The first official pictures of the sixth-generation Honda CR-V have been revealed ahead of the crossover’s full launch during the third quarter of 2022.
These first teasers reveal the new CR-V’s headlight and grille treatment. The car pictured here seems to be a sporty variant will a blacked out honeycomb grille.
Also blacked out are the wings extending from the top of the grille into the headlight units, largely splitting the LED driving lights from the main- and high-beam units.
The only brightwork up front is present in the Honda badge, and surrounding a pod next to the lower air intake.
At the rear the CR-V continues to feature hockey stick-shaped tail-lights. Unlike the current CR-V, though, these lights don’t seem to extend as far into the rear fenders, and have a more squared-off shape.
The lower section of the hockey stick includes three L-shaped lighting units. The licence plate holder has moved from the bottom to the middle of the tailgate, while the rear chrome bar has been deleted.
Unusually for a hybrid model, the CR-V has — possibly fake — exhaust tips with a brushed metal design.
Today’s images line up with the undisguised photos the CR-V taken in China and published in the middle of May, as well as Chinese patent renderings discovered in February.
Honda claims the sixth-generation CR-V will have a “rugged and sophisticated design”, as well as featuring “increased versatility”.
It also says the new CR-V will have “more advanced hybrid system for a sportier driving experience”.
The current CR-V is sold in Europe and the US with a 2.0-litre hybrid system making a total of 158kW and 315Nm. This drivetrain is available in Australia as part of the Accord sedan range.
Based on filings with Chinese authorities we know the new CR-V will be available with a 142kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and hooked up to either the front or all four wheels.
In China the new CR-V will be 4703mm long, 1866mm wide, 1690mm tall, and ride on a 2700mm wheelbase.
This means it’s 68mm longer, 11mm wider, 11mm taller, and has a 40mm longer wheelbase than the current CR-V. As with the current vehicle, the new CR-V will be available in both five- and seven-seat layouts.
Honda will unveil the new CR-V during Australia’s winter, but hasn’t specified an exact date for the new model’s debut.
MORE: Everything Honda CR-V