The Honda CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs will be facelifted and given a new hybrid system – and perhaps their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – plus Google artificial intelligence in early 2026.
Honda Australia shared the news at a recent media event where it announced a range of product news, including the model update – internally known an MMC or ‘Minor Model Change’ – for the two popular models, which accounted for two-thirds of its sales in the first half of 2025.
Set to arrive around March/April 2026, the facelift for the CR-V and ZR-V will be the first major change for both model since the current generation of each model was launched in Australia in 2023.
The five-seat and seven-seat CR-V is the brand’s top-seller, ahead of the HR-V small SUV, while the ZR-V is its third most popular model.
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While mild cosmetic changes are expected, the most significant changes will be underneath the skin, with Honda Australia looking to expand its hybrid offering.
In the current CR-V and ZR-V, a hybrid powertrain is available only in the top-spec variants – the ZR-V e:HEV LX (priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs) and the CR-V e:HEV RS ($59,900 plus on-roads).
The hybrid CR-V and ZR-V are only available in front-wheel drive form, but broader availability of hybrid power will allow both mid-size SUVs to better compete with the top-selling Toyota RAV4 – Australia’s favourite SUV.
“[The update] will see us introduce a new all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain to the lineup,” said Honda Australia managing director Rob Thorp.
“We have an all-wheel drive ICE [internal combustion-engined] model, which sells quite strongly at the moment, [so] converting to a hybrid powertrain we think is where the market is going.”
In fact, Honda expects hybrid vehicles to account for around 90 per cent of its total sales – compared to 53 per cent currently – by mid-2026.
While he didn’t confirm specific details, Mr Thorp also said a PHEV version of the CR-V – currently offered in the UK – is also being looked at, but it may arrive after the early-2026 update.
“There will be a suite of other safety and model enhancements as well,” the Honda boss added.
The 2026 CR-V and ZR-V will also bring the second-generation Google built-in system, which is already offered in the Civic hatchback and the Accord flagship sedan.
The current version includes the ability to unlock, start and drive a vehicle without a physical key – among many other features – with owners capable of accessing these controls through the Honda Connect smartphone application.
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