🇨🇦 2025 Honda CR-V 🇨🇦 A true Canadian

The Honda CR-V was completely redone for the 2023 model year. At that time, a hybrid version was added atop the sixth-generation lineup. Honda predicted then that hybrids would account for 50% of CR-V sales. For 2025 Honda has added a second hybrid model, this one in the midst of the line – an EX-L.

10 million Honda vehicles built in Canada… and counting!

Before we take a closer look at the 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid, let’s see where it comes from. As I write this, the U.S. President is playing with the economy of his and our countries. Many of his actions are aimed at and will impact the automobile industry, and the hundreds of thousands of people gainfully employed there. Let’s look at Honda’s operations in Canada as an example of what is at stake.

In 1986 Honda became the first Japanese car company to establish production facilities in Canada. Known internally as HCM (Honda Canada Manufacturing), HCM has invested more than $6.5 billion in Alliston, Ontario. The three plants there, totalling four million square feet, sit on 890 acres of land and employ more than 4,200 people. Each year HCM (Honda Canada Manufacturing) sources more than $3 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. 

Two years ago, HCM celebrated a significant milestone in Canadian automotive manufacturing. A 2023 CR-V Touring hybrid became the 10 millionth vehicle produced at Alliston. Those plants have produced a variety of Hondas: Accord, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and more recently the CR-V. The Acura EL, CSX and ZDX vehicles also were produced in Alliston.

 Alliston is the global lead plant for producing the CR-V and the North American lead plant for the CR-V hybrid. HCM currently produces Honda CR-Vs, Civics and four-cylinder engines. It has the capacity to produce more than 400,000 vehicles and 190,000 engines annually. Those vehicles, engines and thousands of other parts travel back and forth across the Canada/US border becoming various Honda and Acura vehicles.

New EX-L trim for the 2025 Honda CR-V

The tester, like all CR-Vs, rolled off the Alliston, ON assembly line. The new EX-L hybrid trim is distinguished by black exterior trim, including gloss-black 18-in alloy wheels and a leather interior. The drivetrain consists of the latest generation (4^th) of the company’s two-motor hybrid system. The combination of pistons and electrons results in a combined output of 204-hp and 247 lb.-ft. of torque.

This sixth generation CR-V is 64-mm longer than the outgoing version. There is an additional 41-mm between the front and rear wheels. It is 10-mm wider.

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is 10% heavier than the previous version. Most of that extra weight can be laid at the feet of the battery pack and attendant hybrid components. That is not an issue though since the result is better performance and considerably improved fuel efficiency.

That additional wheelbase brings greater space for second row legs and luggage. The old CR-V led the class in terms of cargo space. The new one gilds that lily.

Honda has an uncanny ability to read the market, to know expectations.

Thanks to an extensive body of customer feedback, this company knows what Canadian consumers want. The Civic was the best-selling car in Canada for 24 consecutive years. That’s a lot of feedback!

The result is a mid-size crossover with more interior room for people and packages than the competition. Ironically, there is not much space for small items in the front seat area.

The ride is surprisingly comfortable for a tall vehicle. There is a nice balance of ride and handling. The steering is communicative and other than a fair amount of drivetrain noise under full throttle, there is little to complain about in that department. The performance is hardly blistering, but certainly adequate.

Hybrid in town is the way to go – an impressive package

The really-good news is the ability to stretch the time and distance between fillups at the pump.

Like all hybrids, the. CR-V is most efficient in town and at lower average speeds. If you have a lengthy commute that involves mostly highway use, opt for the conventional and less expensive gas-only CR-V.

If, on the other hand, your daily use is in and around the town or city, the hybrid is the way to go.

The CR-V is the original Honda crossover. It is now the middle child, nestled between the Passport and Pilot on the large end and the HR-V beneath.

Other than the addition of a second hybrid trim, there is nothing new about the 2025 CR-V compared to the 2024 model. There is little need for change. The package of more room for people and cargo than the competition sets the tone. Add renowned Honda quality, reliability and engineering and you have an impressive package.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD hybrid

PRICE

Base: $46,275

As tested: $46,275 including freight & PDI

SAFETY

Collision mitigation system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and departure warning, road departure mitigation, LED headlights with automatic high beams, blind spot information, cross traffic monitor, low speed braking control, front and rear park assist

INFOTAINMENT

18-cm driver information screen, 23-cm infotainment screen, HondaLink, eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charger, satellite radio, WiFi hot spot capability

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Adaptive cruise control, 18-in alloy wheels, power tailgate with programmable height, power heated mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, power sunroof, front wiper de-icer, dual zone automatic climate control, adjustable cargo floor height, proximity key entry, power windows, remote start, tilt & telescope steering wheel, heated steering wheel, heated leather seats, eight-way power adjustable driver seat with memory, four-way passenger seat,

9-inch touchscreen with a physical volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker audio system and Low Speed Braking Control are also standard

MECHANICAL

2.0-litre four-cylinder, regular fuel, electric motor, combined horsepower, 204; combined torque, 247 lb ft., continuously variable automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 6.0/6.9

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,695 mm; wheelbase, 2,701 mm, width, 2,150-mm; weight, 1,635 kg

COMPETITION

Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4