2025 Honda CR-V Review: Features, specs, and performance
2025 Honda CR-V Review
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The year 2025 delivered some really amazing road machines that really tick all the boxes, and the 2025 Honda CR-V is one of them. Now let's take a deep dive into it.
The 2025 Honda CR-V continues to dominate the compact SUV segment, blending practicality, efficiency, and comfort for families and commuters alike. With no major changes from its 2023 redesign, this sixth-generation model retains its reputation as a top contender in the best compact SUV 2025 category. Priced from $31,450, it offers a mix of gas and hybrid powertrains across six trims, catering to diverse needs. This 2025 Honda CR-V review dives into its design, performance, interior, safety, and value to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next ride.
Exterior and Design
The exterior and design of the 2025 Honda CR-V carries over its 2023 redesign, featuring a bold yet practical look. Its upright grille and slim LED headlights give it a modern edge, while the boxy shape maximizes interior space. At 184.8 inches long and 66.5 inches tall, it’s easy to park in urban settings but spacious enough for family trips. The CR-V’s high ground clearance (7.8 inches) suits light off-road use, though it’s not built for rugged trails. Colors like Platinum White Pearl and Canyon River Blue add flair, with the Trail Sport trim introducing a rugged aesthetic via gray wheels and Ash Green Pearl paint. Compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue, the CR-V’s design is understated but functional, appealing to buyers who prioritize utility over flash. Its wide-opening rear doors (near 90 degrees) simplify loading, a practical touch for parents.
Performance and Efficiency
Powertrain options define the 2025 CR-V’s versatility. The base gas model features a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and available all-wheel drive (AWD). It delivers 28/34 MPG (city/highway) with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 26/31 MPG with AWD—solid but not class-leading. The hybrid lineup, starting with the Sport trim, uses a 2.0L engine and dual electric motors for 204 hp, achieving 40/34 MPG (FWD/AWD combined). This makes it a fuel-efficiency champ, especially in city driving, outpacing the RAV4 Hybrid’s 38/35 MPG. Handling is responsive, with a firm suspension that balances comfort and cornering. The hybrid’s seamless engine-off transitions enhance the ride, though the gas model feels underpowered on highways. Towing is limited to 1,500 lbs. (gas) or 1,000 lbs. (hybrid), trailing the RAV4’s 1,750 lbs. For daily drivers, the CR-V excels, but performance enthusiasts might look elsewhere. The Trail Sport trim adds off-road tires and traction tweaks, though its 16.1-degree approach angle limits serious off-roading.
Interior and Cargo
The interior of the 2025 Honda CR-V shines with a spacious, ergonomic cabin. The 106.3-inch wheelbase ensures ample legroom—41.0 inches in the rear—comforting for adults on long trips. Seating for five includes supportive front seats with power adjustments on higher trims (e.g., EX-L), though rear space tightens with three aboard. Cargo capacity is a highlight: 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 76.5 with seats folded—beating the Rogue’s 36.5/74.1 cubic feet. The hybrid’s battery slightly reduces this, but not noticeably. Materials range from hard plastics in the LX to soft-touch surfaces in the Sport Touring ($42,150), which adds leather and ambient lighting. The 7.0-inch touchscreen (LX/EX) or 9.0-inch (EX-L+) supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the interface feels dated next to the Mazda CX-5. Storage includes a large center console and multiple USB ports, ideal for tech-savvy families. Noise cancellation keeps the cabin quiet, a nod to long-haul comfort.
Safety and Technology
Safety is a CR-V strength, earning a 5-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick. Standard Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking—features absent on some base rivals. The Trail Sport adds hill descent control, enhancing low-speed traction. Child seat installation benefits from two LATCH anchors and a middle tether, though the IIHS rates it “Acceptable” due to tricky anchor access. Tech upgrades for 2025 include a 10.2-inch digital cluster on top trims and Google built-in on the Sport Touring, rivaling the Tucson’s infotainment. However, the lack of a 360-degree camera (even on high trims) and basic wireless charging on non-hybrids lag behind competitors. Reliability is predicted at 84/100 (J.D. Power), above average, though some owners report infotainment glitches—a fix Honda should address.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $31,450 (LX FWD), with AWD adding $1,500. Trims escalate to $38,295 (EX-L AWD) for gas models and $43,645 (Sport Touring Hybrid AWD). The hybrid premium ($3,000–$5,000) is justified by 40+ MPG and 204 hp, offering long-term savings. Compared to the RAV4 ($30,000–$40,000) or Tucson ($28,705–$41,295), the CR-V sits mid-range, with stronger resale value (Kelley Blue Book data). Value shines in equipment—standard safety and tech on the LX outpace the Rogue’s base model. However, the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty lacks free maintenance, unlike Toyota’s offer. Ownership costs are moderate, with predicted reliability offsetting higher trim prices. For families prioritizing space and efficiency, the CR-V delivers, though luxury seekers might prefer the CX-5.
Comparison Table: 2025 Honda CR-V vs. Key Rivals
| Model | Starting Price | MPG (City/Hwy) | Horsepower | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | Safety Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V (Gas) | $31,450 | 28/34 (26/31 AWD) | 190 | 39.3–76.5 | 5-star NHTSA |
| Honda CR-V (Hybrid) | $37,025 | 40/34 (37 AWD) | 204 | 36.3–76.5 | 5-star NHTSA |
| Toyota RAV4 | $30,000 | 27/35 (38/35 Hybrid) | 203 | 37.6–69.8 | 5-star NHTSA |
| Hyundai Tucson | $28,705 | 24/29 (37/36 Hybrid) | 191 | 38.7–74.8 | 5-star NHTSA |
My Take Away
The 2025 Honda CR-V remains a benchmark in the best compact SUV 2025 class, excelling in space, safety, and hybrid efficiency. Its unchanged design from 2023 holds strong, with the hybrid’s 40 MPG and 204 hp outshining the gas model’s 28/34 MPG. The interior’s practicality and cargo (76.5 cubic feet) beat many rivals, though tech lags slightly. Priced from $31,450 to $43,645, it offers solid value, especially in hybrid trims, despite a basic warranty. For families or commuters, it’s a reliable pick, though off-roaders might prefer the Trail Sport’s mild upgrades. If fuel savings and space top your list, the CR-V wins.
What do you think of the 2025 CR-V? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Explore more SUV reviews like our 5 budget friendly SUVs in 2025.
Thank you for reading!
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