Honda is marking three decades of its popular CR-V sport utility vehicle not just with cake, but with a unique concept vehicle designed for year-round adventure: the CR-V ‘Dream Pod’. This one-of-a-kind creation transforms the European-spec CR-V e:PHEV plug-in hybrid into a compact, go-anywhere camper inspired by Japanese capsule hotels.
2025 Honda CR-V
Base MSRP
$30,100
Base Trim Engine
1.5L I4 ICE
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Horsepower
190 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
179 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
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Built to deliver exciting off-grid experiences, the ‘Dream Pod’ ingeniously packs sleeping accommodations for two adults, along with essential camping amenities, into the familiar footprint of the CR-V. Honda states the concept celebrates the brand’s “spirit of adventure” – something the automaker has been leaning into with new models like the Passport TrailSport – by bringing home comforts to the wilderness. It uses a combination of specialized camping gear, official Honda accessories, and thoughtfully designed custom features.
The core of the transformation lies within the CR-V’s cargo area, which has a capacity of 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. An EGOE Nestboard 650 camping unit fits snugly inside. With the rear seats folded, this unit unfolds a double mattress, creating what Honda describes as a snug sleeping compartment. Hidden within the EGOE unit’s base is a drawer containing a cooking stove, a collapsible sink, and storage space for kitchen essentials.
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Comforts Of Home, Wherever You Roam
Beyond the basic sleeping and cooking facilities, Honda equipped the ‘Dream Pod’ interior with additional comforts to enhance the camping experience. Custom “tech pods” integrate LED reading lights and small pull-out side tables, complemented by USB charging sockets to keep devices powered.
Privacy is addressed with tailored blackout covers for the rear windows and a retractable blind positioned behind the front seats, ensuring a darker, more relaxing environment for sleep. The concept vehicle also incorporates several Honda Genuine Accessories to boost its adventurous capabilities. A Honda-certified Thule bicycle carrier can be mounted to a detachable tow bar at the rear. This tow bar also allows users to utilize the e:PHEV’s approximately 3,300 lbs towing capacity. Inside, tailored rubber floor mats protect the cabin from mud and debris, while illuminated door sill trims add a touch of refinement.
The base vehicle, Honda’s first plug-in hybrid for Europe, contributes significantly to the concept’s potential. Its powertrain offers an all-electric range of approximately 49 miles according to WLTP standards, allowing for silent travel with zero tailpipe emissions in EV Mode, minimizing disturbance in natural settings. With 6.2 inches of ground clearance and advanced traction control modes, the CR-V e:PHEV foundation provides confidence for tackling varied terrains, while Honda Sensing 360 safety systems offer peace of mind.
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Three Decades Of The Compact Runabout
The original Honda CR-V, an acronym for Compact Runabout Vehicle, debuted in 1995. It helped define a new segment by blending car-like handling and comfort with the practicality and higher driving position of an SUV, effectively creating the modern crossover market. Now in its sixth generation, the CR-V remains a global powerhouse, ranking as the third best-selling SUV worldwide in 2024 and surpassing one million units sold in Europe over its lifetime.
Nik Pearson of Honda Motor Europe noted the CR-V’s history, stating, “The spirit of adventure has always been at the heart of the CR-V […] By combining car-like handling and comfort with SUV versatility, this is a model that single-handedly created the modern crossover sector.”
While the ‘Dream Pod’ is a European concept based on the e:PHEV model not currently sold in the United States, the standard 2025 Honda CR-V continues its success stateside.
It remains a leader in the competitive compact SUV segment, praised for its spacious interior, generous cargo capacity (up to 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats in gas models), and solid feature set. US buyers can choose between a 190-horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine or a 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain, both offering a comfortable ride and respectable fuel efficiency. Though not designed for extreme off-roading, the CR-V provides practicality and reliability, key traits that have defined it for 30 years.
Honda has not announced any plans to produce the ‘Dream Pod’ commercially, presenting it solely as a concept to celebrate the CR-V’s enduring legacy and adventurous potential. However, the EGO Nestboard 650 can be purchased in Europe for approximately $4,280.
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Source: Honda
AloJapan.com