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Whether by reputation, timing, or sheer luck, some models come to define their particular class. That’s certainly the case when it comes to the Honda CR-V, a forerunner in the crossover segment that has been on the market for almost 30 years. Honda moved over 360,000 units of the CR-V in 2023 alone, outpacing all the other Honda SUVs for sale to take its place at the top of the lineup. The CR-V has set a new bar in the compact class, combining Honda’s rock-solid reputation for reliability with the sort of comfort and utility that’s made crossovers such a force to be reckoned with in today’s auto market.
This SUV boasts a range of peppy, efficient powertrains––including a relatively new hybrid setup––and enough cargo room for everything your busy life demands you bring along with you. The 2025 model looks to build on the CR-V’s considerable legacy, perfecting the crossover’s successful formula to keep the competition on its toes. Let’s look at some of the highlights of the new model and see how Honda has managed to find so much success with the CR-V.
Turbocharged or Hybrid?
The biggest choice drivers have to make when choosing their 2025 CR-V comes down to the powertrain. Honda introduced a hybrid version of the compact SUV back in 2020, allowing drivers to unlock new levels of efficiency and power. Both versions of the CR-V offer a well-rounded powertrain that’s ideal for a wide range of applications, though the hybrid does have a slightly higher starting price and its own unique trim ladder.
We’ll start with the traditional gas-powered CR-V, which leverages a little forced induction to provide drivers with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is potent enough to speed the CR-V from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which certainly isn’t bad for the compact crossover segment. The CR-V is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but no matter which version you choose, you’ll get access to some unique features like Honda’s Hill Descent Control technology. Perfect for steep grades, Hill Descent Control is a form of low-speed cruise control that gives drivers maximum control no matter what sort of road conditions they might encounter. While the traditional internal combustion version of the 2025 CR-V can’t compete with the hybrid when comparing fuel efficiency, the crossover’s continuously variable transmission does allow it to maximize every gallon with an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.[a]
Then there’s the hybrid. Honda has paired a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with not one but two electric motors to give the CR-V hybrid a total output of 204 hp. That represents a modest improvement over the turbocharged version, though drivers will surely notice a little extra pep in their step when they hit the pedal. The hybrid hits 60 mph slightly faster than the ICE model and offers all-wheel drive as a standard feature on the range-topping Sport Touring trim. Of course, we’re really burying the lead as far as the 2025 CR-V hybrid is concerned: electrification allows the crossover to achieve a stellar EPA-estimated 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway in its front-wheel drive form.[a] The all-wheel drive version posts a respectable 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, but the trade-off for improved traction is sure to be well worth it for drivers who regularly navigate slippery conditions.[a]
Safety Technology
From cargo room and comfort to fuel efficiency and reliability, there are lots of reasons why the Honda CR-V is a good fit for today’s busy families. But while all of these factors are certainly important when choosing a new home on wheels, it’s the CR-V’s commitment to safety that really puts it over the edge. What makes the CR-V such a standout in terms of safety? It all comes down to Honda’s unique approach. While many brands tend to lock advanced safety features behind the “optional equipment” paywall or limit them to higher trims, Honda doesn’t nickel-and-dime drivers when doling out potentially life-saving tech. Case in point: the 2025 CR-V is packed with just about every advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) you can imagine, from features like Lane Departure Warning and a Road Departure Mitigation System to Forward Collision Warning and a Collision Mitigation Braking System. The CR-V’s suite of driver safety tech will enhance confidence on every drive.
The 2025 model even comes standard with Adaptive Cruise Control, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and Auto High-Beam Headlights. While these features are certainly a boon to your daily drive, this level of convenience can almost create its own set of problems. With so much of the driving processing being automated, it’s all too easy to get a little lax when you’re behind the wheel. Honda has engineered around this common problem by outfitting the CR-V with a Driver Attention Monitor that continually tracks engagement to ensure you’re not checking out while moving down the road. The Driver Attention Monitor employs an angle sensor to track how the steering wheel is being manipulated and will send an alert if it detects an excessive amount of abrupt corrections. A four-bar gauge on the digital instrument cluster shows the driver's current attention level, with the Driver Attention Monitor displaying an alert if the level falls below three bars. If the issue persists, the Driver Attention Monitor will activate an audio and visual alert and can even vibrate the steering wheel. In the era of distracted driving, there’s no discounting the importance of this vital safety feature.
Interior and Cargo
Cargo space might not be the first thing people associate with the compact crossover segment, which is part of what makes the 2025 CR-V so notable. With 39.3 cu.ft. of cargo space––and 76.5 cu.ft. with the rear seat folded––the CR-V defies its compact designation to provide a roomy cabin. These generous dimensions make the CR-V a practical choice for those seeking a roomy vehicle that can pack a wide array of cargo, from groceries and camping supplies to sports equipment, pets, and more.
The CR-V also excels when it comes to comfortably accommodating passengers. While providing enough room for five passengers is nothing special in the compact segment, doing so comfortably is often another story altogether. This is especially true when you’re talking about the backseat. While smaller kids and teenagers might not complain, asking an adult to squeeze into a cramped second row can lead to some less-than-comfortable contortions. The CR-V is an impressive exception to this unfortunate trend, with a spacious backseat that boasts 41 inches of rear legroom, 38.2 inches of rear headroom, and 55.9 inches of rear shoulder room. Honda has even packed the CR-V with a few comfort-enhancing features that make the most of the back row, such as rear seats that can recline.
It’s much the same story in the CR-V’s front row, where both the driver and passenger will enjoy 40 inches of headroom, 41.3 inches of legroom, and 57.9 inches of shoulder room. The seats themselves are also worth a mention, with a clever design that delivers the sort of lower-back and pelvic support that can make all the difference on longer rides. Upper trims include a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a two-position memory system, not to mention heated front seats that quickly get up to temperature on those cold winter mornings. The LX, EX, and Sport Hybrid trims come standard with soft-yet-durable cloth seats, while the EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid are treated to high-quality leather that provides a luxurious touch of class.
An Excellent SUV
The Honda CR-V stands as a prime example of everything there is to love about the compact crossover segment. Agile yet spacious, fun yet safe, and peppy yet efficient, the CR-V manages to tick all the boxes without asking drivers to make any sacrifices. With a modest starting price and an ironclad commitment to reliability, the CR-V is tough to beat for drivers who are in the market for an affordable family vehicle that won’t give up when they need it most. The 2025 model might not pack any significant changes when compared to the two previous years, but that’s understandable considering the full-on redesign that accompanied the debut of the sixth-generation model in 2023. With fresh exterior styling, an overhauled engine lineup, and countless interior upgrades that include new features, materials, and more, the sixth-generation CR-V should be able to maintain its place in the compact crossover class for some time to come.