The Honda CR-V turns 30 and the brand is celebrating with a "camper" prototype called Dream Pod

For SUVs to flood the roads today, there had to be pioneers of the segment. One example is the Honda CR-V, which arrived back in 1995 to set the trend in the mid-size SUV segment. The Japanese brand’s success with the CR-V over these 30 years is undeniable, with a formula that has not changed in its purpose and still works today. A good example is that in 2024 the CR-V was the third best-selling SUV in the world, with more than a million units registered.

Given how the automotive industry is moving today, a model reaching 30 years of life in such good health is not something that happens every day. That is why Honda wants to celebrate these three decades of the CR-V with a prototype it has named “Dream Pod“, with which it seeks to enter the world of camperization through collaboration with specialists and also with its own parts, whether created for the occasion or original accessories from Honda itself.

To create the Honda CR-V Dream Pod, the brand drew inspiration from the famous Japanese capsule hotels, although I can tell you from experience that you will surely sleep more comfortably and with less claustrophobia in the CR-V Dream Pod, especially considering it can accommodate two people. In fact, the acclaimed astrophotographer Benjamin Barakat has been able to try it firsthand and took it with him to the Alps to take night photographs in the middle of iconic landscapes.

The camperization of the Honda CR-V Dream Pod revolves around the Nestboard 650, created by the “camper” conversion specialist EGOE, a compact camping cabin that fits in the CR-V’s own boot, which, let us remember, has a capacity of 617 litres. Once the seats are folded, it can be easily opened to pull out the double mattress where two adults can sleep comfortably. Hidden in the base of the Nestboard itself is a drawer housing a stove, a folding sink and ample space to store utensils, cutlery and plates.

The list of accessories doesn’t end there, as inside the CR-V Dream Pod Honda has installed other comforts such as LED reading lights, removable side tables, USB charging ports, as well as curtains for the rear windows and a retractable blind to separate the front seats from the rear ones. You will also find other original Honda accessories such as the Thule bike rack, a detachable towbar, rubber mats for more effective cleaning and illuminated sill plates to provide ambient light at night.

There is no doubt that the creation of the CR-V Dream Pod shows how this SUV can be even more versatile, but, at least for now, it is not an option that Honda is considering selling from the factory, although each customer may do it on their own and, for that, you should keep in mind that the Nestboard 650 in its full configuration alone costs 3,899 euros tax included.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadHonda CR-V4 versions · from 51,545 €