Discover the all‑new 2027 Honda HR‑V – a hybrid SUV with a sporty e:HEV powertrain, digital driving modes and advanced safety. Learn more now!
The third‑generation Honda HR‑V (known as the Vezel in Japan) has been on sale since April 2021. As the model approaches the end of its six‑year life‑cycle, Honda is preparing a completely new generation slated for release in the 2027 fiscal year.
Launch Timing
According to internal briefings shared with Honda dealers, the next‑gen HR‑V will debut between April and June 2027, aligning with the early part of Honda’s fiscal year. This means the current model will not see a major facelift before then. A modest refresh occurred in April 2024, but it was limited to minor styling tweaks and no substantial technology upgrades.
Powertrain Evolution
The most significant change will be the drivetrain. The upcoming HR‑V is expected to adopt Honda’s latest e:HEV hybrid system—the same architecture found in the sporty Prelude coupe. The power unit will pair a newly‑designed 1.5‑litre, four‑cylinder gasoline engine with the e:HEV electric motor.
Honda is also planning to introduce the S+ Shift system, a digital‑simulation gear‑shift that delivers a sport‑driving feel, echoing the experience of the Prelude’s performance orientation.
Hybrid‑Only Strategy?
Today’s HR‑V offers two power options: a naturally aspirated 1.5 L engine and the e:HEV hybrid. With Honda streamlining its gasoline lineup, the 2027 version may be offered exclusively as a hybrid, following a trend already seen on several of the brand’s other models.
Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance
The next HR‑V is expected to feature the next‑generation Honda Sensing suite. Users have frequently noted that the current Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can feel less smooth than competitors, so the new platform should deliver a noticeably refined experience.
While it remains uncertain whether the model will adopt the full‑suite Honda Sensing 360 or the autonomous parking assist found on the CR‑V and Accord, a “Pilot Parking” feature—an advanced automatic parking aid—could be on the table if Honda aims to upscale the HR‑V’s positioning.
Interior Technology and Comfort
Several premium amenities that are not yet available on the current Vezel are likely to appear:
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Digital side‑mirror displays
- Head‑up display (HUD)
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Large central touchscreen (around 12.3 inches)
These upgrades could push the HR‑V’s price toward the higher end of the B‑segment SUV market, edging it closer to compact‑luxury territory.
Market Outlook
The HR‑V is one of Honda’s global best‑sellers and a cornerstone of its SUV lineup. As such, the 2027 model is viewed as a “must‑succeed” project. A refreshed platform, a more engaging hybrid powertrain, and a suite of digital driving aids are expected to keep the vehicle attractive to a broad audience as it moves into the next generation.
Stay tuned for official specifications and pricing as Honda approaches the official unveiling later next year.