The next generation Honda CR-Vs, including the 2016 CR-V Pilot and the 2017 crossover will be much bigger than their predecessor as they can seat seven passengers as well as move up to much premium segment.

Leon Brannan, head of the Honda Cars in the UK said that the Japanese car maker wanted to make the change to distinguish the CR-V from the HR-V crossover. Honda, he said, wanted the 2017 Honda CR-V to compete head-to-head with the upmarket segment, particularly the Volvo XC60 and Land Rover Discovery Sport, said Digital Trends.

Brannan said, "CR-V is a massive pillar for us. I'm not sure that HR-V in the UK will ever become a four-wheel drive car, most people in this segment will vote with their feet and buy two-wheel drive. So if we can assume that HR-V will ever only be two-wheel drive, then you've got to proposition [with CR-V]. 'Can we compete with Land Rover as a brand?' That's less about CR-V and more about Honda as a brand. Now we have the growing vehicle line-up you'll see more communications about Honda."

Already, Honda has made several design improvements in the 2016 CR-V Pilot and added convenience features.

However, the report added that the 2017 CR-V will have some of the key features of the 2016 Pilot including its infotainment system and dashboard interface. But the 2017 CR-V is expected to be powered by the HR-V engine and transmission, including its 1.8-liter four-cylinder tuned to provide more power, and connected to a CVT transmission.

Industry analysts said Honda is moving the CR-V into an already tight market segment as other car makers have been introducing mid-range crossover, including the Toyota RAV-4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The 2017 CR-V is also expected to price higher than its predecessor as it move up to the upmarket segment.

2015 Honda CR-V Gets 'Modest Improvements'

The 2015 Honda CR-V was given modest improvement by the Japanese carmaker to improve its efficiency, safety and tech across the board. Its 2.4 -liter engine (four-cylinder with185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque) and continuously variable transmission (CVT) combine and blend good around-town power with reasonable EPA efficiency, said CNET. More importantly, its new LaneWatch camera provide useful assistance to motorists for safe merging and parallel parking.

The 2015 Honda CR-V uses the Earth Dreams Technology four-cylinder engine for better fuel efficiency, as well as low-friction internals revised i-VTEC variable valve timing, and direct injection.

With the modest improvements, the 2015 Honda CR-V should expect heavy competition from its much younger rivals.