Sunday Drive: 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid – Great mileage comes with creature comfort
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- As spring is starting to arrive in Utah, we had a great week in the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
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- Inside, the 2025 Honda CR-V had comfort and technology to go.
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- The 2025 Honda CR-V looks great.
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- There is storage space galore in the 2025 Honda CR-V.
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- The 2025 Honda CR-V.
The second false spring in Utah Valley provided the perfect backdrop — at least for the first few days — for getting into a new SUV, as we recently had the chance to spend an early spring week behind the wheel of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
With the promise of increased fuel efficiency, smooth handling and everyday drivability, we put it through a week of real-world driving scenarios. After logging over 400 miles in our usual mix of commuting, errands and weekend outings, the CR-V Hybrid delivered an impressive 39 miles per gallon, proving itself as a new contender in the hybrid SUV market, and it should prove to continue being one of Honda’s most popular vehicles.
First impressions
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid greeted us with an updated, modern design. Having refined its exterior styling with a more aggressive front grille, sharp LED headlights and sleek body lines, Honda has given it a bold yet sophisticated presence.
The SUV’s slightly larger proportions allowed for a more spacious interior, making it an excellent option for families or anyone needing the extra cargo space. Our test model, the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring, came with all the bells and whistles, including black 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and a hands-free power liftgate, adding both style and convenience.
Inside, the CR-V Hybrid continued to impress us. The cabin proved to be very comfortable and inviting, with high-quality materials throughout. Honda’s updated infotainment system now features a 9-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that made connectivity seamless.
The digital instrument cluster provided all the essential driving information we ever need with just a glance, and we appreciated the easy-to-use climate controls and overall ergonomic layout of the SUV. The seats, wrapped in synthetic leather, offered great support for long drives, and the rear seats provide plenty of legroom for passengers.
Driving experience
From the moment we pulled out of the driveway, the 2025 CR-V Hybrid showcased its smooth and refined ride. The combination of a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and two electric motors delivered a total of 204 horsepower, making acceleration brisk yet very controlled.
The e-CVT transmission ensured that we enjoyed seamless shifting throughout the ride, and we found the transition between gas and electric power to be virtually imperceptible.
Throughout our week, we drove the CR-V Hybrid through a variety of conditions — city traffic, highway cruising and winding canyon roads. In city driving, the SUV’s instant torque from the electric motors made stop-and-go traffic easy and fun to navigate, and we appreciated how quietly it operated when running in EV mode at lower speeds.
On the highway, the CR-V Hybrid was controlled and confident, offering a smooth ride and solid passing power when needed. The adaptive cruise control worked flawlessly, making longer stretches more relaxing.
We took it up Spanish Fork Canyon for a quick spring scenic drive and found that the CR-V Hybrid handled the mountain roads in a confidant manner. The all-wheel-drive system provided easy handling on curves, and the regenerative braking system helped add power back to the battery while keeping our descent controlled.
While not a performance SUV, the CR-V Hybrid’s well-balanced ride and responsive steering made it a joy to drive in all settings.
Fuel economy and cost efficiency
One of the biggest draws of the CR-V Hybrid, or any hybrid, would be its fuel efficiency, and our real-world results did not disappoint. Over the course of our 400-mile weekly journey through Utah Valley, we averaged 38 miles per gallon. Compared to a standard gasoline-powered SUV, this hybrid saved us a significant amount at the pump, making it an excellent choice for those looking to cut down on fuel costs.
With gas prices hovering around $2.80 per gallon, the CR-V Hybrid’s fuel efficiency translates to a cost of just over $29 to travel 400 miles. That would be a noticeable savings compared to similarly sized SUVs that may only get 25-30 mpg in mixed driving conditions. For everyone with a long commute or frequent road trips, those savings would add up quickly.
Everyday practicality
As much as we really enjoy the thrill of testing performance cars, we also appreciate vehicles that make daily life easier — and the CR-V Hybrid does just that. Honda has maximized interior space, giving passengers plenty of room while also offering 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the seats folded down, that expands to an impressive 76.5 cubic feet, making grocery runs, weekend getaways and home improvement store trips a breeze — the prefect combination for empty nesters like ourselves.
We loved the hands-free power liftgate every time we were loading up the back with everything from groceries to a weekend hardware project. The rear seats also fold nearly flat, which made it easy to transport larger items.
Another highlight was the CR-V Hybrid’s standard suite of Honda Sensing safety features, including collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist and traffic sign recognition. The 360-degree camera on our Sport Touring trim made parking in tight spots stress-free, and blind-spot monitoring was a helpful addition in city traffic.
Final thoughts
After a full week with the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, we came away thoroughly impressed. It offered a well-rounded blend of efficiency, comfort and practicality, making it a perfect choice for anyone in the market for a fuel-saving SUV. The ride is smooth, the interior is comfortable and tech-forward, and the fuel economy is a standout feature.
For families, commuters and road-trippers alike, the CR-V Hybrid proves to be a smart investment. Honda has fine-tuned its hybrid system to provide seamless operation while maximizing efficiency, and it’s clear they’ve built this SUV with real-world driving needs in mind.
Base price: $40,800
Destination charge: $1,350
Price as driven: $ 42,605
