You can call the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid by its original full name 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ Comfortable Runabout Vehicle - aka compact recreational vehicle, or perhaps refer to it as a compact sport utility vehicle, a crossover, or even a cute ute.
But whatever descriptor you use, clearly the CR-V fits nicely into thousands of driveways and garages in the Canadian suburbia. You can91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t drive many blocks before seeing one, usually with a baby seat in the back. Indeed, a variety of its trims are well-represented on every parking level in my downtown Vancouver condo building.
Like every example in this popular market segment the CR-V has grown in size but it still parks easily between underground parking lines. Just.
On the looks front it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s stylish, sleek and its squared off front follows a trend exhibited in some of its competitors and full-size SUVs. The EX-L rides on 18-inch wheels and the Touring on cool looking 19-inch alloys. The EX-L skips the roof rails found on the Touring, but a power sunroof is standard in both trims.
The latest iteration of this popular family transporter took top honours in its category in the prestigious Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards for 2025. For the eighth time for goodness sake 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ a record!
I91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ve driven CR-Vs since they first appeared in the mid-1990s but somehow, until recently, I91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ve not got behind the wheel of the Hybrid version.
Its current looks came about a couple of model years ago along with other significant changes. No major changes this year but a hydrogen fuel cell trim has been added. It91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s on my list.
The hybrid powertrain matches a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to a two-motor hybrid system producing a total maximum combined output of 204 horsepower.
The official assessments rate the fuel economy s 6.0/6.9/6.4 L/100km (city/hwy/combined). Interesting numbers for two reasons: 1) All Canuck versions come with all-wheel drive, normally a less efficient configuration. 2) City consumption is generally heavier than highway travel but the reverse is the case here because the Hybrid runs more efficiently in stop-and-go traffic. Truly a blessing if you91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™re driving is generally mostly urban in nature.
Stepping inside, there91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s no ooh-aah quality but it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s functional and that matters more to me.
A nine-inch tablet-like screen is where expected above the dashboard: it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s easy to operate requiring only momentary distraction from the view of the road ahead. But Honda has not totally abandoned good old manual buttons, including volume controls!
There is 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, topped only slightly by rivals Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. Doubt that91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s a game changer for many. Its towing capability is a maximum of 453 kg. Now that deficit could be a game changer for some outdoorsy folks as some rivals boast twice that towing ability.
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid its top five-star rating. Standard driver-assist technologies on all CR-V trims, gas or hybrid, include adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, along with the back-up camera that91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s mandatory on all new vehicles.
During a week aboard, I did a fair amount of city driving and found it to be an easy-to-handle shopping cart, which is what I used it for the most! Then a four-hour plus drive to Kelowna permitted me to open it up.
Passing and maintaining maximum highway speed for long periods was effortless. The automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered smooth transition through the gears.
Regenerative braking is easily increased or decreased through paddles on the steering wheel. Just the right amount and you get a great coast to the red light ahead.
No complaints about the comfort level of the seats front and rear heated rear seats were a hit with aged passengers!
The CR-V Hybrid isl offered in two trims 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ EX-L and the extra-loaded top-of-he-line Touring trim. That trim features rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free tailgate, rear camera washer, premium audio, and navigation.
Worthy of a test drive if you are in the market for a set of versatile family wheels.
Canadian sticker prices range from $47,325 to $49,825 plus freight and PDI.
keithrmorgan@hotmail.com
