2025 Honda CR-V Review: Complete Analysis

2025 Honda Cr V

The Honda CR-V has been America's best-selling SUV for years, and the 2025 model year brings meaningful updates to Honda's compact crossover formula. With a refreshed exterior design, updated interior technology, and improved hybrid powertrain options, the CR-V continues to target families who prioritize reliability, fuel economy, and practical everyday usability over flashy performance or luxury appointments.

For 2025, Honda has addressed several owner complaints from previous generations while maintaining the core attributes that made the CR-V successful: spacious interior packaging, strong resale value, and Honda's reputation for long-term reliability. The question is whether these updates are enough to maintain the CR-V's competitive edge in an increasingly crowded compact SUV segment that includes strong competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester.

After spending a week with the 2025 CR-V in various trim levels and driving conditions, we've evaluated every aspect that matters to potential buyers. This comprehensive analysis covers performance, interior space, technology features, safety ratings, fuel economy, pricing, and real-world ownership considerations to help you determine if the CR-V deserves a spot on your shopping list.

What's New for 2025

Honda has made several notable improvements to the CR-V for the 2025 model year, addressing feedback from owners and keeping pace with competitive developments. The most visible change is a refreshed front fascia that incorporates Honda's latest design language, featuring a more prominent grille and updated LED headlight signature that gives the CR-V a more modern and assertive appearance.

Inside, the 2025 CR-V receives an updated infotainment system with a larger 9-inch touchscreen (up from 7 inches on base models) that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system also features improved voice recognition and faster processing speeds that address previous complaints about sluggish performance.

The hybrid powertrain, available on EX-L and Touring trims, has been refined with improved electric motor integration and updated battery chemistry that provides better fuel economy and smoother operation. Honda has also expanded the availability of Honda Sensing safety features, making adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist standard across all trim levels.

Additional updates include new wheel designs, expanded color options including a new Radiant Red Metallic paint, and improved sound deadening materials that reduce road and wind noise at highway speeds. Honda has also simplified the option packages, making it easier for buyers to get the features they want without paying for unnecessary extras.

Engine and Performance

Engine Options

Driving Experience

The 2025 CR-V offers two distinct powertrain personalities, each targeting different buyer priorities. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provides adequate power for most driving situations, delivering smooth acceleration for highway merging and city driving. The engine produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, which feels responsive around town but can feel strained when fully loaded with passengers and cargo on steep highway grades.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been improved for 2025 with better programming that reduces the rubber-band effect common in earlier Honda CVTs. During normal driving, the transmission operates smoothly and efficiently, though it still exhibits some drone under hard acceleration. Honda has added simulated gear steps to provide a more conventional feel when accelerating, which helps reduce the disconnected sensation that some drivers dislike about CVTs.

The hybrid powertrain, available on EX-L and Touring models, transforms the CR-V's character significantly. The combination of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors produces 204 combined horsepower and an impressive 247 lb-ft of torque. This additional torque is immediately noticeable, providing stronger acceleration from stops and more confident passing power on highways. The 0-60 mph time drops to 7.8 seconds, making the hybrid CR-V genuinely quick for its class.

Honda's hybrid system operates seamlessly, switching between electric-only, hybrid, and engine-only modes without driver intervention. At low speeds, the CR-V can run on electric power alone for short distances, contributing to its excellent fuel economy in city driving. The transition between power sources is smooth and nearly imperceptible, representing a significant improvement over Honda's earlier hybrid systems.

Handling characteristics remain focused on comfort and stability rather than sportiness. The CR-V's suspension tuning prioritizes ride quality over sharp handling, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a comfortable ride for passengers. Steering is light and easy, making parking and maneuvering effortless, though it lacks the precision and feedback that driving enthusiasts might prefer. Body roll is well-controlled for an SUV of this size, and the CR-V feels stable and predictable in normal driving conditions.

All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels and operates automatically, sending power to the rear wheels when traction is needed. The system works well in snow and light off-road conditions, though the CR-V isn't designed for serious trail work. Ground clearance of 8.2 inches is adequate for most situations that typical SUV buyers encounter.

Interior Design and Comfort

Seating and Space

The CR-V's interior remains one of its strongest selling points, maximizing passenger and cargo space within its compact exterior dimensions. Honda's efficient packaging provides generous room for both front and rear passengers, with rear legroom that rivals some midsize SUVs. Adults can sit comfortably in the back seat even on longer trips, and the flat rear floor makes the middle position more tolerable for shorter journeys.

Front seats offer good support and comfort, with eight-way power adjustment on EX and higher trims. The driver's seat provides a commanding view of the road while maintaining easy entry and exit. Seat materials range from cloth on base LX models to leather-appointed surfaces on Touring trim, with all options providing good durability and comfort for daily use.

Interior materials show noticeable improvement for 2025, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels that feel more premium than previous generations. The overall design is clean and functional, prioritizing usability over flashy styling. Storage solutions are abundant, including a large center console, door pockets sized for water bottles, and multiple cup holders throughout the cabin.

Cargo space measures 39.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 75.8 cubic feet with them folded, providing excellent utility for family hauling duties. The cargo floor is low and flat, making it easy to load heavy items, and the wide opening accommodates bulky objects. The rear seats fold nearly flat with a convenient 60/40 split, and the process requires only a simple pull of the seat-back levers.

Climate control is effective and quiet, with dual-zone automatic temperature control standard on EX and above. The system maintains consistent temperatures and responds quickly to adjustments. Rear passengers get their own air vents, ensuring comfort for all occupants.

Technology and Features

Infotainment System

The 2025 CR-V's infotainment system represents a significant improvement over previous generations, addressing many of the usability complaints that plagued earlier Honda systems. The standard 9-inch touchscreen (7-inch on base LX) features a more intuitive menu structure and faster response times that make it easier to use while driving.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration without cables. The system maintains a stable connection and provides quick access to navigation, music, and communication apps. Voice recognition has been improved and now understands natural speech patterns more effectively, reducing the need for specific command phrases.

The built-in navigation system, available on EX-L and Touring trims, provides clear directions with real-time traffic updates. The map graphics are crisp and easy to read, though many users will likely prefer using their smartphone navigation apps through CarPlay or Android Auto.

Audio quality varies by trim level, with base models receiving a four-speaker system that provides adequate sound quality for casual listening. The available Bose premium audio system, standard on Touring trim, delivers significantly better sound quality with nine speakers and improved bass response that enhances the listening experience for music enthusiasts.

Driver Assistance Features

Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance features come standard on all 2025 CR-V models, representing excellent value in the compact SUV segment. The suite includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation.

The adaptive cruise control system works smoothly in stop-and-go traffic, maintaining appropriate following distances and bringing the vehicle to a complete stop when necessary. Resume function works intuitively, and the system handles most highway driving situations without intervention. Lane keeping assist provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered, though it requires active driver supervision and will disengage if it doesn't detect hands on the steering wheel.

Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on EX and higher trims, providing helpful warnings when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The systems work reliably and provide clear visual and audible alerts without being overly intrusive.

The collision mitigation braking system has been updated for 2025 with improved pedestrian and cyclist detection. The system can detect and react to potential collisions at both low and high speeds, providing emergency braking when the driver doesn't respond to warnings. While these systems are excellent safety additions, they should be considered assistive technologies rather than replacements for attentive driving.

Safety and Reliability

Crash Test Results

The 2025 Honda CR-V continues the model's strong safety tradition with top ratings from both major testing organizations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the CR-V its Top Safety Pick designation, noting particularly strong performance in crash protection and headlight effectiveness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the CR-V a five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags for front passengers, side curtain airbags covering both rows, and a driver's knee airbag. The CR-V's body structure has been engineered to manage crash energy effectively, protecting occupants while minimizing intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Honda's reputation for reliability remains strong, with the CR-V consistently ranking among the most dependable vehicles in its class. J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study has historically rated the CR-V above average, and Consumer Reports includes it among their recommended vehicles. Common maintenance items are reasonably priced, and Honda's extensive dealer network ensures service availability nationwide.

The 2025 CR-V is covered by Honda's standard warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain coverage. The hybrid system receives additional coverage with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on major hybrid components, providing peace of mind for buyers concerned about long-term hybrid system reliability.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Fuel economy represents one of the CR-V's strongest competitive advantages, particularly with the hybrid powertrain option. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers respectable efficiency for a non-hybrid SUV, achieving EPA ratings of 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 29 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.

In real-world testing, the turbocharged CR-V consistently achieved fuel economy close to EPA estimates. During a week of mixed driving including city commuting, highway travel, and suburban errands, our test vehicle averaged 29.8 mpg, which closely matches the EPA combined rating. Highway fuel economy at steady 70 mph speeds often exceeded EPA estimates, reaching 35-36 mpg in favorable conditions.

The hybrid models deliver exceptional efficiency that rivals some compact cars. EPA ratings of 40 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models and 37 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive versions represent significant improvements over the standard engine. The hybrid's advantage is most pronounced in city driving, where the electric motors provide maximum benefit during stop-and-go conditions.

During testing, the hybrid CR-V achieved an impressive 41.2 mpg in mixed driving, with city driving often exceeding 45 mpg. Highway efficiency, while still excellent, drops slightly to around 38 mpg due to the reduced benefit of electric assistance at steady speeds. The hybrid system's regenerative braking helps maximize efficiency by capturing energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration.

Fuel tank capacity of 14.0 gallons provides excellent driving range, particularly with the hybrid powertrain. Hybrid models can achieve over 500 miles of range in optimal conditions, making them excellent choices for road trips and reducing the frequency of fuel stops for daily commuting.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Honda has structured the CR-V's trim levels to provide clear value propositions for different buyer priorities. The base LX trim, starting at $30,100, includes an impressive array of standard equipment including Honda Sensing safety features, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the LX represents good value, most buyers will find the EX trim's additional features worth the $2,300 premium.

The EX trim, starting at $32,400, adds a power moonroof, 9-inch touchscreen, power driver's seat, and blind spot monitoring. These features significantly enhance the ownership experience, and the EX represents the sweet spot in the CR-V lineup for most buyers. The larger touchscreen alone makes a noticeable difference in usability, and the power moonroof adds an airy feeling to the cabin.

EX-L trim, at $34,900, introduces leather-appointed seating, a power liftgate, and heated front seats. This trim level also marks the entry point for hybrid availability, which adds $1,200 to the price but provides substantial fuel economy improvements that can offset the premium through reduced fuel costs over time.

The range-topping Touring trim, starting at $37,500, includes premium features like the Bose audio system, built-in navigation, hands-free power liftgate, and additional exterior styling elements. While these features are nice to have, the price premium over EX-L is substantial, and many buyers will find the EX-L provides sufficient luxury and convenience features.

All-wheel drive adds $1,500 to any trim level, which is reasonable compared to competitors. Given the CR-V's strong resale value and the practical benefits of all-wheel drive in various weather conditions, this option is often worth considering, particularly for buyers in regions with challenging weather.

Competition and Alternatives

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, with several strong alternatives to the CR-V that offer different strengths and characteristics. The Toyota RAV4 remains the CR-V's closest competitor, offering similar practicality with more rugged styling and standard all-wheel drive on most models. The RAV4's interior isn't as spacious as the CR-V's, but it provides better ground clearance and a more adventurous image that appeals to some buyers.

The Mazda CX-5 offers a more premium interior and superior driving dynamics compared to the CR-V, with more precise steering and better handling characteristics. However, the CX-5's rear seat and cargo space are smaller than the CR-V's, and its infotainment system lacks the intuitive operation of Honda's latest setup.

Subaru's Forester provides standard all-wheel drive and more ground clearance than the CR-V, making it a better choice for buyers who need genuine off-road capability. The Forester's interior is practical and spacious, though it lacks the refined feel and fuel economy of the CR-V hybrid.

The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage offer more distinctive styling and longer warranties than the CR-V, along with competitive feature content. However, both lack the CR-V's reputation for long-term reliability and strong resale value, which are important considerations for many buyers.

For buyers considering hybrid efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers similar fuel economy to the CR-V hybrid but with standard all-wheel drive. The RAV4 Hybrid's higher price and less refined driving experience make the CR-V hybrid competitive, particularly for buyers who prioritize comfort and interior space over off-road capability.

Ownership Costs and Considerations

The Honda CR-V has historically been one of the most cost-effective vehicles to own in the compact SUV segment, combining reasonable purchase prices with low maintenance costs, strong reliability, and excellent resale values. Insurance costs for the CR-V are typically below average for the SUV class, thanks to its strong safety ratings and low theft rates.

Maintenance costs remain reasonable, with Honda's recommended service intervals helping keep routine maintenance affordable. Oil changes are required every 7,500 miles under normal driving conditions, and Honda's Maintenance Minder system helps owners track service needs. Major maintenance items like transmission service and brake replacement typically occur at reasonable intervals, and parts availability is excellent due to Honda's large dealer network.

The CR-V's strong resale value helps offset ownership costs significantly. Kelley Blue Book consistently ranks the CR-V among the vehicles with the highest resale values in its class, with well-maintained examples retaining 60-65% of their original value after three years. This strong resale performance makes the CR-V an excellent choice for buyers who plan to trade or sell their vehicle after a few years.

Fuel costs represent a significant advantage for the CR-V, particularly hybrid models. Based on current fuel prices and 15,000 miles of annual driving, hybrid CR-V owners can expect to save $600-800 per year in fuel costs compared to the average compact SUV. Over a typical ownership period, these savings can more than offset the hybrid system's purchase premium.

Financing and leasing options for the CR-V are typically competitive, with Honda Financial Services often offering attractive rates for qualified buyers. The CR-V's strong resale value makes it an excellent candidate for leasing, as the high residual values result in lower monthly payments compared to vehicles with weaker resale performance.

Pros and Cons

Should You Buy the 2025 Honda CR-V?

The 2025 Honda CR-V successfully builds upon the strengths that have made it America's best-selling SUV while addressing many of the complaints that owners had about previous generations. The improved infotainment system, refined hybrid powertrain, and enhanced interior materials make this the most appealing CR-V yet, while maintaining the practical advantages that buyers have come to expect.

For families seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV with excellent space utilization and strong resale value, the CR-V remains an outstanding choice. The hybrid powertrain option provides exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing performance, making it particularly attractive for buyers with longer commutes or those who prioritize environmental considerations.

The CR-V is an ideal choice for first-time SUV buyers, empty nesters who want something higher than a sedan but don't need a large SUV, and families who prioritize practicality over performance or luxury. Its reputation for reliability and low ownership costs makes it especially appealing to buyers who plan to keep their vehicle for many years.

However, buyers seeking more engaging driving dynamics might prefer the Mazda CX-5, while those who need genuine off-road capability should consider the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. The CR-V's focus on comfort and efficiency means it's not the most exciting SUV to drive, though it excels at the daily transportation duties that most buyers actually need.

Overall, the 2025 Honda CR-V earns our strong recommendation for buyers seeking a well-rounded, practical SUV that prioritizes reliability, efficiency, and family-friendly features over flashy performance or luxury appointments. Its combination of space, efficiency, and value continues to set the standard in the compact SUV segment.