The new generation of Honda’s popular compact SUV has just arrived and it brings the evolution of well-known design, making this nameplate even better than before. The new model looks more mature and more elegant, and also brings further improvements regarding ride quality, interior quality and the amount of standard and available equipment. Does this mean that Honda is done with changes for the next several years? Probably not, because various reports are suggesting big novelties for the 2025 Honda CR-V, which will represent the third production year of the generation.
Although the officials are still quiet, it looks like the Japanese carmaker is about to make some substantial updates. Namely, we are about to see a couple of new powertrain options, which should make this SUV more desirable. Speaking about desirability, some sources suggest that the current CVT is going to be replaced with a 10-speed automatic.
All in all, we have big expectations from the 2025 Honda CR-V and we are eagerly waiting to see it sometime in the second half of the year.
2025 Honda CR-V Could Get new Powertrain Options
The new generation didn’t bring bigger changes under the hood. There is a familiar turbo-four engine, along with an updated hybrid system. However, this is going to change in the near future. We already know that the hydrogen fuel cell version of the CR-V is on the way and that it will bring a pretty interesting concept, which will combine FCEV design with a plug-in hybrid layout. Namely, besides the hydrogen tank and chamber, there will also be a battery pack, so the electric motors will have two sources of energy to use.
Besides the fuel cell version, some sources also speculate about a classic plug-in hybrid version, which would probably be based on a turbo-four engine. Allegedly, this version will be good for about 300 horsepower.
Another big novelty is expected in terms of transmission. Namely, some sources suggest that the uninspiring CVT is going to be replaced with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which would certainly have a highly positive impact on the driving experience.
Finally, the current powertrain options will come without bigger changes. So, base models will continue with a 1.5-liter turbo-four, which features a max output of 190 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Also, there is the updated hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter inline-four with two electric motors, for a total output of 204 horsepower.
2025 Honda CR-V Design
Other than the powertrain updates, we don’t expect that the 2025 Honda CR-V could change much. The overall design will remain the same, with all the novelties that were introduced with the recent redesign. This means a styling that looks very elegant and mature, with a dose of bold stance. Of course, there is always room for minor updates, such as new color options but we don’t believe that anything bigger than that could happen.
The same thing is with the interior design, which should carry on with the same layout. The new cabin follows Honda’s new design philosophy, with a dashboard that looks quite similar to models like the Civic and Accord. It is very elegant, with clean horizontal lines and a couple of retro details. The materials are nice, and there is also a lot of attention to detail. Furthermore, there is a good amount of tech and convenience features, which makes this cabin look even better.
Traditionally, the CR-V’s cabin is practical and spacious. The new generation continued in the same way, offering a couple of very spacious rows of seats, which accommodate adults with ease. The front seats are shaped very well and also offer pretty good side support. The second row is spacious and accommodates three adults with ease. Finally, there is the generous cargo area, with 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet in total.
Features
We presume that the Japanese manufacturer might add a few updates in terms of standard and available features, but most things should remain the same. For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like a 7-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote keyless entry and a moonroof.
Among upgrades, you can find things like a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, two second-row USB ports, wireless device charging and an eight-speaker audio system, a universal garage-door opener.
2025 Honda CR-V Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2025 Honda CR-V will arrive sometime in the second half of 2023, with a starting price of around 30.000 dollars. Of course, the competition will remain the same, with models like Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson as key rivals.