Honda CR-V and ZR-V Likely to Launch in India as CBUs by 2026

Honda is planning to bring two of its popular SUVs, the CR-V and ZR-V, to India, but they will be sold as Completely Built-Up Units (CBU), meaning the vehicles will be imported instead of locally produced. This strategy is expected to result in higher prices due to the import duties involved. While there’s no official confirmation on the launch dates, reports suggest that both models could arrive in India by early 2026.

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Honda CR-V India Launch

The Honda CR-V, after skipping the sixth generation in India, is making a comeback with the next, seventh generation. This new model will sit above the Elevate and the upcoming 0 Alpha in Honda's lineup. Unlike its predecessor, the seventh-gen CR-V will be built on a new, lighter platform shared with the next-gen Honda Civic and Accord.

It will feature a new 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine paired with a hybrid system, which includes a rare-earth-free traction motor and a new generator motor. One major update is the switch to an electric all-wheel-drive setup, where a second traction motor powers the rear wheels, improving efficiency and reducing the centre tunnel size for better rear-seat space. The next-gen CR-V is expected to be around 90 kg lighter than its predecessor.

Inside, it will boast a larger 15-inch touchscreen, replacing the current 9-inch unit, along with a new steering column-mounted gear shifter to free up space in the centre console. The CR-V will likely launch in India by 2027, competing against rivals like the VW Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq. However, it is expected to stick to a two-row seating layout, foregoing the three-row option. With Honda’s past pricing issues on the fifth-gen CR-V, it will be crucial for the brand to price the new model more competitively to appeal to Indian buyers.

Honda ZR-V India Launch

Honda is considering launching the ZR-V SUV in India, a market where the brand has struggled with a limited lineup of just three models. While a definitive timeline hasn’t been confirmed, sources suggest the ZR-V could make its debut by the end of this year or early next year. Likely to be imported fully, similar to the CR-V and Accord Hybrid, this would mean higher duties and a higher price tag. Honda previously conducted CKD operations at its Greater Noida plant, but the plant has been non-operational since December 2020.

The ZR-V, which made its global debut in 2022, is currently sold in Japan and some ASEAN markets. It shares design similarities with the North American HR-V, but it’s larger, at 4.56 meters long, and competes with SUVs like the Toyota Corolla Cross. The exterior features a sleek octagonal grille, tall bumper, and a rounded profile with a smooth roofline. Inside, the ZR-V offers a modern dashboard with integrated AC vents, a free-standing touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster. Notably, it replaces the conventional gear lever with a button-operated panel, similar to the CR-V.

The ZR-V will likely come to India with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.0-litre petrol engine, electric CVT gearbox, and two electric motors, delivering around 180hp. While a pure-petrol version with a 1.5-litre turbo engine is also available, the hybrid variant seems most likely for the Indian market. However, the final decision on its launch is still pending, and Honda’s past track record with projects like the HR-V suggests that this could be delayed or cancelled if the pricing becomes uncompetitive.

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