Honda CR-V 2025 UK Models and Specifications
The Honda CR-V lineup
gives British buyers two different powertrain choices in three
well-designed trim levels for 2025. This sixth-generation model is
bigger and more sophisticated than previous versions, making it a great
choice for families looking for an SUV.
e:HEV vs e:PHEV: Key Differences
Both
CR-V variants use Honda's 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection
Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with electric motors. They produce 184PS
maximum power and 335Nm of torque. The similarities stop there.
The e:HEV (full hybrid) comes with all-wheel drive
as standard and charges itself without needing to be plugged in. You'll
get 42.2mpg and can drive 596 miles on a full tank. This makes perfect
sense for drivers who want hybrid benefits without worrying about
charging stations.
The e:PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is Honda's first
plug-in hybrid in the UK market. The car has a much bigger 17.7kWh
lithium-ion battery that lets you drive 50 miles on electricity alone -
enough for most daily commutes. The e:PHEV only comes in front-wheel
drive because the battery location doesn't leave room for a propshaft.
While
both versions share the same motor, the plug-in version performs
better. The bigger battery lets the motor run at full power longer, so
you can tow 1500kg compared to the e:HEV's 750kg. Both models have a
special towing mode that uses GPS data to make the best use of battery
power.
The e:PHEV has a surprising bonus - more boot space. Unlike
most plug-in hybrids that lose cargo room to fit the bigger battery,
the CR-V e:PHEV actually has 72 litres more space than the e:HEV - 635
litres versus 579 litres. Honda achieved this by putting the battery
under the floor instead of the boot.
Trim Levels: Elegance, Advance, Advance Tech
The
base Elegance trim only comes with the e:HEV powertrain and all-wheel
drive. It's well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone
charging, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, heated
steering wheel, electrically folding mirrors, and a powered tailgate.
The
Advance trim adds luxury features like heated rear seats, electric
memory seats, adaptive high-beam headlights, better sound system, and a
head-up display. Like Elegance, you can only get it with the e:HEV
powertrain.
The top-end Advance Tech trim is exclusive to the
e:PHEV. You get everything from lower trims plus unique styling, special
interior touches, and extra tech features. The battery charges to 100%
in just 2.5 hours when it's at 25 degrees.
Pricing Range: £45,925 to £53,995
Honda
positions the CR-V in the premium family SUV segment. Prices start at
£45,925 for the basic Elegance e:HEV, while the mid-level Advance e:HEV
costs £50,470.
The plug-in hybrid Advance Tech e:PHEV costs
£53,995. That's more than rivals like the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, but you get
better electric range.
The e:PHEV's higher price tag comes with
benefits. Its low CO2 emissions of 19g/km mean company car drivers pay
just 8% benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax. This saves thousands yearly compared
to regular petrol or diesel cars.
Honda sometimes runs deals to
make the CR-V more affordable. Recent offers included £3,000 deposit
contributions and good finance rates - 3.9% APR for e:PHEV and 4.9% APR
for e:HEV models. Some dealers cut the on-road price by about £3,250.
Both
versions hit 62mph in about 9 seconds. The real difference shows in
daily use - the e:HEV gives you all-wheel drive without plugging in,
while the e:PHEV lets you drive on electricity alone and could cost less
to run if you charge it regularly.
Driving Experience: Town, Motorway and Country Roads
The
2025 CR-V puts comfort and ease ahead of sporty performance. This
family SUV gives you a smooth and refined experience on roads of all
types, though there are some compromises worth mentioning.
Urban Driving: Visibility and Manoeuvrability
The
CR-V makes city driving simple with its excellent visibility. A high
seating position gives drivers a commanding view, and large side and
rear windows create an open feel that improves outward visibility
for everyone inside. The wide rear pillars don't block much of your
view since the large side windows help when you check over your
shoulder.
This substantial SUV is surprisingly easy to park. Every
model comes with front and rear parking sensors, and all versions but
one get a detailed 360-degree camera system. These features and the
car's predictable size make tight parking spots less challenging.
Electric
mode is where the CR-V shines in city environments. The e:HEV runs on
battery power for short periods, while the e:PHEV plug-in version can go
much further without using gas. The accelerator pedal has a clever
'false stop' feature - a slight resistance point that helps you maximise
electric driving without starting the gas engine unless needed.
The
regenerative braking system lets you adjust braking strength using
steering wheel paddles. While not strong enough to drive with one pedal,
this feature helps you:
- Approach roundabouts without braking
- Move smoothly in traffic
- Save energy to boost efficiency
Motorway Comfort and Noise Levels
The
CR-V proves itself capable on long trips, despite some drawbacks. The
suspension handles big bumps well, keeping passengers comfortable during
extended drives. The brake pedal feels solid and predictable, which
adds to a relaxed driving experience.
The refinement could be
better for a premium-priced family SUV. Wind and road noise become
obvious at highway speeds, and you'll need to turn up the stereo to hear
it clearly. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a quieter ride on long
journeys.
Each powertrain handles engine noise differently. The
standard e:HEV hybrid's engine gets loud under heavy acceleration as it
charges the battery while powering the wheels. The e:PHEV does better
here, running silently during electric-only operation.
A useful
safety feature for highway driving shows the left mirror's camera feed
on the touchscreen with distance markers. This really helps during lane
changes in poor visibility.
Handling on Twisty Roads
The
CR-V takes a practical approach to country roads rather than an exciting
one. Comfort remains the priority, and the suspension handles rough
roads and uneven surfaces well. The body stays level through corners,
making it more nimble than rivals like the CX-60 or XC60.
The
steering deserves praise - it's accurate and responsive, with a heavier
feel that builds confidence at speed. This setup works less well in town
where lighter steering would help. The tyres could provide more grip,
as the front end tends to push wide during enthusiastic cornering.
The plug-in hybrid e:PHEV includes adaptive dampers
as standard, letting you adjust the suspension's firmness. Even Sport
mode doesn't turn the CR-V into a sports SUV. This setting also adds an
odd artificial engine sound through the speakers that sounds like "bees
trapped behind the dashboard" - best left alone.
The CR-V excels
as a comfortable family hauler rather than a sporty SUV. Most families
looking for a practical, easy-to-drive SUV will find it meets their
needs perfectly.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The
2025 Honda CR-V comes with a cutting-edge hybrid system that's a big
step forward in Honda's UK electrification plans. This powertrain brings
together the best of combustion engines and electric power. The result
is impressive performance from what's a fairly big family SUV.
2.0L Hybrid Engine: 184hp Output
Both CR-V models pack a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine
that works with electric motors. Together, they pump out 184PS (181bhp)
and pack a punch with 335Nm of torque. This setup works differently
from your typical hybrid - the petrol engine mainly generates power
rather than driving the wheels directly.
The system uses a clever
setup with two electric motors. One generates power while the other
moves the car. This creates an electric continuously variable
transmission (e-CVT), so there's no need for a regular gearbox. The
e:PHEV goes a step further with a two-stage lock-up system. This lets
the combustion engine connect straight to the wheels when it needs more
power or wants to be more efficient.
Get behind the wheel of
either CR-V and you'll find it's got more zip than the numbers suggest.
The electric motor's instant punch makes light work of joining motorways
or tackling roundabouts. This really shows in the e:PHEV when it's
running on electric power - you get all that torque right away.
0-60mph Times: e:HEV vs e:PHEV
Honda
says both the e:HEV and e:PHEV can hit 62mph in 9.4 seconds. This makes
sense since they share the same engine and motor combo. Real-world
testing tells a slightly different story.
The e:HEV actually
clocked 8.4 seconds to 60mph in independent tests - beating Honda's
official time by half a second. That puts it right up there with similar
family SUVs, though it can't match speedier plug-in hybrids like the
Lexus NX 450h, which zooms to 60mph in just 5.8 seconds.
Top
speeds differ a bit too. The e:HEV tops out at 116mph, while the e:PHEV
can reach 121mph. The e:PHEV's bigger battery helps it keep the electric
boost going longer, which explains the difference.
Neither CR-V
will set your heart racing with its speed. All the same, these SUVs pack
enough punch for family life. They focus on smooth, comfy driving
rather than racing from light to light.
Electric Range and Regeneration Modes
The
e:PHEV's 17.7kWh battery makes it stand out from its sibling. It can
cover up to 50 miles on pure electric power. Real-world tests saw it
manage 37.6 miles on battery alone - just a bit short of the official
number but still beating the Lexus NX's 36.8 miles in the same test.
You
get five drive modes in both CR-Vs: Sport, Normal, Econ, Snow and Tow.
Most people stick to Normal for daily drives and switch to Econ to save
fuel. Sport mode makes the throttle more responsive but adds an
artificial engine noise through the speakers that most testers didn't
like.
The CR-V's regenerative braking system
really shines. Honda adds paddles on the steering wheel to control how
much the car slows down when you lift off the gas. While you can't quite
drive with one pedal, this setup helps save energy when slowing down
and makes the car more efficient.
New hybrid drivers will love how
natural the braking feels, even with all the tech working away
underneath. e:PHEV owners who plug in often can see around 60mpg in real
life. Honda's claim of 353mpg sounds great, but you'd need to run
almost entirely on electricity to hit that number.
Interior Design and Comfort Features
The 2025 Honda CR-V
welcomes you with an interior that puts practicality first instead of
flashy screens - a breath of fresh air in today's digital world. You'll
notice the cabin takes its cues from the latest Civic, making Honda fans
feel right at home while staying available to first-time buyers.
Dashboard Layout and Driving Position
A
clean, minimalist approach defines the CR-V's dashboard with its
width-enhancing horizontal design. The cabin has physical buttons and
dials that don't create clutter, which saves you from diving into
endless touchscreen menus for basic controls. Everything sits exactly
where you'd expect, so driver distraction stays minimal.
The air
vents blend into a sleek strip across the dashboard's centre, adding a
touch of style. A 9-inch touchscreen perches high on the dash where you
can see it easily without it taking over. The 10.2-inch digital driver's
display shows clear, customizable information through simple menu
options.
The driving position stands out as a real strong point.
You sit up high with a great view of what's ahead, and the steering
wheel lines up perfectly - something not every competitor gets right.
This smart setup, plus plenty of adjustment options, gives you a
commanding yet relaxed position that works for quick runs or long trips.
Seat Comfort and Adjustability
Honda
really nailed the seating in the CR-V. The front seats hit the sweet
spot between firm support and comfort, working well for different body
types. Every model comes with eight-way power adjustment for the driver.
Advance and Advance Tech versions add memory settings that work great
for families sharing the car.
Heated front seats and steering
wheel come standard. Advance models go further with ventilated front
seats and heated rear seats to keep everyone comfortable year-round.
The
back seats deserve special mention. Passengers can choose from eight
recline positions, with 10.5° more tilt than before. This feature turns
the rear seats into a genuinely comfy space for long drives, especially
when you've got adults in the back.
Material Quality and Cabin Ambience
The
CR-V's interior shows Honda's practical side in its material choices.
You'll find soft-touch materials where your hands rest most, plus
leather-effect finishes on the upper dash and stitched leather on the
doors. Gloss-black trim and silver accents keep things interesting.
All
the same, look closer and you'll spot some cost-cutting. Hard plastics
show up on the lower dash and door bins, which seems out of place in a
car costing over £50,000. The CR-V falls a bit short of matching its
European rivals' luxury feel at this price point.
The black-only
interior scheme limits your options. While everything fits together
solidly with controls that feel satisfying to use, the dark colours
create a serious mood, even with the standard panoramic glass roof.
Infotainment and Tech Features
The
2025 CR-V's technology package features a simple yet capable
infotainment system that values ease of use over fancy features. Honda
chose to deliver reliable tech that works well instead of loading it
with state-of-the-art features that might frustrate drivers.
9-inch Touchscreen and Digital Display
A
9-inch colour touchscreen sits high on the dashboard in every CR-V
model. Drivers will appreciate its position that needs minimal eye
movement from the road. The system works smoothly with physical shortcut
buttons and a volume knob, so you won't need to dig through complex
menus.
The screen responds well to touch and has a logical menu
layout that most drivers pick up quickly. The graphics look a bit
outdated when compared to newer systems like the Google-based interface
in Volvo's XC60.
A sharp 10.2-inch digital driver's display comes
standard on all trim levels. This screen clearly shows important driving
info and lets you customise various menus. Still, it doesn't match the
flexibility of Volkswagen Tiguan's system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support
The CR-V shines when it comes to connectivity. Every model has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
built in. If you choose Advance trim or higher, you'll get wireless
Apple CarPlay, so no cables are needed. Android Auto still needs a wire
connection, even in premium trims.
This smartphone integration
matters because many drivers prefer using familiar nav apps instead of
the CR-V's built-in system. You can see directions from apps like Waze
in the digital instrument cluster while using the main screen for
something else.
The voice control system lets you make calls or change navigation settings without taking your hands off the wheel.
Bose Sound System and Head-Up Display
Sound
quality differs between trim levels. Base models come with an 8-speaker
system, but Advance trim upgrades you to a premium 12-speaker Bose
setup with a subwoofer. This sound system sounds clearer than the Lexus
NX's 10-speaker setup, though road noise at high speeds can be an issue.
The
top Advance Tech trim adds premium features like a head-up display. It
shows speed, directions, and safety alerts right on your windshield.
You'll
also find useful tech like a wireless charging pad and plenty of USB
ports throughout the cabin. The front has two USB ports (one just for
charging), and rear passengers get two charging ports.
Space and Practicality for Families
The
Honda CR-V's design philosophy puts family practicality first. The 2025
model builds on this legacy with smart engineering choices that boost
its everyday use.
Rear Legroom and Reclining Seats
The
sixth-generation CR-V has grown significantly to 4706mm long—106mm more
than its predecessor. Passengers benefit from this growth with 16mm
extra legroom in the rear seats. The back seats now come with 16
different reclining positions and offer 10.5° more angle than the
previous model. These improvements make the rear cabin a comfortable
space for long trips.
A flat floor with a low central tunnel lets
three adults sit comfortably in the back seat. Our tests showed this
design works great for families because kids can move across the rear
seats easily. The rear bench slides back and forth so you can choose
between more legroom or boot space when you just need it.
Boot Capacity: 579L vs 635L
The
CR-V's plug-in hybrid e:PHEV comes with a surprising bonus - it has
more cargo space than the standard hybrid. You get 635 litres of boot
space in the e:PHEV, while the e:HEV gives you 579 litres. This setup
breaks the usual pattern where plug-in hybrids sacrifice boot space for
bigger batteries.
Honda pulled off this smart packaging by putting
the battery under the cabin floor instead of the boot. The e:PHEV also
has 18 litres of underfloor storage—great for charging cables—while the
e:HEV only has 9 litres. The boot's square shape makes it highly
practical.
Child Seat Access and ISOFIX Points
Parents
with young kids will love the CR-V's smart design features. The rear
doors swing open almost 90 degrees, which creates wide openings that
make child seat installation a breeze. You can reach the ISOFIX mounting
points easily, which takes away much of the usual hassle of securing
child seats.
The ISOFIX mountings can point downward into the
CR-V's seat base. Some owners use seat protectors to keep the leather
upholstery safe from damage over time. Despite this small issue, the
CR-V's child-friendly design makes it an excellent choice for families.
Running Costs, Charging and Efficiency
The
Honda CR-V's financial story goes beyond its sticker price. Both
powertrain options come with different running costs that buyers should
know about. A closer look at fuel efficiency, charging needs, and tax
benefits helps paint a clear picture of what owners can expect to spend.
Actual MPG and Electric Range
The
e:HEV full hybrid shows remarkable efficiency for its size. Official
figures show 42.2mpg, and this matches what drivers experience. Road
tests prove this with around 43mpg, which beats many gas-powered rivals.
You can drive up to 596 miles on one tank - perfect for those long road
trips.
The e:PHEV boasts an impressive 353mpg on paper, but this
assumes you'll use all the electric power before switching to gas.
Regular charging typically yields about 60mpg. While Honda claims a
50-mile electric range, drivers usually get 40-41 miles. This is a big
deal as it means that the CR-V outperforms competitors like the Kia
Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
Charging Time and Home Setup
A
17.7kWh lithium-ion battery powers the CR-V e:PHEV, with 6.8kW maximum
charging capacity. The battery takes about 2.5 hours to fill using a
6.8kW wallbox. A standard home socket at 2.3kW needs roughly 7.7 hours.
Your
charging time might change based on weather, battery health, and
charger output. Honda says the sweet spot for charging is around 25°C.
Company Car Tax and BIK Benefits
The
e:PHEV shines brightest when it comes to benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax
rates. Its low CO₂ emissions of 18g/km put it in the 8% BIK tax bracket.
Company car drivers save substantially compared to the e:HEV, which
sits higher up the tax scale with 151g/km CO₂ emissions.
The
plug-in version also costs less in road tax thanks to its lower
emissions. These tax advantages and fuel savings help balance out the
£8,000 extra cost over the standard hybrid model.
Safety, Reliability and Warranty
The 2025 Honda CR-V's appeal stems from its strong safety credentials and Honda's proven track record for reliability.
Euro NCAP Rating and Honda Sensing 360
The
2025 CR-V earned the highest five-star rating from Euro NCAP safety
experts through their strict testing programme. The detailed results
show strong scores in every category: 85% for adult occupant protection,
86% for child occupant protection, 76% for vulnerable road users
protection, and 67% for safety assist technologies. The vehicle scored
full points in child occupant protection during frontal and side impact
tests.
Honda SENSING 360 represents a major leap forward in
vehicle safety monitoring. This advanced system creates a complete 360°
view using a 100° forward-facing camera, millimetre-wave radar, and four
corner radars. The system spots road lines, verges, motorcycles,
cyclists and other vehicles through combined image recognition and radar
detection, which eliminates blind spots.
Standard Safety Features Across Trims
The
CR-V comes loaded with safety features, including 11 strategically
placed airbags throughout the cabin. A new front centre airbag helps
prevent driver and front passenger collisions during side impacts.
Honda Sensing 360's complete system has:
- Blind spot information with cross-traffic monitoring (front and rear)
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assistance
- Traffic sign recognition
- Driver attention monitor
Front
Cross Traffic Warning adds another layer of safety by detecting
vehicles approaching from the sides and front. Drivers receive audible,
visual and tactile alerts when approaching at high speeds.
Warranty Coverage and Brand Reliability
Honda's
warranty package gives owners peace of mind with a 5-year/90,000-mile
manufacturer warranty for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The hybrid
battery pack gets extended protection through an 8-year/100,000-mile
warranty. Owners also receive a 3-year paint and surface corrosion
warranty plus a 12-year anti-perforation warranty against bodywork rust.
Honda
ranks fourth out of 31 manufacturers in recent owner satisfaction
surveys, surpassing luxury brands like Lexus and BMW. This high ranking
highlights Honda's dedication to building cars that last year after
year.
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda CR-V builds on its
world-renowned reputation and meets modern electrification needs. You
can choose between the all-wheel drive e:HEV hybrid and the front-wheel
drive e:PHEV plug-in variant based on your driving patterns. People who
can charge at home and make shorter trips will benefit from e:PHEV's
50-mile electric range. This translates to lower running costs, even
with its higher price tag.
The CR-V's family-friendly features
stand out. The SUV's generous rear legroom, reclining back seats, and
large boot space make it perfect for daily use and longer trips. This is
especially true for the e:PHEV variant. Parents with young children
will love its wide-opening doors and available ISOFIX points.
The
CR-V's £45,925 starting price might seem steep, but it makes up for it
with detailed equipment levels, excellent safety features, and Honda's
proven reliability. Company car drivers will find the e:PHEV attractive
because of its 8% BIK tax rating.
The driving experience might not
excite enthusiasts compared to sportier options. In spite of that, the
comfortable ride, commanding driving position, and refined powertrain
create a pleasant everyday driving experience. The accessible interface
with physical buttons instead of touch-only controls makes the CR-V easy
to live with.
The 2025 Honda CR-V excels as a practical family
car with strong eco-credentials. While it's not the cheapest or most
exciting in its class, it delivers on its main goal - providing
comfortable, efficient, and reliable family transport with low running
costs, especially in the plug-in version. Many buyers looking for a
premium hybrid SUV will find this latest CR-V worth the investment.
FAQs
Q1. What is the price range for the 2025 Honda CR-V in the UK?
The 2025 Honda CR-V is priced from £45,925 for the base Elegance e:HEV
model, up to £53,995 for the top-spec Advance Tech e:PHEV variant.
Q2. How does the electric range differ between the e:HEV and e:PHEV models?
The e:PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model offers up to 50 miles of pure
electric driving, while the e:HEV (full hybrid) can only manage brief
periods of electric-only operation due to its smaller battery capacity.
Q3. What are the key safety features of the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The CR-V comes with Honda SENSING 360, an advanced safety system that
provides a 360° view around the vehicle, along with features like
automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign
recognition.
Q4. How spacious is the boot in the 2025 Honda CR-V?
Surprisingly, the e:PHEV model offers more boot space at 635 litres,
compared to 579 litres in the e:HEV variant. This is due to clever
battery placement under the cabin floor.
Q5. What is the fuel efficiency of the 2025 Honda CR-V?
The e:HEV full hybrid delivers around 42-43 mpg in real-world driving.
The e:PHEV can achieve up to 60 mpg with regular charging, though its
official figure of 353 mpg is based on ideal conditions.
