Honda’s super-popular compact crossover has just arrived with a completely new design. The new generation is here and so far, it brings mostly evolutionary changes, at least when it comes to mechanics. The powertrain is familiar, while the chassis comes with subtle tuning to provide even better ride quality. That’s perfectly OK if we consider that the previous model was amazing in pretty much all aspects. However, the market is getting more competitive, so Honda plans to launch some new things with the 2025 Honda CR-V, particularly in terms of the powertrain. Those are the rumors we are hearing these days. On the other hand, the officials are still quiet, so take the following paragraphs with reserve.
While the exact details are still unavailable, we expect that the 2025 Honda CR-V will bring some interesting novelties regarding the powertrain. Besides gasoline and self-charging hybrid version, we could also see a PHEV variant, while some sources also suggest that the Japanese manufacturer is working on a completely new powertrain, a hybrid that uses hydrogen.
In any case, we expect to see the 2025 Honda CR-V sometime in the second half of 2024.
2025 Honda CR-V: New Powertrain Options are Coming!
As we’ve just mentioned, Honda plans to expand its powertrain lineup in the future. The current model is available in two variants, with gasoline and hybrid units. For the 2025 Honda CR-V, the Japanese manufacturer is reportedly preparing a plug-in hybrid version. More precisely, this powertrain will arrive in Europe already during 2023, while North American drivers will have to wait for some more time.
While the CR-V PHEV will come to compete with RAV4 Prime, there is another version that’s coming, and it is expected to be pretty unique. It will be another plug-in hybrid setup, but radically different from everything we used to see. This powertrain will be fully dependent on hydrogen. Allegedly, the system will combine the power that comes from electric motors that use hydrogen fuel cells, with an internal-combustion engine that runs on pure hydrogen. Both methods of powering wheels are familiar and have been used for a long time, but this would be the first time to see them working together in a hybrid setup. From what we know so far, this version will be produced in Honda’s performance development center in Ohio and, of course, this will be a small-scale production.
On the other hand, the current powertrain options will carry on without more important changes. Base models will continue with a familiar 1.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 190 horsepower and offers decent performance. Also, there is the new hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter inline-four with two electric motors, for a total output of 204 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque.
Trim Levels
While things about the new powertrain options are yet to be clarified, standard versions will probably continue in familiar variants. The recent redesign has brought a simplified trim level organization, as the most basic variants were dropped. So, the offer now starts with the EX, which already offers a decent amount of standard equipment. Some of the highlights are goodies like cloth upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a 7-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and two USB ports. Other standard features include a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote keyless entry and a moonroof. This version currently starts at around 32.000 dollars.
The EX-L starts at around $34.000 and it brings upgrades like leather upholstery, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless device charging, an eight-speaker audio system.
2025 Honda CR-V: More Versions to Come
We presume that, by the time the 2025 Honda CR-V arrives, the Japanese manufacturer will bring a few more versions to the table. For example, we could see Black Edition once again, with all those exclusive styling details.
Still, the potential new trim levels would bring more standard equipment and unique styling details. On the other hand, the overall design would remain the same, which isn’t a bad thing at all. The current model already impresses us with driving manners, while the interior looks fantastic. Not only that the dashboard looks attractive and the build quality is great, but there is also a pretty generous amount of cargo and passenger space. For these reasons, we have no doubt that the new generation will also be one of the most successful models in the class.
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