Honda Drops the Ultimate Adventure Camper to Mark 30 Years of CR-V

Published on 10 April, 2025

New ‘Dream Pod’ concept transforms the CR-V into a plug-in hybrid camper 

Overview

To celebrate three decades of the CR-V, Honda has unveiled the ‘Dream Pod’ – a unique plug-in hybrid camping concept designed to take comfort and capability off the beaten track. Built on the CR-V e:PHEV platform, the one-of-a-kind model brings together outdoor adventure and home-style convenience in a compact, efficient package.

Inspired by Japan’s capsule hotels, the ‘Dream Pod’ offers cosy sleeping space for two and integrates clever camping essentials like a collapsible sink, cooking stove, and storage – all housed in a custom EGOE Nestboard 650 unit fitted into the CR-V’s spacious 617-litre boot.

The concept takes full advantage of the CR-V e:PHEV’s 79km of all-electric range, whisper-quiet driving in EV mode, and a 1,500kg towing capacity. With 159mm ground clearance and Honda’s advanced traction modes, the ‘Dream Pod’ is ready for everything from rural tracks to rugged trails.

Additional features include:

• LED reading lights and USB charging ports

• Pull-out tables and blackout blinds for added comfort and privacy

• Optional Thule bike carrier and Honda accessories for added utility

• Tailored rubber mats and illuminated sill trims for practicality and style

Built for Stargazers and Explorers
To showcase the ‘Dream Pod’s’ off-grid potential, Honda teamed up with astrophotographer Benjamin Barakat, who took it to the Italian Alps for a celestial photoshoot. He captured striking time-lapse images of Orion’s Nebula and the Pleiades cluster, crediting the comfort of the pod for allowing him to focus on his work in remote, rugged conditions.

CR-V at 30: Still Setting Trends
First launched in 1995, the CR-V helped define the crossover SUV segment by blending car-like handling with four-wheel drive practicality. Now in its sixth generation, it remains one of the world’s best-selling SUVs — ranking third globally in 2024, with over 1 million units sold in Europe alone.

Nik Pearson of Honda Motor Europe reflected on the milestone, stating:
“The spirit of adventure has always been at the heart of the CR-V. The ‘Dream Pod’ is a fitting tribute to 30 years of innovation, versatility, and outdoor exploration.”

The ‘Dream Pod’ is a concept only for now — but it shows what’s possible when high-tech meets the great outdoors. Watch Benjamin Barakat’s full adventure with the CR-V ‘Dream Pod’ here.

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives