The Hybrid SUV That's Perfect For First-Time Buyers In 2025


The Hybrid SUV That's Perfect For First-Time Buyers In 2025

Hybrid vehicles are immensely popular these days, especially the SUVs. Almost all mainstream automakers have hybrid SUVs in their portfolio ; be it compact, midsize, or full-size. If you're in the market looking for a hybrid SUV for the first time, you'll end up zeroing down on various models because each one of them has something different or unique to offer.

And, amidst this, you have some models that manage to offer a sweet blend of everything - right from a competent engine, to frugal fuel consumption, enough space inside the cabin, ample tech features, looks that will offend none, and a price tag that won't make you teary-eyed. Everyone's circumstances and requirements would be different, of course, but it would be safe to assume that you would want an SUV that ticks all the boxes and will keep you happy in the long run.

If you're looking for such Jack-of-all-trades, this Japanese SUV from the house of Honda should fit your needs. I mean, it's not the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S. for nothing!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and JD Power.

Related Here's Why A 3-Year-Old Honda CR-V Hybrid Might Be The Perfect Used SUV Choice

A 3-year-old Honda CR-V Hybrid offers exceptional reliability, impressive fuel efficiency, and modern features at a more affordable price.

Posts The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Is The One To Go For Close

The Honda CR-V Hybrid has been at the zenith of the segment for a while now. Although Honda introduced America's first mainstream hybrid car, the Insight, Toyota has been synonymous with hybrids since the beginning. The fact that Toyota has nearly 20 hybrids in its lineup whereas Honda just has three doesn't change this perception either. However, the CR-V Hybrid managing to trump its archnemesis in arguably the most popular and crowded hybrid segment in the auto industry is a testament to what Honda has on its hands.

The neutral, yet not-so-boring looks, coupled with impressive features inside and out make the CR-V Hybrid a default choice for customers shopping in the hybrid market with a budget of less than $50,000. While it has a lot going in its favor, look closely and you'll notice there are also some things that the CR-V Hybrid doesn't excel at. For instance, it comes with a smaller engine that makes less power than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or even the Kia Sportage Hybrid. Base-to-base trim, it is more expensive than both of its key rivals, and it is offered in just three trims compared to the Toyota SUV's seven. But, all said, the overall package is so good that the Honda CR-V Hybrid is not a product to avoid.

It Starts At A Shade Under $35,000

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is offered in three trims, ranging from $34,650 to $41,100. Although the trim range is not as vast as its rivals, the CR-V Hybrid keeps it short and sweet and has enough to keep potential customers interested.

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Pricing

FWD

AWD

Sport

$34,650

$36,150

Sport-L

$37,650

$39,150

Sport Touring

N/A

$41,100

Related What Honda CR-V Hybrid's Battery Replacement Costs

Replacing the CR-V Hybrid's battery pack may cost a lot, but it benefits from a very long lifespan.

Posts A 204-Horsepower Hybrid Engine Powering It

All the Honda CR-V Hybrid trims are powered by the same setup - a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. These electric motors are powered by a 1.1 kWh battery pack. Combined, the setup produces 204 horsepower, which is 14 horses more than the standard CR-V's output.

Power is routed to the front wheels as standard in the Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid trims, whereas you can add the AWD setup additionally. An eCVT does the duties to transfer the power to the wheels. On the top-spec Sport Touring Hybrid, the all-wheel-drive setup comes as standard.

Performance Specifications

CR-V Hybrid FWD

CR-V Hybrid AWD

Powertrain

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors

2.0-liter Four-Cylinder And Two Permanent-Magnet Motors

Horsepower

204 HP

204 HP

Torque

274 LB-FT

247 LB-FT

Transmission

Direct Drive eCVT

Direct Drive eCVT

Driveline

Front-Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive

Battery

1.1 kWh Net

1.1 kWh Net

Range

560 Miles

518 Miles

Fuel Economy

44-48 MPG

44-48 MPG

0-60 MPH

8.0 Seconds

7.6 Seconds

Top Speed

111 MPH

111 MPH

Towing Capacity

1,000 Pounds

1,000 Pounds

In terms of fuel efficiency, you get up to 40 MPG combined in the FWD model and 37 MPG combined in the AWD trim of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid. This results in a 560- and 518-mile overall range, respectively. Compared to the fuel costs of an average new vehicle, you'll save up to $2,500 with the FWD model and $2,000 with the AWD model over five years. These are EPA-estimated savings based on 45-percent highway, 55-percent city driving, and 15,000 miles a year. Not to mention, they are based on the current fuel prices.

City

Highway

Combined

FWD

43 MPG

36 MPG

40 MPG

AWD

40 MPG

34 MPG

37 MPG

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The CR-V Hybrid Comes With All Practical And Functional Features Close

The CR-V Hybrid comes with heated front seats, a moonroof, a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and so on in the base trim. The seven-inch touchscreen system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Move up the trims and you now get a nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The six-speaker sound system is swapped for an eight-speaker setup soured from Bose, and you even get some more tech stuff like a wireless charger, satellite-linked navigation system, and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock.

Interior Dimensions

Front

Rear

Headroom

40.0 Inches

38.2 Inches

Legroom

41.3 Inches

41.0 Inches

Shoulder Room

57.9 Inches

55.9 Inches

Cargo Capacity

76.5 Cubic Feet

39.3 Cubic Feet

No Dearth Of Safety Features

Honda has equipped all CR-V Hybrids with the 'Honda Sensing Technologies'. This is over and above the other driver-assistive technologies like Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, etc. The Honda Sensing Driver Assistive Features include:

Collision Mitigation Braking System Road Departure Mitigation System Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow Lane Keeping Assist System Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Traffic Jam Assist Traffic Sign Recognition System Driver Attention Monitor Front and Rear Parking Sensors (except on Sport Hybrid) Related Here's How Much The Honda CR-V Hybrid Depreciates After 1 Year

This is what you can expect to sell your CR-V Hybrid for after a year of ownership.

Posts 3 Decent Standard Warranty For Your Peace Of Mind

While Honda's warranty is not on the levels of Kia or Hyundai, it's on par with the industry standards. You get a standard three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. If you get some parts replaced, then you'll get a one-year warranty on it. You can also opt for the 36-month or 36,000-mile roadside warranty.

Full Warranty

36 Months/36,000 Miles

Powertrain Warranty

60 Months/60,000 Miles

Maintenance Warranty

24 Months/24,000 Miles

Roadside Warranty

36 Months/36,000 Miles

Corrosion Warranty

60 Months/Unlimited Miles

Federal Emissions Performance

24 Months/24,000 Miles

Federal Emissions Defect

36 Months/36,000 Miles

Seat Belt And Airbags

120 Months/Unlimited Miles

A Reliable SUV At The End Of The Day

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a fairly reliable car. JD Power gave it an overall score of 84 out of 10, and even rewarded it with an 80+ score when it came to quality and reliability, driving experience, resale value, and dealership experience.

Overall Score: 84/100 Quality & Reliability: 84/100 Driving Experience: 83/100 Resale: 85/100 Dealership Experience: 81/100 Related How Much Gas Money You'll Save Over 5 Years With The Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Honda CR-V is already a top contender in the segment, but how much in fuel costs can you save by choosing a Honda CR-V Hybrid?

Posts 3 How It Stacks Up Against Its Rivals Close

There are plenty of hybrid SUVs to pick from in this price range, but here are three of CR-V Hybrid's primary rivals:

Performance Specifications

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Kia Sportage Hybrid

Ford Escape Hybrid

Powertrain

2.4-Liter four-cylinder hybrid

1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine

Electric Motors

Two motors

Three motors

Two motors

Horsepower

219 HP

227 HP

191 HP

Torque

176 LB-FT

258 LB-FT

155 LB-FT

Transmission

eCVT

Six-speed automatic

eCVT

Drivetrain

AWD

FWD/AWD

FWD/AWD

Starting Price

$31,900

$28,790

$32,490

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid is the second best-selling hybrid model in the U.S., behind the hero of this article. Priced between $31,900 and $40205 for the 2025 model year across seven trims, the RAV4 Hybrid offers something for every potential customer. All the trims are powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electric motors that churn out 291 horses combined.

Features like a six-way adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system come as standard on the base and mid-trims. Toyota has even offered its TSS 2.5 as standard here. So, if you want a solid alternative to the CR-V Hybrid, the RAV4 Hybrid should be at the top of your list.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid has been around for over 20 years and is the world's first hybrid SUV. While not the most popular choice in the segment, the Escape Hybrid is a good blend of everything you'd need from a vehicle at this price point.

The top-spec trim comes in at under $40,000 and comes with stuff like a 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC4 infotainment system, 360-degree camera, etc. In terms of power, it makes 191 horses from its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Power is routed to either the front wheels or all four wheels via an eCVT.

Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is one of the most bang-for-your-buck vehicles in the segment that offers good performance, decent efficiency, and ample tech inside the cabin. The South Korean SUV features things like a 24-inch panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen system, to name a few. Powering the Sportage Hybrid is a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that displaces 1.6 liters, coupled with three electric motors. This setup churns out 227 horses that are routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. You can also opt for the AWD setup for some extra moolah.

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