2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review: The Sensible SUV That (Almost) Makes Boring Cool
Honda’s latest CR-V Hybrid is smarter, sharper, and more efficient than ever—but is it enough to dethrone the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? Let’s find out.*
First Impressions: Still a CR-V, Just a Little Less Bland
Let’s be real—the CR-V Hybrid has never been the cool kid in the compact SUV class. It’s the reliable, sensible choice your accountant would approve of. But for 2025, Honda gave it a subtle glow-up:
What’s New & Improved:
- Sharper styling (blacked-out grille, sleeker LED lights)
- Bigger 9-inch touchscreen (finally, no more Fisher-Price infotainment)
- Hybrid-exclusive wheels (18-inchers that actually look decent) What’s Still Meh:
- No plug-in hybrid option (c’mon Honda, even Ford has one now)
- CVT drone (it’s better but still sounds like a depressed vacuum cleaner)
- No wild color options (where’s my Sonic Gray Pearl with neon accents?)
Verdict: It’s like your dad traded his New Balances for Allbirds—a little fresher, but still dad-approved.
Hybrid Powertrain: Not a Rocket, But Sippin’ Gas Like a Pro
The 2025 CR-V Hybrid keeps the same 2.0L 4-cylinder + dual-motor setup, but Honda tweaked it for smoother power delivery:
- 204 total hp (same as before, but torque is better at low speeds)
- 40 mpg combined (beats the RAV4 Hybrid’s 38 mpg)
- Quicker acceleration? Nah, 0-60 mph in ~7.5 secs (slow and steady wins the MPG race) Real-World Fuel Economy:
- City: 42 mpg (we hypermiled it to 45 mpg once, just to flex)
- Highway: 38 mpg (better than non-hybrid CR-Vs)
- Towing? LOL, 1,500 lbs max (this is not a truck, folks)
Daily Driving: Comfortable, Quiet, (Mostly) Stress-Free
✅ The Good Stuff:
- Ride quality is buttery (thank you, revised suspension)
- Steering is light but precise (perfect for urban jungle crawling)
- Wind noise? Barely any (Honda finally upgraded sound insulation) ❌The Annoyances:
- Brake-by-wire pedal feel (mushy at first, takes getting used to)
- No one-pedal driving (EV mode is basically just for parking lots)
- Rear seats don’t slide (unlike the RAV4’s adjustable bench)
Tech & Infotainment: Finally Caught Up to 2023
Honda’s old infotainment was a crime against usability. The 2025 CR-V Hybrid fixes most of the sins:
- 9-inch touchscreen (still not massive, but responsive)
- Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (no more cable spaghetti)
- 12-speaker Bose system (actually decent for once)
But…
- No built-in navigation (Honda still wants you to use your phone)
- Digital key only on top trims (Toyota offers it standard on the RAV4 Hybrid)
Should You Buy One?
✅ YES if…
✔ You want the best fuel economy in the class.
✔ You prioritize ride comfort over sporty handling.
✔ You don’t care about plug-in hybrids (because Honda won’t give you one).
❌ NO if…
✖ You need more power (RAV4 Hybrid is quicker).
✖ You want a PHEV (Toyota RAV4 Prime exists).
✖ You love big screens (Ford’s 13.2-inch display crushes Honda’s).
Final Verdict: 8/10 – The Grown-Up’s Hybrid SUV
The 2025 CR-V Hybrid isn’t flashy, but it’s the most refined, efficient version yet. If you want a no-nonsense, low-maintenance hybrid, this is it. But if you crave more tech or a plug-in option, the RAV4 Hybrid (or Prime) might be the better pick.
What do you think? Would you take this over a RAV4 or Escape Hybrid? Sound off in the comments!