Honda CR-V gets an update in Thailand, drops turbo engines in favor of all-hybrid lineup

Honda has given its long-running CR-V compact crossover a mid-cycle refresh over in Thailand, set for a full reveal at the upcoming Thailand International Motor Expo 2025, happening from November 29 to December 10, 2025.

And while it may seem that the update is minor at first glance, it’s actually somewhat significant as the Thai-spec Honda CR-V is now exclusively powered by Honda’s e:HEV powertrain, dropping the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo from all variants.

For the unaware, that powertrain is the combination of an R20 engine-based 2.0-liter LFB51 four-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower and 188Nm of torque, paired to an electric motor making 184 horsepower and 335Nm, and lithium-ion battery. Combined system output is a healthy 207 horsepower.

_{Exterior photos show an identical Japanese-spec Honda CR-V which may have differences from the Thai-spec version.*}

Other changes include the availability of a new Urban Gray Pearl exterior paint job, along with a blind spot monitoring system replacing the LaneWatch camera, and an upgraded nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system now with Google Built-in. 

The 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, ventilated front seats, as well as blacked-out exterior trim is now standard on more variants, and the RS variants get RS logo embroidery on the front seats.

We definitely hope to see most of these updates on our local spec Honda CR-V. What we’re curious about is whether Honda Cars Philippines will follow suit and offer the compact crossover as a hybrid-only model, similar to what Toyota Motor Philippines has done with the outgoing generation Toyota RAV4.

_{Exterior photos by Sam Surla
Interior photos from Honda}