2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review: Efficiency and Comfort

The Honda CR-V has long been considered a reliable and versatile option in the compact SUV market. Known for its practicality, longevity, and resale value, the CR-V has built a solid reputation over the years. The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the latest iteration of this model, builds on those established strengths while adding the efficiency of hybrid power. The AWD Sport Touring Hybrid, the model tested for this review, delivers everything the CR-V is known for, but does it also stand out in any meaningful way? Let’s find out.

For 2025, the Honda CR-V Hybrid carries over largely unchanged from the previous year, making it a familiar option for those already familiar with the 2024 model. While the lack of major updates may seem underwhelming to some, it’s important to note that the CR-V Hybrid was already a strong contender in its class, and the minor tweaks only enhance its appeal. The addition of hybrid power remains the most significant feature, offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than the regular gas-powered CR-V.

On the outside, the 2025 CR-V Hybrid exudes a sense of modernity with its sharp, clean lines. The 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and black roof rails give the vehicle a distinct look, making it appear both stylish and semi-mighty. While it doesn’t have the same aggressive or attention-grabbing stance as some other SUVs, its design is far from boring. However, it’s worth noting that the CR-V is a popular model, and its ubiquity means it’s easy to blend into the crowd. Depending on where you park, you may need to take a second glance to ensure you’re heading toward the right vehicle, as it shares its design language with many other CR-Vs on the road.

Inside, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid impresses with a clean, clutter-free dashboard design and a straightforward layout. The dash features three large, stylish silver knobs that are easy to operate and feel substantial to the touch. This design choice avoids the frustration of confusing touchscreens or finicky buttons that can plague other vehicles in this category. The gear shift is similarly easy to find and operate, ensuring a smooth driving experience. Standard features include a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control, making the cabin feel luxurious and comfortable. The CR-V’s interior is spacious enough to accommodate five people comfortably, with an emphasis on providing ample legroom and cargo space. The hands-free power liftgate adds an extra layer of convenience, making it easier to load up the vehicle when your hands are full.

The 2025 CR-V Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. This hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 204 horsepower, which is sufficient for everyday driving. While it doesn’t deliver mind-blowing acceleration or a thrilling driving experience, it’s more than capable of getting you where you need to go, whether that’s commuting to work or taking a road trip. All-wheel drive comes standard, adding a layer of confidence for those who live in areas with inclement weather. In terms of fuel economy, the CR-V Hybrid impresses, achieving approximately 34 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. This makes it a great option for drivers looking for a more eco-friendly vehicle without sacrificing practicality or performance.

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is available in three trims, each offering a different set of features to suit a variety of needs and budgets. The base Sport Hybrid starts at $34,350, while the Sport-L Hybrid, which adds more premium features, is priced at $37,350. The top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid, which comes fully loaded with features and amenities, starts at $40,800. Given its competitive pricing, the CR-V Hybrid offers excellent value for those looking for a reliable, efficient, and well-equipped vehicle.

Behind the wheel, the 2025 CR-V Hybrid is a joy to drive for those seeking comfort and convenience. The large gearshift stalk and intuitive controls make for an easy driving experience, and the vehicle’s handling is nimble and responsive around town. During a 300-mile test drive, the CR-V Hybrid performed well, offering ample comfort and a smooth ride, even over longer distances. However, the CR-V Hybrid does have a few drawbacks when it comes to highway driving. The vehicle can be noisy when overtaking other cars or accelerating at higher speeds, especially when in SPORT mode. It doesn’t have the power to be considered a performance vehicle, but that’s not what it’s designed for. Once you adjust your expectations and understand that the CR-V Hybrid is built more for practicality and comfort than raw power, it’s easy to appreciate its strengths. Where the CR-V Hybrid excels is in its ability to transport families with ease. The spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and excellent fuel efficiency make it an ideal choice for road trips or daily commutes. The inclusion of advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking gives added peace of mind, making the CR-V Hybrid a reliable and family-friendly vehicle.

Honda’s suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies, known as Honda Sensing, comes standard on the CR-V Hybrid. This includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle also features multiple airbags, a rearview camera, and parking sensors, ensuring that you stay safe and aware of your surroundings at all times.

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, its hybrid components are covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid continues to be a strong contender in the compact SUV market. Its reputation for reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency is well-earned, and the addition of hybrid power makes it an even more appealing option for eco-conscious buyers. While it may not be the flashiest or most exciting vehicle on the road, the CR-V Hybrid excels in providing a practical, comfortable, and efficient ride for families and commuters alike. It’s a vehicle that’s easy to recommend for those seeking a dependable and well-rounded hybrid SUV.