Updated October 20, 2026. The 2028 Honda CR-V is a hot search in Canada this week. There is a good reason. In early October, reports said the next CR-V will be hybrid only and that the first ones will be built in Alliston, Ontario. Then Honda gave its new hybrid system a name. Honda has not shown the new CR-V yet. So here is what Honda has said, what the press has reported, and what we still do not know.

Why the 2028 CR-V is in the news

On October 7, Car and Driver reported that Honda pushed back the start of production for the next CR-V to April 2027. It said this came from an Automotive News report. The same story said the new CR-V will only come as a hybrid.

On October 8, Carscoops reported that production will start first at the Alliston plant in Ontario, before it starts in the United States. It also reported a plan to build 41,315 units in North America in the first year.

Honda did not confirm these plans. Honda told Carscoops: "We have not confirmed any launch timing for CR-V." Honda added that the current CR-V is selling so fast that dealers have about a 17-day supply.

On October 9, Honda made an official announcement. Its next hybrid system will be called "Honda Hybrid." Honda said models with it will come out around the world starting in 2027. Honda did not name the CR-V in that release.

Since then, CarsDirect (October 16) and MotorTrend (October 19) posted 2028 CR-V previews. That is a lot of news in two weeks. No wonder people are searching.

What Honda has made official

Honda has not shown or named a 2028 CR-V. But it has said a lot about the tech that will go into its next hybrids. Here is what Honda itself has said:

  • The new system is called Honda Hybrid. It builds on the current two-motor e:HEV system.
  • Honda plans 15 new hybrid models by the end of March 2030, mostly for North America.
  • They will ride on a new platform. Honda says the hybrid platform is 90 kg lighter than the current one.
  • There will be a new electric all-wheel drive system. Honda calls it e-AWD.
  • In 2025, Honda said it aims to cut fuel use of its next hybrids by more than 10%.

Honda has not said which of these models is the CR-V. It is a safe guess that its best seller will be one of them. But that is still a guess.

What the reports say, but Honda has not confirmed

These points come from the press. Treat them as reports, not facts.

  • Hybrid only. Car and Driver reported that the next CR-V will be sold only as a hybrid.
  • Built in Alliston first. Carscoops reported that Ontario will build it before the U.S. does.
  • April 2027 start. Car and Driver and Carscoops both reported production moving from about January to April 2027, citing Automotive News.
  • A new 2.0 L engine. Carscoops reported that next hybrids will use a new direct-injection 2.0 L four-cylinder.

If the hybrid-only report is true, it would be a big change for Canada. Today you can still buy a gas CR-V here.

The CR-V you can buy today in Canada

Honda Canada calls the current CR-V "Canadian Built," with domestic and imported parts. These are Honda Canada numbers.

  • Gas models use a 1.5 L turbo engine with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft.
  • Hybrid models use a 2.0 L engine and two electric motors. Together they make 204 hp and 247 lb-ft.
  • 2027 trims on honda.ca are LX 2WD, LX AWD, Sport, Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid and Touring Hybrid.

For 2026, Honda Canada listed MSRP from $36,975 for the LX 2WD to $51,200 for the Touring Hybrid. That is before freight and PDI. The 2026 Sport Hybrid was rated 6.4 L/100 km combined. The LX 2WD was rated 7.8.

You can see all trims on our Honda CR-V page.

The back of a grey 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid in a parking lot

Should you wait for the 2028 CR-V?

I have watched a lot of model changes over the years. Here is what I tell people.

The first months of a new model are often the hardest time to get one. If Honda builds fewer in year one, as reported, supply may be tight. Prices for a new design also tend to go up, not down. That is a pattern, not a promise.

The current CR-V is a known car. It has been on sale since the 2023 model year. Honda says it is selling well. If you need an SUV this winter, a 2026 or 2027 hybrid is a fine choice.

If you can wait, wait for real facts. Honda has not shown the car, given a price or given a date for Canada.

Shopping now? Compare it with the Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, the Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5. Our RAV4 hybrid vs plug-in guide and what we know about the 2027 Tucson can help.

What we still do not know

  • When Honda will reveal the 2028 CR-V
  • The Canadian price
  • If a gas model will stay on sale in Canada
  • If Alliston will build it first, as reported
  • Fuel ratings from Natural Resources Canada
  • If a plug-in hybrid will come to Canada. Honda has not said so.
  • If the TrailSport trim returns

We will update this page when Honda shares more.

FAQ

Is the 2028 Honda CR-V confirmed? Honda has not shown it or named it. Honda has confirmed new hybrid models start in 2027.

Will the 2028 CR-V be hybrid only? Car and Driver reported that. Honda has not confirmed it.

Will it be built in Canada? Carscoops reported Alliston, Ontario, will build it first. Honda has not confirmed this. The current CR-V is built in Canada, says Honda Canada.

When can I buy one? Honda has given no date. Reports say production starts in April 2027.

How much will it cost? No price yet. The 2026 CR-V started at $36,975 MSRP in Canada.

How do I take care of my CR-V now? Our engine oil before winter guide uses the CR-V as its example. For fuel tips, see our fuel consumption guide.

Sources

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