revival and market trends
Honda CR-V
The CR-V is a legendary car that pioneered the SUV boom in Japan since its first release in 1995. However, sales in the Japanese market stagnated due to the larger size of the car aimed at North America, and domestic sales ceased in 2016. It was revived in 2018, but sales will cease again in 2022, so it has a turbulent history.
Strong sales in the North American market were the deciding factor in the revival. CR-V sales in North America in 2024 reached 402,791 units, up 11% from the previous year, with the hybrid vehicle “e:HEV” in particular becoming increasingly popular.
Highlights of the new CR-V e:HEV
Honda CR-V
Powertrain Specifications
The new CR-V e:HEV is expected to be equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder hybrid engine and a two-motor system .
Expected specs:
- Maximum engine output: 107kW (145PS) / 6,200rpm
- Maximum system output: 135kW (184PS) / 5,000-6,000rpm
- Drive motor maximum output: 180-200 horsepower
- Maximum motor torque: approx. 32.0 kg-m
- Fuel economy: 17.0-18.2km/L (WLTC mode estimate)
Body size and design
Estimated body size:
- Total length: 4,805mm
- Overall width: 1,865mm
- Overall height: 1,690mm
- Wheelbase: 2,700mm
It will be the same size as the current CR-V e:FCEV, and will have a dignified body size similar to the Toyota Crown Crossover. The design has not changed significantly from the fuel cell vehicle version, and it features an exterior with a presence befitting a high-quality SUV.
Grade development forecast
Standard grade: CR-V e:HEV
Sports grade: CR-V e:HEV RS
Of particular note is the addition of the RS grade , which will feature a special exterior design and suspension settings optimized for the Japanese market, catering to customers seeking a sportier driving experience.
Pricing and Availability Details
Expected price range
The biggest point to note is the price. The price of the North American model is simply converted to 5.2 million to 6 million yen, but considering the competitiveness in the Japanese market:
- CR-V e:HEV: 4.5 million to 5 million yen
- CR-V e:HEV RS: 5 million to 5.5 million yen
At this price range, it will be able to compete with the Toyota Harrier Hybrid (4.1 million to 5 million yen), and is expected to be a success in the market.
Release Schedule
- Official announcement: July-August 2025 forecast
- Release date: October 2025
- Delivery start: November-December 2025
Reasons to wait vs. buy now
Reasons to wait
1. Overcoming the challenges of fuel cell vehicles
- The current CR-V e:FCEV faces a major bottleneck due to the lack of hydrogen stations (approximately 160 stations nationwide).
- Hybrids can be refueled at existing gas stations
2. Significant improvement in cost performance
- e:FCEV lease fee: Approximately 170,000 yen per month
- The e:HEV is affordable and offers significant savings in running costs.
3. Optimized for Japan
- Changed from North American all-season tires to Japanese tires
- Optimized suspension settings for a more comfortable ride
4. Extensive equipment and functions
- Equipped with the latest Honda Sensing
- Honda CONNECT compatible
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard equipment
Reasons to buy now:
1. Consider other options
- Toyota Harrier Hybrid (Available for immediate delivery)
- Mazda CX-5 (competitive price)
- Honda ZR-V (for compact size)
2. Avoiding the risks of new car models
- Quality risk of initial lot
- Possible delivery delays
- Prices may exceed expectations
Comparison with competing models
vs Toyota Harrier Hybrid
| item | CR-V e:HEV (estimated) | Harrier Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | 4.5 million to 5.5 million yen | 4.1 million to 5 million yen |
| System Output | 184PS | 218PS |
| fuel economy | 17.0-18.2km/L | 22.3km/L |
| indoor space | ◎ (Compatible with 3-row seats) | ○ (2-row seats) |
| Brand power | ○ | ◎ |
vs Mazda CX-5
| item | CR-V e:HEV (estimated) | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | 4.5 million to 5.5 million yen | 2.9 million to 4 million yen |
| Powertrain | hybrid | Gasoline/Diesel |
| fuel efficiency | ◎ | ○ |
| Driving performance | ○ | ◎ |
| Completeness of equipment | ◎ | ○ |
Points to check when considering a purchase
1. Clarification of intended use
- Family use: Three-row seating arrangement with emphasis on interior space
- Outdoor use: Balance of load capacity and driving performance
- Commuting: fuel efficiency and ease of driving
2. Budget and running costs
- Vehicle price: 4.5 million to 5.5 million yen
- Voluntary insurance premium: High due to being an SUV
- Fuel costs: Hybrid fuel efficiency improvement effect
- Maintenance costs: Honda cars are relatively reasonable
3. Delivery times and market trends
- Delivery time for new models: Approximately 3 to 6 months after release
- Resale value: Expected to improve with the revival of the CR-V brand
- Model cycle: Planned to be sold for a long period as the 6th generation
Summary: The new CR-V e:HEV is worth the wait
Conclusion: The release of the new CR-V e:HEV in October 2025 is “worth the wait”
Top 3 reasons to wait
- Significant improvement in practicality: Freed from the constraints of hydrogen infrastructure
- Cost benefits: From lease-only to available for purchase
- Optimized for the Japanese market: Achieving both driving performance and comfort
However, if you’re in a pinch or price is a major consideration , current competitors are also attractive options.
The new CR-V e:HEV is likely to become a symbolic model that Honda is serious about in the Japanese market. If you are unsure which SUV to choose, it will be well worth waiting for its release in October 2025.
