The Honda CR-V has been a popular model in Canada for the Japanese automaker pretty much since the day it was introduced. Over the years, I have driven a few iterations of the five-seat crossover, but by far my best experience to date has been my time behind the wheel of the 2025 CR-V EX-L Hybrid.
In addition to the good looks from the CR-V, the hybrid powertrain is smooth, efficient and still delivers plenty of power. It’s one of the best I have tested.
And the extra outlay of cash for the hybrid over, say, a Sport trim, is hardly worth haggling over.
The base price is $47,325, with the tester’s final bill coming out to $50,277.80 after fees and a few extras, notably $300 for the Canyon River Blue Metallic and the $484.80 for the Protection Package+.
Powertrain: The CR-V lineup features two engines, depending on the trim selected. There’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo for the LX and Sport models, while the EX-L Hybrid and Touring Hybrid are equipped with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, paired to a two-motor hybrid system and a high-torque traction motor. The hybrid models highlight an Electro-Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT).
The hybrid powerplant has a combined output of 181 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, giving the CR-V a very confident feel on the road. It is also paired to Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System.
Exterior: The CR-V is a very attractively-styled crossover that to my eyes, is one of the nicest in the segment.
It has an eye-catching front-end, clean lines, nice 18-inch black alloy wheels and on the hybrid, dual chrome exhaust finishers at the back to cap off what is also a very nice overall design. Black exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals are also a distinguishing feature of the hybrid models and give the overall look a bit more panache.
Interior: The CR-V seats five comfortably and I like the fact this version makes use of what I have seen in other Honda models when it comes to the incognito design of the air vents in the dashboard using a honeycomb-like plastic cover.
The tester had black leather seating with orange contrast stitching, with heated seats front and rear on the EX-L Hybrid.
Overall, the cabin and all controls and laid out in a logical manner, with comfortable seating and lots of room, making the experience as both a driver and occupant quite enjoyable.
Controls for things like the HVAC system are done through three dials, surrounded by easy to operate buttons for other features. It’s an intuitive layout from Honda.
The cargo space is fairly generous, with the back seats able to fold down for extra room as needed.
Infotainment: The EX-L Hybrid comes with a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, up from the base 7.0-inches, and it comes with all the bells and whistles that are expected in modern vehicles these days, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, wired/wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio and wireless device charging. The EX-L also gets an upgraded audio system with eight speakers, leaving me a little envious of the Bose 12-speaker setup in the Touring hybrid.
The infotainment system itself was easy to navigate and operate, although I did spend most of time with the CR-V using the CarPlay functionality.
Drive: The CR-V EX-L hybrid really surprised me for how it drove and handled, in a very good way. This was by far the best experience I have had with the CR-V, and the hybrid system is excellent.
Handling and steering were good but not as sporty as some other models on the market, but the CR-V was nonetheless a treat on the road.
And in addition to the hybrid powertrain, you can also set the driving dynamics of the vehicle to match your needs, such as ECON, Normal, Sport or Snow.
2025 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid
2025 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid
2025 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid
2025 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid
Conclusion: Good looks, comfortable and modern cabin and an excellent hybrid powertrain mean the 2025 CR-V EX-L is bound to find success not only with those who are already with the Honda brand, but to outsiders considering a five-seat crossover.
Having driven the CR-V on several occasions, this version was by far, in my opinion at least, the best version yet.
2025 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid
Price as tested: $50,227.80
Freight: $2,000.00
Configuration: Front engine/All-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder/ e-CVT
Power/torque: 181 horsepower/ 247 lb-ft of torque (combined)
Fuel (capacity): Regular (53 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 6.4 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 6.0 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav4 Hybrid
Links: Honda Canada