I have been driving cars for many years, and usually, I like something fast or exciting. But life is not always about fast cars. Sometimes, you just need a car that works every time you turn the key. That is why I decided to test the new Honda CR-V Hybrid.
This car is everywhere. You see it at the grocery store, at the school drop-off, and on every highway in America. I wanted to know if it is really that good, or if people just buy it because of the badge.
This review is for normal people. I am not a mechanic. I just want to tell you how this car feels to live with.
Quick Spec Table
Here are the numbers for people who like data.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder + 2 Electric Motors |
| Horsepower | 204 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft |
| Transmission | E-CVT (Automatic) |
| MPG (FWD) | 43 City / 36 Hwy |
| MPG (AWD) | 40 City / 34 Hwy |
| Cargo Space | 36.3 cu ft (seats up) |
| Screen Size | 7-inch or 9-inch |
| Warranty | 3 Year / 36,000 Miles (Basic) |
What is the CR-V Hybrid?
This is a compact SUV. It fits five people. The “Hybrid” part means it uses gas and a battery to move. You don’t plug it in. The car charges itself when you slow down. It is very simple.
For 2025 and the upcoming 2026 models, Honda made it look tougher. It has a big grill and sharp lights. It does not look like a “mom car” anymore.
Exterior: It Looks Handsome
I like the way this car looks. The front hood is long and flat. It makes the car look strong. The wheels are black on the Hybrid models, which looks very sporty.
The back is simple. The taillights go up the side of the window. This is a classic CR-V look. My neighbor said it looks a bit like a Volvo from the back. I think that is a compliment.
One thing I noticed is the doors. The rear doors open almost 90 degrees. This is huge. If you have a baby seat, it is very easy to put it in. You don’t have to twist your back.
Interior: Simple and Clean
When you sit inside, everything makes sense. Honda is very good at this.
The Dashboard
There is a cool metal mesh that goes across the dashboard. It hides the air vents. It looks fancy, but I worry that dust might get stuck in there. The knobs for the AC are real buttons. Thank you, Honda! I hate using a screen to change the temperature.
The Seats
The seats are okay. They are not the softest. After driving for 2 hours, I had to move around a bit. The driver seat has power adjustments, but the passenger seat in the lower trims is manual. For a car that costs over $35,000, that feels a bit cheap.
Technology
The screen is easy to use. It connects to my iPhone without a wire (Wireless CarPlay). It works fast. But the screen is a bit small compared to some other cars like the Kia Sportage. It is 9 inches. It is big enough, but not “wow.”
Also Read My Review of the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid: The Money Saver SUV
Driving: Smooth but Loud
How does it drive?
In the City
This is where the Hybrid shines. When you start, it is silent. It uses the battery to move slowly. It is very smooth. The steering is light, so parking is super easy.
On the Highway
The engine has 204 horsepower. It is enough power to pass slower cars. But when you step hard on the gas pedal, the engine makes a loud droning noise. It sounds like “Moooooo.” It is a bit annoying if you are in a hurry.
The ride is comfortable. It goes over bumps very softly. It feels solid, not bouncy.
One Big Problem
I have to tell you about the steering. On a long straight road, the steering wheel felt a little “sticky.” It didn’t want to move small amounts. I read online that some other owners felt this too. It is not dangerous, just a little weird.
Practicality: It Fits Everything
The trunk is massive. It has about 36 cubic feet of space. I put a big stroller, two bags of groceries, and a gym bag in there, and I still had room.
If you fold the back seats down, it is huge. You could probably sleep in there if you went camping.
There are cup holders everywhere. The center console bin is deep enough to hold a small purse or a big water bottle.
Gas Mileage: Does it Save Money?
The sticker on the window says 40 MPG in the city.
In my real driving, I got about 36 MPG. I drive a mix of highway and city. This is still very good for an SUV. I only had to fill up the gas tank once in a whole week.
However, if you drive mostly on the highway at 75 mph, the MPG drops to about 32. Hybrids are better in stop-and-go traffic.
Trim Levels
There are three main versions of the Hybrid:
- Sport: This is the base one. It has cloth seats and no power tailgate. It starts around $34,500.
- Sport-L: This is the new one. It has leather seats, a power tailgate, and bigger screen. It is the sweet spot. Price is about $37,500.
- Sport Touring: This is the fancy one. It has a Bose sound system (which sounds great) and a heated steering wheel. It costs over $41,000.
Comparison to Rivals
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: The Toyota gets slightly better gas mileage. But the Honda feels bigger inside and looks more modern. The Toyota feels a bit older now.
- Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: The Hyundai has more tech and cool features. It is faster too. But the Honda feels more solid and will probably last longer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: No. This is a big dislike for me. The Hybrid battery takes up the space where the tire usually goes. You only get a repair kit (air pump and goop). If you get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, you are in trouble.
Q: Is the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) good?
A: Yes. It works well in rain and light snow. But this is not a Jeep. Don’t take it off-roading on big rocks.
Q: Is the maintenance expensive?
A: No. Honda is very reliable. Also, Honda now gives you free oil changes for the first 2 years. That saves you some money.
Q: Can I tow a trailer?
A: You can tow a very small trailer. The limit is 1,000 lbs. That is enough for a small jet ski, but not a boat.
Final Verdict
Is the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid worth it?
Yes.
It is not the most exciting car. It is not the fastest. But it is very good at being a car. It is easy to drive, it fits all your stuff, and it sips gas.
If you are a parent or just someone who drives a lot, this car makes life easier. It is like a comfortable pair of shoes. It might not be the most stylish fashion statement, but you will be happy you wore them at the end of a long day.
Just make sure you check if you are okay with having no spare tire. That is the only thing that really bugs me. Otherwise, it is a great choice.
