The Honda CR-V has been a household name in Australia for over two decades, sitting comfortably in the highly competitive midsize SUV market. With the arrival of the 2025 model, Honda is doubling down on what families want most: space, safety, efficiency, and modern technology. This year, the standout update is the hybrid option, a move designed to appeal to Australian buyers who want lower running costs without compromising on comfort and practicality.
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the Honda CR-V 2025, covering everything from design and driving experience to hybrid efficiency, safety ratings, ownership costs, and how it compares to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.
Exterior Design: A Mature, Upscale Look
The 2025 Honda CR-V takes on a more refined and premium look compared to its predecessor. Honda has leaned into a sleek, modern SUV aesthetic that balances boldness with practicality.
- The front end features a wider grille flanked by slimmer LED headlights, giving the SUV a more assertive stance.
- Sharper body lines flow across the sides, highlighting a sense of strength without being over-designed.
- The rear has been updated with vertical LED taillights that echo the CR-V’s familiar identity but feel more premium.
- Wheel options range from 18-inch alloys on entry trims to larger 19-inch designs on higher-spec and hybrid models.
While the styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, Honda’s approach ensures the CR-V remains a safe choice for families who prefer understated sophistication over flashy looks.
Interior Comfort: Space for the Whole Family
Step inside the 2025 CR-V and you’re greeted with one of the most spacious and family-friendly cabins in the segment.
- Cabin space: With generous legroom in both rows and a flat floor in the back, passengers get plenty of room to stretch out.
- Boot space: The CR-V continues to deliver excellent cargo capacity, easily swallowing prams, sports gear, or luggage for a road trip. Honda also offers adjustable boot floors for added versatility.
- Material quality: Higher trims and the hybrid models benefit from soft-touch surfaces, faux leather, and refined finishes that give the CR-V a near-luxury feel without the luxury badge price.
- Technology integration: The dashboard now features a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the instrument cluster is fully digital on mid and top trims.
- Family practicality: Dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C ports, and thoughtful storage spaces throughout the cabin make the CR-V a family-friendly daily driver.
This is a car designed with long drives in mind—comfortable, spacious, and with enough tech to keep everyone entertained.
Powertrain and Hybrid Option: Efficiency Meets Practicality
Perhaps the most exciting development for 2025 is the arrival of the Honda CR-V Hybrid in Australia.
- Standard petrol models: A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine remains available, delivering solid performance with around 140kW of power and 240Nm of torque. It’s paired with a CVT for smooth daily driving.
- Hybrid option: The hybrid uses Honda’s e:HEV system, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors. It prioritises efficiency in city driving but offers extra torque when overtaking on highways.
- Fuel economy: Early Australian figures suggest the hybrid delivers fuel consumption as low as 5.0–5.5L/100km, compared to around 7.5L/100km in the petrol models.
- Driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport allow drivers to tailor the SUV’s response, with the hybrid system automatically switching between electric drive, hybrid drive, and petrol power for maximum efficiency.
For many buyers, the hybrid CR-V offers the sweet spot—enough punch for family duties while dramatically reducing fuel costs over long-term ownership.
Driving Dynamics: Smooth and Secure
The Honda CR-V has never been about sporty thrills; instead, it’s focused on delivering a comfortable and composed driving experience. The 2025 version takes this further:
- The ride quality is noticeably smooth, with suspension tuned to absorb Australian road imperfections.
- Steering is light yet precise, making the CR-V easy to manoeuvre in tight city streets while remaining stable on highways.
- Noise insulation has been improved, with less road and wind noise intruding into the cabin.
- All-wheel drive is available on higher trims and hybrid versions, adding confidence for light off-road use or slippery conditions.
While it won’t set pulses racing, the CR-V 2025 feels predictable, safe, and pleasant—exactly what most Australian families value.
Safety Ratings and Features
Honda has built a strong reputation for safety, and the 2025 CR-V continues this trend. It comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Early ANCAP assessments suggest the CR-V 2025 is on track for a 5-star safety rating, thanks to a reinforced structure, better airbag coverage, and advanced crash avoidance technology.
Parents will particularly appreciate the rear seat reminder and ISO-FIX anchor points, making it easier and safer to install child seats.
Technology and Features
Honda has clearly worked on upgrading the CR-V’s tech offering:
- Infotainment: A large 9-inch central touchscreen comes standard on most trims, paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
- Digital cluster: Mid and high variants include a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument display.
- Connectivity: Multiple USB-C and USB-A ports are spread across both rows, along with wireless charging on upper trims.
- Premium audio: The flagship variants receive a Bose 12-speaker system, turning the CR-V into a road-trip entertainer.
- Practical touches: Smart key entry, push-button start, power tailgate, and panoramic sunroof are available depending on trim.
The tech package isn’t segment-leading but strikes a strong balance between usability, connectivity, and family convenience.
Ownership Costs: Insurance, Warranty, and Maintenance
When it comes to long-term ownership, Honda has worked to keep the CR-V competitive:
- Warranty: A 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is standard, in line with key rivals.
- Capped-price servicing: Honda offers transparent servicing costs, with hybrid models slightly cheaper to maintain thanks to fewer wear-and-tear components.
- Insurance: The CR-V sits in the mid-range for SUV insurance premiums, with the hybrid variant often slightly higher due to battery technology.
- Resale value: Historically, Honda SUVs retain value well in Australia, and with rising demand for hybrids, the CR-V hybrid is expected to hold its value better than petrol-only rivals.
For families conscious of total cost of ownership, the CR-V 2025 makes a strong case.
Competitor Comparison: How the CR-V Stacks Up
The midsize SUV segment is packed with options. Here’s how the Honda CR-V 2025 compares:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: The obvious rival, with proven hybrid tech and strong fuel efficiency. The Honda CR-V offers slightly more interior space and a fresher design.
- Mazda CX-5: Known for its premium cabin feel and driving dynamics. The CR-V counters with better boot space and a hybrid option.
- Hyundai Tucson: Tech-packed and bold styling, but its hybrid isn’t as efficient as Honda’s e:HEV system.
- Kia Sportage: Backed by a 7-year warranty, but Honda’s refinement and resale reputation give it an edge for long-term buyers.
While each rival has strengths, the Honda CR-V 2025 sits comfortably as an all-rounder—efficient, spacious, safe, and reliable.
Who Should Buy the Honda CR-V 2025?
The CR-V 2025 is ideal for:
- Families needing generous space and long-distance comfort.
- Eco-conscious buyers who want the benefits of a hybrid without switching to a full EV.
- Resale-focused buyers looking for a car that holds its value well.
- Drivers who prioritise safety and reliability over sporty handling.
If you’re seeking a midsize SUV that ticks multiple boxes without any glaring weaknesses, the Honda CR-V 2025 deserves to be at the top of your shortlist.
Final Verdict
The Honda CR-V 2025 successfully blends hybrid efficiency, family comfort, and modern technology into a package that feels well-suited to Australian lifestyles. It doesn’t aim to be the flashiest SUV in the market, but rather the most dependable and family-friendly. With its hybrid system delivering real-world fuel savings, a spacious interior, and strong safety credentials, the CR-V continues to justify its reputation as one of the most well-rounded SUVs you can buy in 2025.
For families and everyday Australian drivers, it’s a safe, smart, and future-ready choice.
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