New Honda CR-V hybrid due in 2023

• CR-V set to grow in size
• All models to be electrified
• Will look similar to new HR-V

A replacement for the Honda CR-V SUV has been spotted in development. These tree-covered spy shots don’t give much away but the new CR-V looks like it will be a little bigger than the existing model. We expect it will be launched in 2023 and, as Honda’s largest SUV, it’ll rival the Ford Kuga, Peugeot 3008 and the new Nissan Qashqai.

It’ll also be an alternative to cars like the Skoda Kodiaq and SEAT Tarraco, as the CR-V should be available with seven seats again. The new car will offer more passenger space than the current car, so it should be more comfortable when full. There’ll probably be a bit more boot space than the current CR-V’s 497 litres too.

Similar to the latest Honda Civic and the recently revealed HR-V, it seems Honda is planning to give the CR-V a smart but subtle look. There won’t be the same level of creases and slashes as there on the new Hyundai Tucson, for example, or the retro looks of the Honda e.

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There’s currently a choice of petrol and hybrid powertrains for CR-V buyers but the standard 1.5-litre petrol engine is unlikely to make it to the next-generation model. The latest Honda Jazz and HR-V are hybrid-only, and we expect the CR-V to follow suit.

The CR-V’s hybrid powertrain is expected to be carried over, perhaps with improvements to make it more economical (the current one struggles to hit 40mpg). Called e:HEV, it uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, a CVT automatic transmission and two electric motors. Two and four-wheel-drive variants will be available once again.

Many interior components will be shared with the new Civic, including a digital instrument cluster and a new nine-inch touchscreen. Honda’s latest infotainment system is much slicker and more reactive than the system fitted in the current CR-V.

Read our guide to the best family SUVs to see what the CR-V will be up against.