The Honda CR-V has reigned as a best-selling compact SUV for decades, and for good reason. As Honda’s answer to rivals like the Toyota RAV4, this crossover has consistently evolved, offering fresh styling, updated technology, and, for the past few generations, a fuel-efficient hybrid option. For those seeking a reliable and comfortable daily driver with impressive gas mileage, the CR-V Hybrid, promising upwards of 40 mpg, is an undeniably appealing choice.
The 2025 CR-V Hybrid rolls into the new year largely unchanged from the previous model. This sixth-generation CR-V, sharing its HA platform and interior design with the eleventh-generation Civic, has been available since the 2023 model year. While the standard gasoline-powered CR-V features a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine across three trim levels, the CR-V Hybrid boasts a slightly more powerful 2.0-liter two-motor hybrid system and is offered in Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring trims. Each step up the trim ladder adds more features, including leather interiors, wireless charging (Sport-L and above), and a premium Bose audio system (Sport Touring).
If you’re looking for a quick summary of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, here it is: Honda sold over 400,000 of these vehicles in the U.S. alone last year. This popularity isn’t accidental; it’s a testament to the CR-V Hybrid’s well-rounded nature. Sales continue to climb into 2025, with hybrid models accounting for a significant portion of CR-V purchases. Simply put, it’s an excellent vehicle.
In a crowded compact SUV market, it’s easy to assume all options are similar. However, subtle differences emerge upon closer inspection. The CR-V’s strength lies in Honda’s decades of refinement, resulting in a polished and dependable vehicle across its six generations.
Honda CR-V Hybrid front exterior view in winter
Honda CR-V Hybrid side profile driving on snowy road
CR-V Hybrid Performance and Fuel Economy: Efficiency Meets Everyday Driving
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid largely excels in efficiency and daily performance, making it a strong contender in its class.
This winter has provided ample opportunity to test the “Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control” system. Like the non-hybrid CR-V, the hybrid model uses a mechanical all-wheel-drive system to distribute power between the front and rear axles as needed. This differs from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which employs a separate electric motor for rear-wheel power. While not the advanced i-VTM4 system found in larger Honda SUVs like the Passport and Pilot, this AWD system promises responsive handling in slippery conditions.
While the CR-V Hybrid’s AWD system may not be designed for extreme off-roading, as demonstrated in slip tests, it performs admirably in typical snowy conditions. During winter driving in Colorado, the AWD and traction control systems provided confident handling, even on all-season tires.
Honda CR-V Hybrid driving in snow during winter review
The 204-horsepower powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and two electric motors, offers adequate power for daily driving. While not as potent as some rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid provides sufficient acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds.
However, the trade-off for slightly less power is excellent fuel economy. The EPA estimates between 37 and 43 mpg for the CR-V Hybrid. Real-world city driving during the test week yielded fuel economy in the mid-to-upper 30s, which is still impressive for a vehicle of this size.
Honda CR-V Hybrid front seats and dashboard view in winter
Ride Comfort and Refinement: A Smooth and Quiet SUV Experience
Beyond fuel efficiency, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience that appeals to a wide range of drivers. While the hybrid system involves the engine switching on and off, these transitions are remarkably smooth and barely noticeable. In fact, the transitions may even be smoother than in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Engine noise is well-controlled, becoming noticeable only under hard acceleration.
Overall, both the hybrid and gasoline CR-V models offer a smooth and quiet ride without feeling overly soft or disconnected from the road. While both powertrains offer similar levels of pep, the hybrid clearly excels in fuel efficiency.
Towing capacity is not a strong suit for most compact SUVs, and the 2025 Honda CR-V is no exception. Non-hybrid models can tow up to 1,500 pounds, but the CR-V Hybrid is limited to 1,000 pounds. This is less than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which boasts a 1,750-pound towing capacity, even exceeding the gasoline RAV4.
Honda CR-V Hybrid interior front dashboard and steering wheel view
Interior and Technology: Practicality and User-Friendliness Take Center Stage
As a top-selling compact SUV, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid prioritizes user-friendly technology and practical features. Even the base Sport Hybrid trim includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Honda Sensing safety features include collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and road departure mitigation.
Higher trims offer even more amenities. The Sport-L upgrades to a larger 9-inch infotainment screen from the standard 7-inch unit. While even the larger screen is not the biggest available today, Honda prioritizes physical buttons for essential controls. Like other recent Honda models like the Civic and Accord, the CR-V excels in ergonomics. Buttons are logically placed and easy to use, eliminating the frustration of searching for frequently used functions. The interior is intuitive and requires no learning curve.
The CR-V’s interior design emphasizes practicality and spaciousness. Large windows provide excellent visibility, and both rows offer ample space with wide-opening doors for easy access. While the interior is well-built and functional, it lacks some of the visual flair or cutting-edge technology found in some competitors. There are no options for lighter interior trims (besides seat colors), advanced semi-autonomous driving features, or massive infotainment screens. The focus is on uncomplicated usability, which aligns well with the needs of many compact SUV buyers.
Honda CR-V Hybrid interior front seats and infotainment system view
Final Verdict: The CR-V Hybrid Remains a Top Pick, Especially When Value is Key
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid consistently earns high marks from reviewers and owners alike. Its appealing styling, spacious and comfortable interior, user-friendly features, and impressive fuel efficiency make it a compelling choice in the small SUV segment. If you’re considering a hybrid SUV, the CR-V Hybrid should definitely be on your shortlist and warrants a test drive, particularly if towing is not a priority.
However, price is a factor to consider, especially with the Sport Touring trim. At over $42,000, the Sport Touring, while well-equipped, becomes quite expensive for the added features. The upgraded Bose sound system and heated steering wheel are nice additions, but may not justify the price increase over the Sport-L.
To maximize value, consider the front-wheel-drive Sport-L trim. Choosing FWD not only saves money but also maximizes fuel economy, achieving up to 40 mpg combined. The Sport-L FWD offers a well-equipped and efficient daily driver at a more reasonable price point of around $39,000. For most buyers, the Sport-L FWD represents the sweet spot in the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid lineup, delivering excellent value and all the key attributes that make the CR-V Hybrid a class leader.
