2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

Honda introduced its compact CR-V SUV in 1995, and the model has gone on to become the automaker’s best-selling vehicle in the United States since 2017. The CR-V sits in the middle of Honda’s SUV lineup, with its size exceeding the HR-V while remaining smaller than the Passport and Pilot models. Honda’s 2025 CR-V offers three hybrid trims, with the entry-level grade starting at $34,350. There are no significant changes to the 2025 CR-V Hybrid, part of the model’s sixth generation, which began in 2023. 

MotoPickers Rating: 8.9/10

Positive feedback associated with this vehicle includes exceptional fuel efficiency and a spacious and utilitarian cabin with impressive cargo capacity. A ride within this Honda’s interior reveals a smooth drive feel and user-friendly tech. Still, drawbacks like a higher starting price amongst its competition and cabin material choices might deter some potential buyers. You won’t find any PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) within the 2025 CR-V’s lineup, in addition to fold-back flat seats and trims optimized for off-roading. 

Our review includes observations on smaller yet significant details, like Honda’s decision not to offer 2025 CR-V buyers a spare tire. This Honda’s competition includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Toyota’s RAV4
• Ford’s Escape
• Hyundai’s Tucson
• Kia’s Sportage
• Subaru’s Crosstrek

Honda focused on designing the 2025 CR-V with exceptional comfort and cargo space, but we’ll explore all portions of this vehicle, inside and out, so you can better determine whether it matches your driving preferences.

Exterior spotlight

The 2025 CR-V Hybrid trims balance sporty aesthetics with rugged design elements like a long wheelbase and a wide stance. Sporty components on this SUV’s exterior include hybrid-exclusive 18” or 19” gloss black alloy wheels, which seamlessly blend with the model’s large gloss black grille. Honda CR-V Hybrid grades also contain a sleek platinum accent lower bumper. 

All hybrid trims receive a power tailgate with programmable height, but the peak Sport Touring Hybrid adds hands-free access to the rear cargo area. The 2025 CR-V doesn’t contain a panoramic glass roof like many of its competitors. Still, its choice of a one-touch power moonroof with a tilt feature allows less sunlight to enter the vehicle, which can increase interior temperatures and create glare. 

The roof also contains a body-colored roofline spoiler with an integrated brake light for an ideal balance of form and function. Its gloss black roof rails are exclusive to the three hybrid grades. Honda bookends its 2025 CR-V Hybrid with LED headlights and taillights with auto on/off functionality that lowers brights to accommodate oncoming traffic. In addition to LED taillights, the rear portion of this SUV contains dual chrome exhaust finishers for extra flair.

While hybrid trims add a number of sporty exterior elements, it’s worth noting that this SUV’s exterior design is more conservative compared to rivals like the 2025 Mazda CX-50. If you’re seeking more ruggedness with a mid-size hybrid SUV’s design, Toyota’s 2025 RAV4 leads the way with trims designed for off-roading, like the TRD Pro.

Interior analysis 

Entries into the 2025 CR-V Hybrid are elegant with available illuminated door sill trim that looks and plays the part well with material protecting against scuff marks that may occur from shoes or cargo. All hybrid trims offer center console ambient lighting, but the most expensive Sport Touring Hybrid trim also contains this feature within door pulls and footwells.

The 2025 CR-V Hybrid’s steering wheel and shift knob are leather-wrapped, but the Sport Touring Hybrid’s wheel additionally boasts heated functionality. The top two hybrid grades receive an automatic-dimming rearview mirror, which reduces tint to reduce glare from trailing vehicles’ headlights. 

This SUV’s interior is ergonomic, with offerings like body-stabilizing front seats and intuitively placed steering-wheel-mounted controls. Front-row air conditioning vents sit behind a honeycomb mesh panel for a more refined and contemporary appearance. Drivers receive wide sightlines within the 2025 CR-V Hybrid and a seat containing 10-way power adjustment, 2-way power lumbar support, and two-position memory limited to the Sport Touring hybrid. 

Rear seats contain a reclining, fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback configuration, and the SUV’s two rows seat up to five passengers. Opting for one of the 2025 CR-V’s top two hybrid variants means you’ll receive leather-trimmed seats with exclusive orange stitching. The base hybrid trim contains leather-trimmed seating without this contrasting orange stitching. 

This Honda’s most significant strength regarding its interior is its cargo capacity behind the rear row, measuring 39.3 cu. ft., beating competitors like Toyota’s RAV4, Subaru’s Forester, and Nissan’s Rogue. A low and wide cargo opening streamlines your ability to load and unload items. However, there aren’t as many cabin storage solutions for smaller items.

Optional accessories include all-season floor mats specially made to trap dirt and seatback protectors that protect against cargo damage when the second-row seats are down. This seatback material contains a textured surface that stops cargo items from sliding. Drivers seeking optimal cargo protection will benefit from selecting the available cargo cover.

Power and performance

Regarding performance, hybrid shoppers tend to be most curious about a model’s mileage. Honda’s 2025 CR-V two-motor hybrid delivers 40-43 MPG in the city and 37-40 MPG on the highway, depending on all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD). All trims utilize a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

All 2025 CR-V hybrid grades contain an in-line 4-cylinder engine and 204 net horsepower, with net torque measuring 247 lb-ft. While this powertrain’s focus is efficiency, we’d like to see its power increase next year. Honda equips this model with all-season tires, an intelligent choice over all-terrain tires, which are better suited for more rugged SUVs like the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Hybrid trims receive ECON, Normal, Snow, and Sport drive modes, one more than non-hybrid variants. Drivers can get the most performance out of their 2025 CR-V Hybrid by switching to Sport mode, which sharpens throttle response. The hybrid battery is lithium-ion, and the powertrain utilizes multi-stage, high-pressure direct injection. Active noise canceling technology helps the cabin maintain a calm feel, even when the advanced AWD system is in action.

The 2025 CR-V Hybrid’s AWD system features a Honda-exclusive design that activates only when necessary instead of remaining on, aiding fuel economy. When the system senses front wheel slippage, it transfers power to the rear wheels. The power meter simplifies monitoring hybrid battery power output and recharging behind the wheel, allowing you to view performance efficiency with less time spent taking your eyes off the road.

Suspension

MacPherson strut front suspension optimizes handling during cornering while enhancing overall ride comfort via shock absorption. The multi-link rear suspension establishes increased protection from road imperfections via design elements like independent wheel movement and more precise control of wheel alignment.

Tech overview 

The 2025 Honda CR-V’s infotainment display is on the smaller side at 7” with its standard configuration, but the upper two hybrid trims receive a 9” display. This SUV’s 9” display comes with a volume knob and shortcuts optimizing access to your favorite apps and settings. The digital instrument cluster measures 7” and hosts innovative features like the aforementioned power meter. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, but you’ll have to opt for the upper Sport-L Hybrid or Sport Touring Hybrid trims to receive wireless access to the two platforms. The base hybrid contains a 240-watt Audio System with 6 Speakers, while the top two trims get a 320-watt Audio System with 8 Speakers. Sport Touring trim drivers can also select the optional Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers, which includes a Subwoofer. Speed-sensitive volume compensation is standard across all audio systems.

Similar to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll need to move past the base 2025 CR-V hybrid trim to access wireless smartphone charging. The multi-angle rearview camera is standard in all grades, with normal, top-down, and wide perspectives. 

Additional features rounding out the Sport Touring Hybrid’s value include Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition/HD digital traffic, HondaLink, where you can perform commands like locking and unlocking doors via your smartphone, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. 

Tech enthusiasts should select a Sport Touring Hybrid trim to fulfill their driving preferences, especially since the middle hybrid grade doesn’t offer must-haves like standard navigation. You’ll also likely want to get a 9” display, as 7” is definitely tiny for this segment. For example, the comparable 2025 Kia Sorento hybrid contains a 12.3” display, often the standard size within luxury models. 

Safety capabilities

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) hasn’t yet rated the 2025 CR-V Hybrid’s crash protection capabilities, but the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the model its highest score in this area of five stars. Let’s take a closer look at critical features forming this Honda’s safety prowess. 

Honda anchors many of the 2025 CR-V Hybrid’s standard safety features within its Honda Sensing Driver-Assistive suite, which includes:

• Collision mitigation braking system
• Road departure mitigation system 
• Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
• Lane keeping assist
• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Traffic jam assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention monitor
• Blind spot information system
• Cross traffic monitor
• Auto high-beam headlights
• Rear seat reminder

The only available safety features within this suite are rear and front parking sensors and low-speed braking control, which you can receive when buying a Sport-L Hybrid or Sport Touring Hybrid. Traffic sign recognition is one of the most valuable standard features, as some competitors, like Toyota’s RAV4 Prime, Mazda’s CX-50 Hybrid, and Ford’s Escape Hybrid, don’t contain this system as standard.

Passive safety features worth noting within this hybrid model include its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure exclusive to Honda. This structure increases occupant and crash protection during frontal collisions with:

• Carefully designed crush zones
• A multi-cell structure pushing collision forces away from occupants
• Structural reinforcement lowering intrusion

Overall, the 2025 CR-V hybrid offers comprehensive safety capabilities. The IIHS will likely release a rating for this model soon, with the pending nature tied to its recent release.

Comparison to non-hybrid 2025 CR-V trims 

There’s a decent price gap between the base non-hybrid 2025 CR-V, with the discrepancy registering over $4,000. Still, it’s worth considering that you’ll receive fuel savings with a hybrid’s increased mileage. We suggest opting for a Sport-L Hybrid or Sport Touring Hybrid trim, starting at $37,350 and $40,800, respectively. 

While the base hybrid offers value through features like sport styling, roof rails, and 18” gloss black alloy wheels, it lacks technology. For example, a base trim has a power tailgate, but you won’t receive hands-free functionality with the feature without selecting a Sport Touring Hybrid. Additional highlights within Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims include, but aren’t limited to:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Leather-trimmed interior with orange contrast stitching
• Heated steering wheel
• Upgraded Bose sound system

Honda offers 2025 CR-V Hybrid purchasers three years or 36,000 miles of basic warranty coverage, whichever comes first, a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for hybrid components. This model’s hybrid powertrain continues offering somewhat tepid performance, so we recommend selecting a hybrid trim over a gas version, which delivers under 200 horsepower at 190.

Final verdict 

Honda’s 2024 CR-V received a stellar 9/10 MotoPickers rating. Since the 2025 hybrid trims share many of the gas versions’ features and remain virtually unchanged from last year, we’re giving the 2025 CR-V Hybrid an 8.9/10 rating. There’s no denying that the mileage within this hybrid SUV is great, and overall, the CR-V is a popular choice with its status as a middle ground between the Pilot/Passport and compact HR-V.

While the 2025 CR-V’s exterior is a bit plain, selecting a hybrid grade spices things up with sporty features like the 18” or 19” gloss black alloy wheels, giant gloss black grille, and sleek roofline spoiler. Drivers looking to enhance this vehicle’s sportiness may benefit from selecting a 2025 CR-V Sport-L or Touring Hybrid with its eye-catching orange interior stitching and ambient lighting covering multiple cabin zones. 

On the utility front, this CR-V excels with a boatload of cargo space and complementary accessories like rear seat cargo covers. Honda’s 2025 production year CR-V upholds the model’s status as one of the market’s best mid-size SUV hybrid options.