Honda CR-V 2023: next-generation SUV revealed with plug-in hybrid power

RAV4 rival’s dual-hybrid lineup includes a PHEV version capable of 82 kilometres of pure electric range

Honda has revealed the next-generation CR-V with both hybrid (e:HEV) and plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) power for the European market.

News of these two new powertrain options in the CR-V comes after Honda Australia confirmed to Chasing Cars that the next-generation midsize SUV will be landing locally during the second half of 2023.

2023 Honda CR-V PHEV front 3/4 charging — Honda’s next-generation CR-V has previously been confirmed for Australia

If Honda’s local arm chooses to bring the new plug-in hybrid variant of the CR-V Australia, it’s likely that it will face competition from the likes of the Kia Sorento PHEV and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

It’s worth noting that the CR-V will be sold in Europe exclusively in e:HEV or e:PHEV forms, missing out on the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that has been previously confirmed for North American and Thailand.

CR-V e:PHEV gets 82km of electric range

Honda has confirmed that the CR-V PHEV will be powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated, four-cylinder petrol engine that’s paired with two electric motors.

2023 Honda CR-V PHEV charge point — Battery size and charging speeds are yet to be announced for the CR-V e:PHEV

Battery size is yet to be revealed, though Honda claims that the CR-V PHEV is able to drive up to 82km on electric power alone.

The brand also claims that the battery can be fully charged from empty in 2.5 hours if the battery temperature is at 25 degrees.

As for the CR-V e:HEV, it makes use of the same 2.0-litre engine and electric motor pairing, but will obviously feature a smaller battery due to the nature of Honda’s e:HEV system.

2023 Honda CR-V PHEV interior dash — Interior styling changes bring the CR-V up to speed with the rest of Honda’s line-up

It’s noted in the release that the new CR-V makes use of the “most advanced iteration” of the hybrid system yet, so it will likely differ from what we have already seen with the Civic e:HEV.

Though Honda Australia remains tight-lipped regarding this new CR-V e:PHEV, the brand’s strategy on hybrids means that it’s likely that we’ll at least see the CR-V e:HEV arrive with the introduction of this new model.

“We will continue to introduce hybrid variants of each nameplate with every full model change, continuing to gather momentum in Australia,” a spokesperson from Honda Australia said.