Discover the all‑new 2027 Honda HR‑V featuring a bold squared rear design and a next‑gen hybrid powertrain—learn more about the future of compact SUVs today!
The first test‑run images of the next‑generation Honda HR‑V have surfaced, offering a tantalising glimpse of the compact crossover set to hit showrooms in 2027. Shot in Japan under heavy camouflage, the photos reveal a clear shift in Honda’s design language and powertrain strategy for its popular urban SUV.
New Fourth Generation Arriving in 2027
Honda confirmed that the HR‑V will enter its fourth generation in 2027. Early prototypes were spotted cruising Japanese roads, providing enthusiasts with an early look at what the upcoming model could deliver.
Rear‑End Redesign: From Curves to Squares
The most striking change is the rear tailgate. Honda appears to be abandoning the traditional horizontal LED strip that has defined the current HR‑V. In its place is a more angular, square‑shaped arrangement. Vertical tail lights now run along the outer edges of the liftgate, giving the back end a cleaner, more muscular appearance.
While the sloping rear glass is retained, the smooth, flowing body lines have been replaced with flatter panels and sharp character lines where the body meets the tail lights. This gives the new HR‑V a bolder, more modern stance compared with its rounded predecessor.
Concept Influence Without Full Adoption
Subtle cues from Honda’s recent electric CUV concepts—Zero CUV and Zero Alpha—can be seen in the prototype. Although the HR‑V does not adopt the upright rear glass of the concepts, it shares the pronounced wheel arches, minimal sculpting on the side panels, and a generally restrained ornamentation that Honda has been exploring across its concept line‑up.
Practical Touches: Hidden Wiper and Lowered License Plate
The rear‑wiper has been cleverly tucked under the roof‑line, disappearing behind the rear spoiler instead of sitting on the glass. This adjustment streamlines the silhouette and reinforces the new square‑off aesthetic. The license‑plate holder remains low on the liftgate, consistent with the current generation.
Powertrain Transition: Hybrid‑Only Future?
One glaring detail on the prototype is the presence of a conventional exhaust tip, confirming that the test vehicle still runs on a gasoline engine. However, industry insiders suggest Honda may phase out the non‑hybrid 4‑cylinder in favour of a full hybrid lineup for the HR‑V.
If this shift materialises, the next‑gen HR‑V will likely be equipped with Honda’s new dual‑motor hybrid system, paired with the S+ Shift technology. S+ Shift mimics the tactile feel of traditional gear‑shifts, a feature already introduced on the Prelude Hybrid and the upcoming Super‑One electric city car.
Strategic Outlook: From Pure EV to Hybrid Core
In 2025, Honda announced a revised global strategy that de‑emphasises pure‑electric models in favour of hybrid vehicles as the cornerstone of its future portfolio. The upcoming hybrid generation, slated for rollout from 2027, is expected to boost performance by roughly 10 % while shaving weight and cutting component costs—crucial moves to keep the HR‑V competitive in the crowded compact SUV segment.
What to Expect When It Launches
- Sharp, square‑shaped rear design with vertical LED tail lights.
- Full‑hybrid powertrain featuring two electric motors and S+ Shift for a smoother driving experience.
- Improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, in line with Honda’s 2027 hybrid targets.
- Modern interior touches that echo the brand’s recent concept vehicles.
While official specifications are still under wraps, the visuals suggest Honda is steering the HR‑V toward a more aggressive look and a greener drivetrain—an evolution that could set a new benchmark for compact crossovers worldwide.