The Honda CR-V has been America’s favorite compact SUV for years, but with so many new options hitting the market, does it still deserve the top spot? After spending time with the 2025 CR-V, we’ll break down everything you need to know before making your decision.
Quick Overview: The Good and Bad
The Good:
- Excellent fuel economy (up to 32 mpg combined)
- Spacious interior for passengers and cargo
- Strong safety ratings and standard Honda Sensing features
- Reliable Honda reputation
- Comfortable ride quality
The Bad:
- CVT transmission feels sluggish at times
- Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds
- Infotainment system isn’t the most user-friendly
- No hybrid option in base trim
Performance and Driving Experience
Engine and Power
The 2025 CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. While this isn’t going to win any drag races, it provides adequate power for daily driving and highway merging.
How It Feels on the Road:
- City driving: Smooth and responsive for stop-and-go traffic
- Highway driving: Confident at 70+ mph, though passing power could be better
- Handling: Not sporty, but predictable and easy to drive
- Braking: Strong and confidence-inspiring
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) does its job but can feel rubber-bandy during acceleration. It’s not a deal-breaker, but drivers who prefer traditional automatics might notice the difference.
Value for Money Analysis
Pricing Breakdown (2025 Model Year)
- LX (Base): Starting around $28,000
- EX: Around $30,500
- EX-L: Around $33,000
- Sport: Around $32,000
Is It Worth the Price? Compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 ($29,200) and Mazda CX-5 ($27,800), the CR-V sits right in the sweet spot. You’re getting:
- More interior space than most rivals
- Better fuel economy than the RAV4
- Lower maintenance costs than German competitors
- Strong resale value protection
Best Value Trim: The EX trim offers the best bang for your buck, adding heated seats, power driver’s seat, and Honda’s excellent suite of safety features for about $2,500 more than the base model.
Technology and Practicality
Interior Space and Comfort
The CR-V shines here. With 105.9 cubic feet of passenger space, it feels roomier than many midsize SUVs. The rear seats are particularly spacious – even tall adults can sit comfortably.
Cargo Space:
- 39.2 cubic feet behind rear seats
- 75.8 cubic feet with seats folded
- Low load floor makes loading heavy items easier
Technology Features
Standard Tech (Even on Base Model):
- 7-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Honda Sensing safety suite
- Multi-angle rearview camera
Higher Trim Upgrades:
- 9-inch touchscreen (EX and above)
- Wireless phone charging
- Premium audio system
- Remote engine start
User Experience: The infotainment system works but isn’t as intuitive as Toyota’s or Hyundai’s latest systems. The physical volume knob is a nice touch that many competitors have eliminated.
Fuel Economy and Practicality
Real-World Fuel Numbers
Honda rates the CR-V at:
- FWD: 28 city / 34 highway / 31 combined mpg
- AWD: 27 city / 32 highway / 29 combined mpg
In our real-world testing, we achieved:
- City driving: 26-27 mpg (with AC and normal driving)
- Highway cruising: 33-35 mpg (at 70-75 mph)
- Combined average: 30 mpg
Cost to Fill Up: With a 14-gallon tank, you’re looking at about $45-50 for a full tank (at current gas prices), giving you roughly 400+ miles of driving range.
Daily Practicality
Family-Friendly Features:
- LATCH anchors in all three rear seating positions
- Plenty of cup holders and storage bins
- Rear doors open wide for easy car seat installation
- Good visibility all around
Commuter Friendly:
- Comfortable seats for long drives
- Quiet cabin (though some wind noise at highway speeds)
- Easy-to-use climate controls
- Ample phone and wallet storage
Honda CR-V vs. Affordable Electric Cars
Should You Consider Going Electric Instead?
With electric cars becoming more affordable, you might wonder if you should skip the CR-V altogether. Here’s how it compares to popular affordable EVs:
CR-V vs. Tesla Model Y:
- CR-V: $28,000 starting, no charging concerns, 400+ mile range
- Model Y: $47,000+ starting, requires charging planning, 330 mile range
- Winner: CR-V for budget-conscious buyers
CR-V vs. Chevy Equinox EV (coming 2024):
- CR-V: Proven reliability, existing service network
- Equinox EV: Expected $30,000 starting, potential federal tax credits
- Winner: Too early to tell, but CR-V wins on reliability track record
CR-V vs. Nissan Ariya:
- CR-V: Lower purchase price, established maintenance network
- Ariya: Higher upfront cost ($40,000+), but lower operating costs
- Winner: CR-V for most buyers, Ariya if you can afford higher upfront cost
Should You Buy the 2025 Honda CR-V?
Buy It If:
- You want a reliable, practical SUV under $35,000
- Fuel economy and low maintenance costs matter to you
- You need proven resale value
- Interior space is a priority
- You prefer gas over electric for convenience
Skip It If:
- You want exciting performance or sporty handling
- The latest tech features are crucial to you
- You’re ready to go electric and have home charging
- Road noise bothers you on long trips
What We Think?
The 2025 Honda CR-V isn’t the most exciting SUV you can buy, but it’s one of the smartest purchases in the compact SUV segment. It delivers exactly what most American families need: reliability, practicality, good fuel economy, and strong value retention.
While affordable electric cars are becoming more tempting, the CR-V still makes sense for buyers who want the convenience of gas, proven reliability, and a lower purchase price. Unless you’re specifically looking to go electric or need luxury features, the CR-V remains a safe, smart choice that you’re unlikely to regret.
Our Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Best For: Families, commuters, and first-time SUV buyers looking for reliable transportation without breaking the bank.