A Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 beater? 2023 Honda CR-V takes shape ahead of Australian launch with hybrid option, new design and fresh features

Is this the next-generation Honda CR-V?

Well, the artist’s impression published by Kolesa and seen here is based on an allegedly leaked CR-V patent image that circulated the Internet last week, leaving little to the imagination.

As such, expect these renders to be close to the real deal, meaning the CR-V is about to become a more modern and mature offering, much like the Civic hatchback and HR-V SUV did with their recent next-generation models.

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Up front, the CR-V has a cleaner look, with its simple design featuring a large grille with a mesh insert. The chrome bar above it also intersects with the thin, angular headligts. And then there’s the purposeful bumper.

Around the side, there isn’t much to write home about, apart from the repositioning of the side mirrors onto the front doors, the larger glasshouse and the presumably fresh sets of alloy wheels.

At the rear, Kolesa has taken some liberties with its artist’s impression, as the patent image in question was a front three-quarter angle of the new Mazda CX-5 rival. That said, previous spy shots of a camouflaged prototype did provide some basis for it.

Either way, it appears the CR-V will stick with its signature L-shaped tail-lights, albeit with a more refined version, while the number-plate holder has moved from the bottom of the tailgate to the middle.

As reported, the new CR-V is expected to be revealed later in 2022, before going on sale in Australia by the end of the year or in early 2023. Either way, local buyers will have access to a hybrid powertrain option for the first time, as promised by Honda.

In some markets, the current model is available with a ‘self-charging’ system that pairs a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor for combined outputs of 158kW/315Nm, but Australia has continued to miss out on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid rival.

At least one traditional engine option is also expected for the new CR-V, likely including an updated version of its existing 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit, which is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Stay tuned.