2025 Honda CR-V Review: Refined, Spacious, and Efficient Family SUV for the Modern Era

The sixth-generation Honda CR-V arrives for 2025, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s best-balanced midsize SUVs. Available in petrol and hybrid (e:HEV) variants, the new CR-V receives a sharper exterior, a more spacious and versatile interior, and Honda’s latest driver-assist technologies. Its ride quality, cabin comfort, and flexible seating (with 5- and 7-seat options) suit large families and urban commuters alike. Hybrid powertrains deliver best-in-class efficiency, and AWD options serve buyers where all-weather traction is essential. While rivals offer more powerful top trims, the CR-V’s blend of usability, safety, and reliability remains hard to beat.

What they’re saying

Good Comments

• “Logical, practical, spacious, and impeccably engineered, the CR-V’s competence is a force of nature.” — The Drive

• “Impressive fuel efficiency ratings, polished hybrid powertrain, spacious and practical interior.” — Car and Driver

• “Smooth and quiet ride without feeling too floaty, numb and lifeless. Both the hybrid and petrol are enjoyable.” — TFL Car

• “Terrific cabin comfort, generous standard safety equipment, and highly usable boot space.” — Carwow

• “Honda’s hybrid system makes the CR-V one of the most efficient family SUVs on sale.” — Autocar

Bad Comments

• “Could use more power; the hybrid model doesn't match EPA highway ratings in real-world tests.” — Car and Driver

• “Low beam headlights are mediocre, much dimmer than other models I’ve owned.” — Reddit

• “Interior plastics are solid but still show a lack of true premium feel in lower trims.” — What Car?

• “Price might put you off compared to rivals, especially in higher trims and hybrid models.” — Carwow

Key Specifications Overview

• Powertrain: 1.5L turbo-petrol i-VTEC (190 hp, CVT); 2.0L hybrid with front-mounted electric motor (204 hp combined, e-CVT)

• Power Output: 190 hp petrol / 204 hp hybrid

• Transmission: CVT (petrol), e-CVT (hybrid)

• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)

• Fuel Economy / Range: Petrol: 7.1–7.7 L/100km (combined); Hybrid: 5.5 L/100km (combined) or up to 40 mpg (FWD, EPA)

• Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in approx. 8.5–7.9 s (hybrid Sport Touring)

• Weight: 1,514–1,900 kg depending on variant

• Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 (varies by trim)

• Cargo Capacity: 589–1,671 liters (5 seat); 150–1,488 liters (7 seat, seats folded)

• Safety Rating: 4-star ANCAP (Australia); 5-star in US / EU models

• Price Range: £35,000–£49,000 UK; $31,500–$38,000 USA; AU$41,900–$60,400 AUS; NZD 54,000–67,000 NZ; €38,000–45,000 EU

Key Specifications Table

Price Range Table

(Ordered: £UK, $USA, AUS, NZ, EU)

Performance and Driving Experience Overview

The new CR-V provides a comfortable, smooth driving experience, whether with the responsive turbo-petrol or the refined hybrid powertrain. Hybrids offer immediate low-end torque and impressive quietness, ideal for city and open road. Handling is safe and predictable, leaning toward comfort over sport, with composed cornering and easy maneuverability. AWD variants enhance grip in poor conditions. Ride quality absorbs bumps well, though body roll is noticeable when pushed. Braking and steering are confidence-inspiring for everyday driving, and Sport Touring trim delivers slightly sharper throttle response.

Interior and Technology

The cabin feels more spacious thanks to clever packaging and slimmer seats. Quality soft-touch materials, thoughtful storage, an uncluttered layout, and an expansive dash integrate a 10.2-inch digital cluster and 9-inch touchscreen in upper trims. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multi-zone climate, heated front seats, panoramic sunroof in upper trims, and power tailgate add comfort and convenience. Driver assistance includes adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, traffic jam assist, blind spot monitor, and Honda Sensing suite. The 5- or 7-seat configuration enhances family practicality, though 7-seat models trade boot space for people-carrying.

Battery and Range Considerations

Hybrid spans a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle petrol and lithium-ion battery (1.1 kWh), providing electric driving in traffic but not pure EV range. Fuel economy can reach 5.5 L/100km combined (Europe/Australia) or 40 mpg US in FWD hybrid. No plug-in options; battery recharges via regenerative braking. Petrol models are slightly thirstier, averaging 7.4 L/100km.

At a Glance Table

Pros and Cons Overview

The CR-V excels in balanced driving, versatility, and smart efficiency. Its strengths are interior space, hybrid powertrain, comfort, and reliability. Downsides include no plug-in or diesel variant, plain interior plastics in base trims, middling real-world EPA fuel numbers for some hybrids, and premium pricing for upper trims.

Pros and Cons Table

Overall Verdict

The 2025 Honda CR-V builds on a global reputation for reliability and practicality, now adding smarter tech, enhanced comfort, and hybrid efficiency. It's ideal for modern families and urban drivers who prioritize space, comfort, and strong fuel economy over pure performance or luxury. Despite firm competition and rising prices, it stands as a benchmark for balanced, low-stress SUV ownership, especially in hybrid form.

Sources

• The Drive

• Car and Driver

• TFL Car

• Carwow

• What Car?

• Honda NZ/AU/US Official

• Autocar