Everything We Know About the 2025 Honda CR-V Release
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get into a Honda CR-V, the 2025 model year is shaping up to be a fascinating one—not because of a complete redesign, but because of how Honda is refining an already award-winning formula.
The 2025 Honda CR-V carries over largely unchanged from the excellent 2023 redesign, but there are some key updates, price adjustments, and—depending on where you live—some surprising changes to the powertrain lineup .
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the 2025 Honda CR-V, from pricing and trim levels to what’s actually new.
What’s New for the 2025 Honda CR-V?
Here’s the honest truth: the 2025 CR-V doesn’t get a major overhaul. And honestly, that’s okay. The current-generation CR-V, which debuted in 2023, is already one of the best compact SUVs on the market. It has a high-quality interior, excellent driving dynamics, and one of the most compelling hybrid powertrains in the segment .
The main changes for 2025 are:
- Slight Price Increases: Most trims went up by a couple hundred dollars, which is pretty standard year-over-year .
- Trim Level Structure Remains the Same: The 2025 CR-V is offered in six trims, split between gas and hybrid powertrains .
- Regional Differences: In some markets, like Thailand, the 2025 CR-V has moved to a hybrid-only lineup and dropped the third-row seating option . (More on this below!)
In short: if you loved the 2023 or 2024 CR-V, you’ll love the 2025. It’s the same great SUV with a few minor tweaks.
2025 Honda CR-V Trims and Pricing
The 2025 Honda CR-V lineup is split into two distinct paths:
- Gas-Powered Trims: LX, EX, and EX-L. These use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Hybrid Trims: Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring. These use a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain .
One of the most important things to know is that you can’t get a hybrid with the traditional LX, EX, or EX-L trim names, and you can’t get a gas engine with the Sport trims. They are completely separate .
Here’s the breakdown of starting MSRPs for 2025 (including destination charges):
Gas-Powered CR-V Trims
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP (with destination) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 1.5L Turbo | FWD | $31,450 |
| LX AWD | 1.5L Turbo | AWD | $32,950 |
| EX | 1.5L Turbo | FWD | $33,700 |
| EX AWD | 1.5L Turbo | AWD | $35,200 |
| EX-L | 1.5L Turbo | FWD | $36,350 |
| EX-L AWD | 1.5L Turbo | AWD | $37,850 |
Hybrid CR-V Trims
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP (with destination) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 2.0L Hybrid | FWD | $35,700 |
| Sport AWD | 2.0L Hybrid | AWD | $37,200 |
| Sport-L | 2.0L Hybrid | FWD | $38,700 |
| Sport-L AWD | 2.0L Hybrid | AWD | $40,200 |
| Sport Touring | 2.0L Hybrid | AWD | $42,150 |
As you can see, the hybrid models command a premium, but many experts—including those at Autoblog and Edmunds—strongly recommend opting for the hybrid. It’s more powerful (204 horsepower vs. 190), more fuel-efficient, and generally better to drive .
2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid: The One to Get?
If there’s one piece of advice that keeps coming up in reviews of the 2025 CR-V, it’s this: get the hybrid. The hybrid models offer a combined 204 horsepower, which is a noticeable step up from the gas engine’s 190 horsepower . The fuel economy is also excellent, with the front-wheel-drive hybrid getting an estimated 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway .
The hybrid trims also tend to have a sportier look. The Sport trim, for example, comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and gloss-black exterior accents. The top-of-the-line Sport Touring adds features like a premium Bose audio system, a navigation system, a hands-free power tailgate, and a heated steering wheel .
“The hybrid models are so excellent and command only a small price premium, the entire model line still gets our nod.” — Autoblog, reviewing the 2025 Honda CR-V
What Are the Best 2025 CR-V Trims?
Edmunds Recommends: The EX-L
Edmunds suggests that the EX-L gas trim is the “sweet spot” for most buyers. It hits the perfect balance between price and features, offering leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, and a larger infotainment screen .
Our Take: The Sport Hybrid
If you can stretch your budget a little, the Sport Hybrid is an incredible value. You get the more powerful hybrid powertrain, the sportier appearance, and solid standard features. It’s the perfect blend of efficiency, performance, and style.
The Top Dog: Sport Touring Hybrid
If money is no object and you want the absolute best CR-V has to offer, the Sport Touring is the one to get. It comes fully loaded with every feature Honda offers, including standard all-wheel drive, a premium audio system, navigation, and the hands-free power tailgate .
International News: What’s Happening in Other Markets?
Here’s where things get interesting. While the US market is getting a carryover CR-V with minor price adjustments, some international markets are seeing bigger changes.
Thailand Goes Hybrid-Only
Honda has made a bold move in Thailand by dropping the 1.5-liter turbo engine entirely from the 2025 CR-V lineup. The CR-V is now hybrid-only in Thailand, using the 2.0-liter e:HEV system. The Thai market CR-V also ditched the third-row seating, focusing exclusively on a five-seat layout .
The Thai version also gets some tech upgrades that the US market might see in the future, including:
- Google Built-in integration
- A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Cross Traffic Monitor
- Ventilated front seats
- A 12-speaker Bose sound system
China: The “30th Anniversary” Edition
In China, Honda celebrated the CR-V’s 30th anniversary with a special “Glory Edition” model, which launched with a starting price of around 145,900 yuan (about $20,000 USD). This edition features the updated Honda CONNECT 4.0 infotainment system with Baidu navigation, “Sing Bar,” “Watch as You Like,” and other entertainment apps .
2025 Honda CR-V Specifications
Here’s a quick look at the key specs for the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which is the one most experts recommend :
- Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid
- Horsepower: 204 hp
- Torque: 138 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Fuel Economy (FWD): 43 city / 36 highway
- Fuel Economy (AWD): 40 city / 34 highway
- Cargo Space (behind rear seats): 39.3 cubic feet
- Cargo Space (rear seats folded): 76.5 cubic feet
- Seating: 5 passengers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2025 Honda CR-V have a spare tire?
In some markets, the 2025 CR-V has replaced the traditional spare tire with a tire repair kit and inflator to save weight and increase cargo space. This appears to be a change in certain regions .
Is the 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid AWD?
All of the 2025 CR-V Hybrid trims—Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring—are available with all-wheel drive. In fact, the range-topping Sport Touring comes with AWD as standard equipment .
Does the 2025 CR-V have remote start?
Yes, remote start is available as a standard feature across the 2025 CR-V lineup .
What is the most reliable 2025 CR-V trim?
Honda has a strong reputation for reliability across all trims. However, the hybrid models use a proven powertrain that has been refined over several years and is known for its smooth operation and durability.
What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The 2025 Honda CR-V has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds when properly equipped .
Which 2025 CR-V trim has the best fuel economy?
The front-wheel-drive hybrid models (Sport and Sport-L) get an estimated 40 mpg combined, with 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway .
Is the 2025 Honda CR-V Right for You?
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that does everything well—spacious interior, great fuel economy, strong safety ratings, and a refined driving experience—the 2025 Honda CR-V is an outstanding choice . It’s not a revolutionary year, but it doesn’t need to be. The CR-V is already one of the best vehicles in its class, and the 2025 model continues that tradition.
If you’re on a budget, the LX is a fantastic value with standard Honda Sensing® safety features. If you want the best all-around package, the EX-L is hard to beat. And if you want the most advanced and efficient CR-V, the Sport Hybrid is the one to get.
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