2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid: A Plug-in Powerhouse with a New Transmission – The Honda CR-V is a highly favored small SUV because of its roomy interior, adaptable luggage space, dependable handling, and exceptional fuel efficiency. The current generation of the CR-V debuted in 2023 with a refreshed design, improved technology, and more safety features. However, Honda is not resting on its laurels and is preparing significant updates for the 2025 model year, especially under the hood. Here’s what we know so far about the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
What’s New for 2025
The biggest news for the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is adding a new plug-in hybrid option to join the existing hybrid version that uses a self-charging system. The plug-in hybrid will provide more power, range, and flexibility for drivers who wish to cut their carbon footprint and save money on petrol.
Another significant change for the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the replacement of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. The CVT was one of the few drawbacks of the otherwise excellent CR-V Hybrid, as it sometimes felt uninspiring and noisy. The new automatic transmission will likely be a 10-speed unit providing smoother, more responsive shifting.
With a few minor changes, like new color options or standard amenities, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid will remain mostly unchanged from the model from the previous year. The design, interior, and technology will remain essentially unchanged.
Design: Exterior and Interior
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid will continue to sport the same design introduced in 2023, which gave the compact SUV a more mature, elegant, and bold look. The front end features a sleek grille with chrome accents, LED headlights with daytime running lights, and a sculpted bumper with fog lights. The side profile showcases the aerodynamic shape of the CR-V Hybrid, with roof rails, chrome window trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear end has LED taillights, a roof spoiler, and a dual exhaust system.
The inside of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid will not change from the model year prior, providing a roomy and cozy cabin that can accommodate up to five people. With the back seats folded down, the CR-V Hybrid boasts one of the roomiest cargo spaces in its class, measuring up to 68.7 cubic feet. Push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger are among the other well-appointed interior features.
The infotainment system of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid will consist of an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a nine-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The instrument cluster will have a 7-inch digital display that shows information such as speed, fuel level, battery charge, hybrid mode, and driving range. The CR-V Hybrid will also come with a host of safety and driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.
Powertrain
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid will offer two powertrain options: self-charging and plug-in hybrid. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors that generate 204 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque will power the self-charging hybrid. With an expected fuel efficiency rating of 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, this system will have an all-wheel drive.
The plug-in hybrid will use a similar setup but with a larger battery pack that will allow it to run on electric power alone for up to 30 miles. This system will have an estimated combined output of over 300 horsepower and an all-wheel-drive configuration. The plug-in hybrid will have an estimated fuel economy rating of over 50 mpg equivalent in combined driving.
With any of the two powerplant options, the CVT will be replaced with a new automatic transmission with a torque converter and perhaps ten speeds. This transmission will provide better performance and efficiency than the CVT. It will also improve the driving feel and sound of the CR-V Hybrid.
Release Date and Price
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is anticipated to go on sale in late 2024 or early 2025. The official pricing has yet to be announced. Still, we expect it to be similar to the current model, which starts at around $31,000 for the base hybrid and goes up to about $38,000 for the top hybrid trim. The plug-in hybrid will likely cost more than the self-charging hybrid, but we need to know how much more.
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid will face some tough competition from other compact SUVs with hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Prime, the Ford Escape Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. However, the CR-V Hybrid has a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and value. The new powertrain and transmission updates will appeal even more to eco-conscious and savvy shoppers.
