Honda’s New Global Compact SUV Channels Its Inner Range Rover

Today we got our first look at Honda’s new HR-V, or at least the back of it. A single spy shot appeared on a Japanese website but that’s all the internet needs to get revved up about an SUV that appears to be borrowing ideas from the one of the most desirable utilities in the business.

More: This Is What You’ll Pay For The Updated 2026 Honda HR-V

Before US readers start getting too excited we should say that this appears to be the next generation of the global HR-V, that’s marketed as the Vezel in Japan, not the totally different and larger HR-V currently sold in America. That model, just to keep things orderly, is badged as the ZR-V in Japan, Europe, and other markets around the world. Clear as mud, right?

Back to the global market HR-V, same name, very different SUV, but this is an interesting design development either way, and it’s possible future US versions could inherit some of the same ideas.

Even from a single rear angle in this photo, courtesy of Creative311, the changes are pretty obvious. The soft, rounded edges of today’s model look to be replaced by flatter surfaces and sharper creases. The tail-lights appear more vertical and squared off, ditching the wide horizontal light bar that defines the current car.

The overall stance looks more muscular too, with pronounced wheel arches yet smoother body sides. There is also a subtle inward taper to the rear bodywork that gives off faint Range Rover vibes, like the HR-V has been suddenly started getting its suits hand-made rather than buying them of the rack.

Hidden Wiper or None at All?

One of the most curious details is what’s missing. There’s no rear wiper in its usual spot at the base of the glass. Instead, there’s a suspicious break in the camouflage wrap under the spoiler. That suggests to us that the wiper could be recessed beneath a flap in the rear hatch, only popping out when needed. Even 007 never had a wiper that clever.

Visible Exhaust

Down low, a visible exhaust pipe confirms this new HR-V is not going fully electric, though no doubt it’ll get an electric counterpart just like today’s HR-V spawned the e:NS1 and e:NP1.

Reports suggest Honda is shifting its global focus even further toward hybrids, and the next HR-V is expected to adopt the brand’s latest dual-motor hybrid setup. That system promises better efficiency, lower weight, and tech designed to mimic the feel of a traditional gearbox, as used on the Prelude, and now the Civic Hybrid, too.

So yes, we only have one grainy photo of the back of a camouflaged crossover to go on for now. But between the tougher styling, clever packaging hints, and hybrid enhancements, the next global Honda HR-V already looks like it is aiming to punch above its weight.

Forgotten or not sure what the current global HR-V looks like? Check out the gallery below.

Honda