It was inevitable – Honda is gradually phasing out its ingenious LaneWatch camera on more models, as the 2026 Honda CR-V in Thailand shows.
The C-segment SUV was recently updated, which sees the deletion of the LaneWatch camera in favour of Blind Spot Information (BSI, also known as its generic name, BSM) and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM or Rear Cross Traffic Alert, RCTA).
All variants of the Thai-spec Honda CR-V will adopt this new feature.
Why delete LaneWatch?
One likely reason is cost. For Honda LaneWatch to function, it requires a host of hardware, including unique signal stalks (with the LaneWatch activation button), head unit that supports video feed from the LaneWatch camera, and lastly, side mirror with said LaneWatch camera.
These hardware aren’t cheap, especially when compared to the hardware required for BSI + CTM, which typically includes different side mirror glass (with the BSI indicator) as well as millimeter wave radar mounted at the rear sides of the car.
Furthermore, Honda is the only manufacturer that offers LaneWatch; every other manufacturer either adopts BSM + RCTA in their cars, or like Hyundai, adopts Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) that works on both sides.
Keep in mind that Honda’s LaneWatch requires different hardware for both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) cars (LaneWatch always works on the passenger side), as opposed to BSM + RCTA, which can share common hardware for both LHD and RHD cars, thus keeping inventory simpler.
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What else is new with the 2026 Honda CR-V?
Apart from adopting BSI + CTM, the 2026 Thai-spec CR-V drops the turbocharged 1.5-litre models, streamlining the entire line-up to hybrid-only, mirroring the smaller HR-V.
Other changes include the addition of two new variants, namely HuNT 2WD and RS 2WD, as well as improving the kit count on the mid-spec ES variant to offer stuff like a 12-speaker Bose sound system and ventilated front seats.
The 2026 Honda CR-V will also benefit from the addition of Google apps and services, Honda Connect system with digital key, larger 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and Urban Gray colour on the RS variants.
Despite the removal of the LaneWatch camera, the Thai-spec 2026 Honda CR-V continues to offer the Honda Sensing ADAS suite.
What about Malaysia?
At this point of time, it might be a bit too early to speculate when this update arrives here.
But one thing’s for sure – Thailand is the mother plant for the CR-V in this region, and Malaysia imports certain parts required for the CKD CR-V here. One plus one equals two so it’s not difficult to see whatever that’s offered in Thailand could eventually trickle down to Malaysia.