The sixth-generation Honda CR-V rolls into the 2025 model year with no real changes to the hybrid and non-hybrid sides of the lineup. However, there is the addition of a plug-in hydrogen fuel cell version called the CR-V EFC EV, which is a name that just rolls right off the tongue.
We’re not going to dive into that one here since it’s a lease-only, California-only version. So, of the standard CR-V models, which one should you buy? Let’s walk through the lineup and figure it out.
Gas-Only Models
You’ve essentially got two paths to go down with the CR-V: hybrid or non-hybrid. Those seeking gas-only versions will be looking at a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood. It pairs with a CVT and produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. You can choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Gas-only models will be found with the LX, EX, and EX-L trims.
CR-V LX
Let’s start with the CR-V LX. On the outside, it has 17-inch wheels and LED headlights. On the inside, it has cloth trim on the seats, auto climate control, and push-button start.
Honda fits a 7-inch touchscreen display in the center for the infotainment. The four-speaker, 160-watt audio system can pump out your tunes via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
As for the safety features, the LX has adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. The CR-V LX starts at $31,440 for front-wheel drive or $32,950 for all-wheel drive.
CR-V EX
Next, we have the EX model, which has 18-inch wheels at the corners. The side mirrors feature integrated turn signals and are painted body color, and there’s a black mesh grille up front.
On the inside, you get heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone climate control, a one-touch power moonroof, and the audio system gains two speakers. The starting price of the CR-V EX is $33,700 for the front-wheel drive model and $35,200 for the all-wheel drive version.
CR-V EX-L
The final rung in the gas-only lineup is the EX-L. It’s a fancier version of the EX. Essentially, the tailgate is now power-operated. In the cabin, you have wireless charging as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 7-inch center screen is swapped out for a nicer 9-inch display. Instead of the base six-speaker system, you have a 320-watt, eight-speaker audio system, and instead of just having auto up-down on the driver’s window, it’s now on all the windows.
The shifter and steering wheel are leather. The driver seat has a two-position memory setup, and there are front and rear parking sensors. The CR-V EX-L starts at $36,350 for front-wheel drive and $37,815 for all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Models
Now we move over to the hybrid options, and it all kicks off with the CR-V Sport. This model is similar to the EX on the inside. On the outside, however, you get slightly more stylish front and rear fascias, a different bumper design, and the 18-inch wheels are painted black. The CR-V Sport front-wheel drive starts at $35,790.
CR-V Sport-L
Next is the CR-V Sport-L. This model has the same interior upgrade as the EX-L, so we’re talking about the better sound system, those heated front seats, and the nicer center screen. The starting price of the Sport-L front-wheel drive is $38,750.
CR-V Sport Touring
Finally, the top-spec 2025 Honda CR-V is the Sport Touring model. This one is hybrid-only, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. It basically combines the cooler style of the Sport model with the nicer interior features of the EX-L to give you the best overall CR-V experience.
Further, this trim adds on 19-inch blacked-out wheels, while the rear power liftgate can open hands-free. The leather-trim seats have orange stitching, the steering wheel is heated, and the audio setup is a top-spec Bose sound system. This is definitely the fanciest CR-V of the bunch, and it starts at $42,115.
Which One Should You Get?
The fuel economy of the hybrid models, as well as the added power, is worth the extra price of entry, but I don’t think you need to go wild and spend more than 40 grand on a CR-V. That’s why I think the Sport with all-wheel drive is the right choice.
Get it in either radiant red or still night pearl. Get it with all-wheel drive, and you’re landing at just over 36 grand for a well-made and efficient compact crossover with a great interior and pretty decent styling on the outside.
