2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD: The Brand’s Roomy Compact Crossover

Highlight: The front wheel drive CR-V hybrid is capable of racking up 560-miles on a full tank, according to fueleconomy.gov.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $42,605 (Base Sport Trim MSRP): $36,045

Seating Capacity: 5 passenger seating

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a back up camera; a collision mitigation braking system; a road departure mitigation system; a lane departure warning system; a forward collision warning system; a lane keep assist system; a blind spot information system; a cross traffic monitor system; a traffic jam assist system; automatic high beam headlights; a vehicle stability system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist; a hill descent control system; and a tire repair kit

Standard Equipment (Sport Hybrid): 18-inch wheels; 2.0 -liter, 145-horsepower; a two-motor hybrid system; four driving modes: sport, normal, economy and snow; a radar activated cruise control system; a brake hold system; a push button ignition start system; 7-inch information screen; a 6-speaker, 240-watt audio system; illuminated sun visor vanity; heated front seats; a power driver’s seat; cloth seats; a dual zone climate control system; a dual zone climate control system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; and unique sport interior styling  

Standard Equipment (Touring Hybrid): 19-inch wheels; a low-speed braking control system; parking sensors; a 9-inch information screen; a navigation system; a 12-speaker, BOSE audio system with AM/FM/HD/ SiriusXM; wireless Android/Apple CarPlay compatibility; wireless smartphone charging; power window with automatic up/down windows; leather trimmed seats; power driver’s seat with memory control seat; power front seats; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a heated steering wheel; front foot and door handle ambient lighting; a power moonroof; a power tailgate with handsfree access; and rain sensing wipers

Options: Exterior color

Other Trim Levels: Gasoline only

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker BOSE audio system with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes (test model)

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder /145-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 40-city/34-hwy (test model)

Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs

What’s New: Being that the Honda CR-V was redesigned in 2023, there are no new updates this year.

Why:

A roomy stylish design

AWD or Front wheel drive available (hybrid or gasoline)

Hybrid models are more fuel efficient

A variety of trims

Gasoline models

A 12-speaker BOSE audio system available only on higher level hybrid trim

Wireless smartphone charging

Leather seating available

A high-level of safety driving aids

A radar-activated cruise control system

A power moonroof available

An easy-to-use infotainment system

Four driving models available

But:

The CR-V hybrid has a 500-lb lower towing capacity than the comparable gasoline model

Toyota RAV4 hybrid offers the highest towing rating in this segment

The hybrid powertrain is slower than the gasoline model

Hybrid transmission is loud compared to the gasoline model

SiriusXM not available on the base hybrid trim

No plug-in model available

The front wheel drive Kia Sportage Hybrid offers a 589- mile driving range; this is the best in the compact hybrid class.

Verdict: For those seeking an alternative to pure gasoline or electric vehicles, hybrids have gained in popularity recently becoming the perfect alternative. Hybrids typically cost more than a comparable gasoline equivalent, and works best in city driving as opposed to non stop expressway driving. Hybrids provide significantly more miles per gallon and sometime can be slower in terms of horsepower.

Conversely, Honda’s compact CR-V hybrid, which received its last major redesign in 2023, costs $4,500 more than its gasoline equivalent. According to fueleconomy.gov, the city mpg for a gasoline model and a hybrid model is 28 MPG and 43 MPG, respectively. The hybrid literally has 65 percent increase in mileage. And the driving range on a CR-V gasoline model is roughly 420-miles, as compared to a bump of 560 miles on a CR-V hybrid.

Yet, in order to justify the price difference, one will need to keep the CR-V hybrid for at least ten years. The cost savings difference over a five-year period is $2,000 for those who purchase a hybrid over a comparable gasoline model, according to fueleconomy.gov. reasons.

So, for those opting to move forward with Honda’s CR-V hybrid, they have the option of selecting from one of three trims. We tested the higher end Touring trim. The roomy, car-like driving Touring compact was outfitted with such features as 19-inch wheels, a power moonroof, leather seats, a premium sound system and a heated steering wheel.

While there is competition in this segment, in our opinion, Honda’s CR-V hybrid provides a bolder design and more premium features. Conversely, it does comes up a hare short in terms of MPG, towing and warranty, when compared to the competition, its still worthy of keeping on the top of the shopping list.

Competition: Ford Escape Hybrid; Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid; Kia Sportage Hybrid; and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid