Over the weekend, images purporting to be patent images of the next-generation 2023 Honda CR-V have leaked. But is it really the case?

For those who are familiar with Chinese vehicles would notice that these patent images actually depict the Honda Breeze – the Honda CR-V’s twin sold in China.

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According to a Japanese source, they reported that Honda could adopt these design elements for the next-generation Honda CR-V.

The China-market Honda Breeze’s design elements are adapted from other Honda models – the front end is a mix of the not-sold-in-Malaysia GR-generation Honda Jazz and all-new FE Honda Civic. It also gets slim LED front fog lights like the new RV-generation Honda HR-V.

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Towards the rear-end, the Honda Breeze is more akin to the CR-V, featuring L-shaped LED tail lights. The rear bumper design is slightly different between the CR-V and Breeze.

As a brief refresher, China requires foreign car manufacturer to have a local partner in order to commence local assembly. In China, Honda has two local partners – GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda.

The Honda CR-V is a product by Dongfeng Honda, while the Honda Breeze belongs to GAC Honda.