2025 Honda Model Changes: What’s New and What’s Being Discontinued
There’s something uniquely satisfying about watching Honda engineers perfect what was already great—like adding hybrid power to the legendary Civic or dropping a trim that nobody really needed anyway.
The 2025 Honda Lineup: Evolution Over Revolution
Honda’s 2025 model year brings strategic updates rather than dramatic overhauls. The Japanese automaker is playing smart—enhancing proven winners while streamlining their offerings. If you’ve been following Honda’s moves, you know they don’t chase trends. They set them.
What’s Actually Being Discontinued in 2025?
Let’s clear the air right away. No, Honda didn’t kill off any entire models in 2025. But they did trim some fat from their lineup, and honestly? Most drivers won’t miss what’s gone.
The Honda Accord dropped its EX trim, making the LX the new entry point. But here’s the twist—Honda replaced the discontinued EX with a sportier SE model that features black exterior accents and upgraded features. So technically, they didn’t really lose anything.
The Pilot said goodbye to its base LX trim, pushing the Sport trim to entry-level status. Yes, that means a price bump of about $3,110 over the previous base model. But you’re getting more standard features, so it’s not just empty marketing talk.
The Odyssey minivan also dropped its base EX trim for 2025, continuing Honda’s strategy of eliminating bargain-basement models in favor of better-equipped starting points.
The reality check: Honda isn’t discontinuing vehicles out of weakness. They’re consolidating their trim walks to focus on what customers actually buy. Smart business.
The Big News: Civic Hybrid Returns With Authority
Now here’s the fun part. After years away, the Civic Hybrid makes its comeback for 2025 with a completely redesigned powertrain.
Civic Hybrid: The Numbers That Matter
The new Civic Hybrid generates 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque using two electric motors paired with a 2.0-liter engine. That’s more power than the sporty Civic Si, but with fuel economy that’ll make your wallet smile.
The Civic Sedan hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 50 MPG in the city and 47 MPG on the highway. Let that sink in. You’re getting near-Prius efficiency in a car that doesn’t scream “I’m trying to save the planet!”
But there’s a catch. Honda discontinued the previously available 180-horsepower turbocharged engine when they introduced the hybrid. For non-hybrid models, a new 2.0-liter engine producing 150 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque now serves as the base powerplant.
Translation: You either go efficient with the base engine or embrace the hybrid. There’s no middle ground anymore.
Exterior and Interior Enhancements
Every 2025 Civic received a reworked front fascia and grille with darker taillights. It’s subtle, but it freshens the look enough that people will notice.
The Civic Hatchback introduces Google Built-In suite, featuring Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to the Google Play Store. Everything’s voice-activated, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Accord Gets Refined, Not Reinvented
The Accord enters 2025 just two years removed from a full redesign, so changes are measured. The new SE trim slots above the LX and takes a sportier path with enhanced equipment.
Hybrid Accords Get Premium Treatment
Here’s where it gets interesting. All 2025 Accord Hybrid models now come with heated front seats and a wireless charging pad as standard equipment. The top-level Accord Touring adds a heated steering wheel.
Yes, hybrid prices increased. The Accord Hybrid now starts at $34,750, up $760 from last year. But you’re getting tangible upgrades, not just a price hike for inflation’s sake.
Performance That Surprises
The Accord Hybrid hits 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph, while the non-hybrid manages 0-60 in 7.3 seconds. These aren’t sports car numbers, but they’re competitive—and the hybrid does it while delivering an EPA rating of 51 city/44 highway MPG.
“Honda’s engineering philosophy balances everyday practicality, advanced technology, and a fun-to-drive spirit that has won over millions of drivers worldwide.”
Odyssey Minivan: Still Relevant, Now Cooler
Family haulers don’t usually get people excited, but Honda made the Odyssey interesting for 2025.
The Odyssey receives a restyled front fascia with a new grille design and larger foglight surrounds, plus rear fascia changes with vertical reflectors borrowed from the Acura NSX. Yes, your minivan shares DNA with a supercar. How cool is that?
Inside, a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen (up from 8 inches) now come standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all models. Second-row passengers get a larger 12.8-inch entertainment system display.
New paint colors include Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl, giving the Odyssey fresh style options.
Pilot and Passport: The SUV Heavyweights
Pilot’s Black Edition Debut
The 2025 Pilot introduces a range-topping Black Edition that sits above the Elite trim. This isn’t just black paint and badges—it’s a comprehensive appearance package with unique styling inside and out.
The Pilot carries over its 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive Pilots are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, while all-wheel-drive variants can handle up to 5,000 pounds.
Passport: Patience Required
The 2025 Passport stands pat with no changes, as an all-new 2026 model is coming. If you’re considering a Passport, you might want to wait. The redesign promises more rugged styling and improved capability.
CR-V: Steady as She Goes
The HR-V and CR-V carry over mostly unchanged for 2025, which makes sense—both received major updates recently.
The CR-V remains powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower in gas form. The CR-V Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for 204 horsepower.
The CR-V achieves 0-60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the CR-V Hybrid reaches 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Not blistering, but competitive.
Special Edition: CR-V e:FCEV
Here’s something wild. Honda introduced the CR-V e:FCEV, a hydrogen fuel cell plug-in hybrid available only in California. Production is limited to a few hundred units. It’s experimental, expensive, and probably not practical for most buyers—but it shows Honda’s commitment to exploring alternative energy.
2025 Honda Model Comparison
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 MPH | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic (Base) | 2.0L 4-cyl | 150 hp | ~8.9 sec | $24,250 |
| Civic Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl + Motors | 200 hp | ~7.5 sec | $27,895 |
| Accord (Base) | 1.5L Turbo 4-cyl | 192 hp | 7.3 sec | $28,295 |
| Accord Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl + Motors | 204 hp | 6.7 sec | $34,750 |
| CR-V Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl + Motors | 204 hp | 7.9 sec | ~$38,000 |
Prices include destination charges and represent base MSRP. Dealer pricing may vary.
What About the Future? The Prelude Returns
Honda confirmed the Prelude nameplate returns for 2026 as a hybrid coupe. We’ve only seen concept versions so far, but expectations are high. The Prelude will likely share underpinnings with the current Civic and feature a hybrid powertrain possibly making around 204 hp.
The return of an iconic nameplate? Honda’s playing the nostalgia card, and we’re here for it.
Honda’s Trim Strategy: Method to the Madness
You might be wondering why Honda’s eliminating base trims across their lineup. Here’s the deal: most customers weren’t buying them anyway. People shopping for a $40,000 three-row SUV typically add enough options that they skip right past the base model.
By starting with better-equipped models, Honda simplifies manufacturing, reduces inventory complexity, and delivers vehicles with features people actually want. It’s not greed—it’s efficiency.
Technology and Safety Remain Standard
Every 2025 Honda comes with Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow
- Collision Mitigation Braking System with pedestrian detection
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Engineers also improved handling and suspension tuning across the Civic lineup with new springs and updated suspension, making the most popular Honda even better to drive.
The Fuel Efficiency Game
Honda’s playing the long game with fuel economy. Even their non-hybrid models deliver impressive numbers:
- Civic base: 31 city / 40 highway MPG
- Civic Hybrid: 50 city / 47 highway MPG
- Accord: 29 city / 37 highway MPG
- Accord Hybrid: 51 city / 44 highway MPG
- CR-V: 28 city / 34 highway MPG (FWD)
- CR-V Hybrid: 43 city / 36 highway MPG (FWD)
These numbers mean fewer gas station stops and more money in your pocket. Simple math.
2025 Honda Model Performance vs. Fuel Economy
Compare horsepower and fuel efficiency across Honda’s 2025 lineup
What Honda Got Right (and Wrong)
The Good:
- Bringing back the Civic Hybrid with legitimate performance
- Streamlining trim levels to focus on better-equipped models
- Maintaining Honda’s reputation for reliability and efficiency
- Keeping prices relatively competitive in an expensive market
- Standard advanced safety features across the lineup
The Not-So-Good:
- Eliminating the 180-hp turbo option for non-hybrid Civics
- Price increases across most models (though inflation-adjusted, they’re reasonable)
- Limited availability for some models like the CR-V e:FCEV
- The 2025 Passport being a placeholder year before the redesign
Should You Buy a 2025 Honda?
Depends on what you need. If you’re cross-shopping compact sedans or SUVs, the 2025 Honda lineup delivers proven reliability, strong resale values, and competitive features. The return of the Civic Hybrid is genuinely impressive—you get sporty acceleration with Prius-like efficiency.
If you’re considering a Pilot, the new Black Edition looks sharp. But if you want a Passport, waiting for the 2026 redesign might be smart unless you need a vehicle immediately.
Always test drive multiple vehicles and negotiate dealer pricing. MSRP is just a starting point.
FAQ: Your Honda Questions Answered
Q: What Honda models were discontinued for 2025?
No complete models were discontinued, but several base trims were eliminated including the Accord EX, Pilot LX, and Odyssey EX.
Q: Is the 2025 Civic Hybrid worth the extra cost over the base Civic?
Yes, if you value fuel economy and quicker acceleration—you get 200 hp instead of 150 hp plus near-50 MPG efficiency.
Q: Why did Honda eliminate entry-level trims?
To streamline production and focus on better-equipped models that customers actually purchase, reducing inventory complexity.
Q: Which 2025 Honda has the best fuel economy?
The Accord Hybrid leads with 51 city / 44 highway MPG, followed closely by the Civic Hybrid at 50 city / 47 highway MPG.
Q: Is the 2025 Honda Pilot worth buying or should I wait for 2026?
The 2025 Pilot is solid and relatively fresh from its 2023 redesign, but if you need a Passport, waiting for 2026 makes more sense.
Q: What’s Honda Sensing and is it actually useful?
Honda Sensing is their driver-assist package with adaptive cruise, collision braking, and lane-keeping—it’s genuinely helpful for highway driving and safety.
Q: Are 2025 Honda hybrids reliable?
Honda’s hybrid technology has proven reliable since the early 2000s, and their two-motor system is well-engineered with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid components.
References
- Pacific Honda San Diego – 2025 Discontinued Models
- MotorTrend – 2025 Honda Cars Updates
- Car and Driver – 2025 Honda Civic Review
- Car and Driver – 2025 Honda Accord Review
- Cars.com – 2025 Honda Pilot Changes
- JD Power – 2025 Honda Models Overview
Which Honda model is your daily driver or dream vehicle? Are you excited about the Civic Hybrid’s return or intrigued by the upcoming Prelude? Share your Honda story in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Prices and specifications are accurate as of publication but may change. Always verify current information with your local Honda dealer. Always obey local speed limits and drive responsibly.
