The Honda CR-V has been one of Australia’s most trusted family SUVs for decades, and the 2025 model continues that tradition with a thoughtful blend of style, practicality, and innovation. In this deep-dive review, we’ll unpack everything from its refreshed design to its advanced tech, updated safety suite, and what makes it stand out in Australia’s competitive SUV market.
A Fresh Look for 2025
The CR-V’s exterior has evolved with a bolder stance and sharper lines that feel more premium while keeping the approachable, family-friendly vibe. Honda’s design team has introduced a wider grille with a sleeker chrome strip, slimmer LED headlights, and new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 19 inches, depending on the trim.
Colour choices have expanded, too, including deeper metallic blues and earthy tones that appeal to Australian tastes. Subtle tweaks to the rear—such as redesigned taillights and a cleaner tailgate—give the CR-V a more modern, cohesive profile.
Aerodynamics and Efficiency
The reshaped front fascia isn’t just for looks; it improves airflow, contributing to slightly better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise. This is particularly noticeable during highway cruising—an advantage for families who frequently travel between cities.
Spacious and Smarter Interior
Inside, the 2025 Honda CR-V embraces both functionality and sophistication. The cabin feels roomier thanks to thinner pillars, clever seat design, and a longer wheelbase, offering generous legroom for second-row passengers. The flat floor layout enhances comfort, making it easier for kids or adults to move around.
Premium Materials
Honda has increased the use of soft-touch materials, especially on touchpoints like door armrests and the dashboard. Higher trims get leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, while lower trims still feel upscale with durable woven fabrics.
Infotainment Upgrades
The centrepiece is a new 10.2-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is quicker to respond and more intuitive than before, with large icons suited for on-the-go use. Voice command capabilities have been refined, allowing for natural speech recognition—helpful when keeping your eyes on the road.
Wireless charging pads, multiple USB-C ports, and a 12-speaker premium audio system in higher trims cater to tech-savvy families.
Practicality at Its Core
The CR-V’s cargo area now offers a larger opening and a lower loading floor, making it easy to load prams, sports gear, or weekend luggage. With the rear seats folded, you get a flat load space ideal for bigger hauls—perfect for camping trips or moving bulky items.
Powertrains: Petrol and Hybrid Options
For 2025, Honda Australia continues to offer both petrol and hybrid powertrains.
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol: Delivers around 140 kW and 240 Nm, paired with a CVT that’s been retuned for smoother acceleration.
- 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid: Combines two electric motors with a petrol engine for seamless power delivery and excellent efficiency, ideal for city commutes and stop-start traffic.
Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is available for those who need extra traction—particularly useful for country roads or light off-road adventures.
Ride and Handling
Honda’s engineers have refined the CR-V’s suspension to balance comfort and control. On suburban streets, the ride is plush, soaking up imperfections without feeling floaty. On winding country roads, it remains composed, giving the driver confidence without sacrificing passenger comfort.
The steering is light yet precise—easy for parking but engaging enough for longer drives.
Safety Upgrades for Aussie Families
Safety remains a core focus for the CR-V. The 2025 model features the latest Honda Sensing suite, which includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
In addition, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard across all trims—a welcome move for city drivers navigating tight spaces.
The structure of the CR-V has been reinforced for improved crash protection, aiming for a 5-star ANCAP safety rating once tested.
Fuel Efficiency
The hybrid model leads the pack, achieving fuel figures as low as 5.1L/100km in combined driving. The petrol model remains competitive at around 7.4L/100km. For families conscious of running costs, this efficiency—paired with Honda’s reputation for reliability—makes the CR-V a compelling long-term investment.
Technology & Connectivity
Beyond infotainment, the CR-V’s tech upgrades extend to driver assistance and convenience features. Keyless entry, push-button start, remote start via the Honda app, and customisable digital driver displays are standard on most trims. The app integration also allows for vehicle health checks, service scheduling, and even locating your car in crowded parking lots.
Comfort for All Seasons
Dual-zone climate control is standard, with tri-zone available on upper trims, allowing rear passengers to set their own temperature. Heated front seats are standard on mid and high trims, while the top-spec adds ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel—perfect for Australia’s varying climates.
Trim Levels and Pricing (Australia)
Honda offers a streamlined lineup for 2025, with clear distinctions in features between trims:
- Base VTi X – Well-equipped entry point with essential safety and comfort features.
- VTi L – Adds leather-appointed seats, upgraded audio, and more convenience tech.
- VTi L7 – Seven-seat option for larger families.
- VTi LX – Flagship trim with all available features, AWD, and the hybrid option.
Pricing is expected to start from around $44,000 drive-away for the petrol VTi X and stretch to around $60,000 for the fully loaded hybrid LX AWD.
How It Compares to Rivals
In the crowded midsize SUV segment, the CR-V competes with heavy hitters like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson. While the RAV4 leads in hybrid sales and the CX-5 offers a sportier drive, the CR-V strikes a balance—offering a roomy interior, refined ride, and Honda’s bulletproof reliability.
Ownership Experience
Honda backs the CR-V with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, five years of roadside assist, and capped-price servicing. With service intervals set at 10,000km or 12 months, ongoing costs are predictable and competitive.
Verdict: A Family SUV Done Right
The 2025 Honda CR-V doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it perfects the formula that has kept it at the top of Australia’s family SUV shopping lists. With its blend of space, comfort, efficiency, and safety, it’s a vehicle you’ll feel confident driving every day—whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out on a family road trip.
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that prioritises family needs without compromising on style or tech, the latest CR-V deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
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