What You Get in Each 2025 CR-V Trim
The 2025 Honda CR-V comes in five main trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Touring, and Sport Utility. Each step up adds features and capability, but the jump in price is not always proportional to what you gain. The LX is the entry point with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, cloth seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The EX adds all-wheel drive as standard, a power liftgate, and a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The EX-L introduces leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The Sport Touring layer adds a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless phone charging. The Sport Utility trim, the highest level, includes all of the above plus a head-up display, a Bose premium audio system, and additional interior trim upgrades. All trims come with Honda Sensing, the brand's suite of driver information features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, and collision mitigation braking.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 CR-V offers five trims, and the jump from LX to EX costs roughly $3,000 to $4,000 but adds all-wheel drive and a significantly larger touchscreen.
- A single 1.5-liter turbocharged engine powers all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission.
- All-wheel drive is standard on EX and above; front-wheel drive is available only on the LX, which can save you $1,500 to $2,000 at purchase.
- The real cost differences between trims come from interior materials, screen sizes, and comfort features rather than performance or capability.
- Resale value tends to be strongest for EX and EX-L trims, as they hit the balance between features and price that used-car shoppers seek most.
Engine and Transmission: One Choice for All Trims
Every 2025 CR-V uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, regardless of trim. It produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. That engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimics traditional gear shifts for a more familiar driving feel than older CVTs. Real-world fuel economy ranges from 28 to 33 miles per gallon combined, depending on whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive and how you drive.
The turbo engine is adequate for daily driving and highway merging, but it is not sporty. Acceleration from a stop feels moderate, and the CVT can drone at highway speeds if you push hard. If you tow, Honda rates the CR-V at 1,500 pounds with a trailer brake, which is light compared to some competitors. The engine does not offer a hybrid option for 2025, though Honda has offered CR-V hybrids in past model years.
Front-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive: When Each Makes Sense
Front-wheel drive is available only on the LX trim and costs roughly $1,500 to $2,000 less than all-wheel drive. It delivers slightly better fuel economy—up to 33 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for AWD—and is adequate for most drivers in dry climates or mild winters. The trade-off is reduced traction in snow, ice, and deep mud, and no ability to distribute power to the rear wheels when the front loses grip.
All-wheel drive is standard on EX and above and is worth the cost if you live where winter weather is regular or if you drive on unpaved roads. The system is always engaged and uses a multi-plate clutch to send power to the rear axle when needed. It does not offer a low-range transfer case or true off-road capability, but it handles snow and wet pavement noticeably better than front-wheel drive. If you are financing, the monthly difference between FWD and AWD is usually $30 to $50 over a 60-month loan.
Interior Layout and Comfort Across Trims
The LX and EX both seat five adults and use cloth upholstery. The LX has a manually adjustable driver's seat; the EX adds power adjustment. The EX-L upgrades to leather seats, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat with four-way lumbar support. The Sport Touring and Sport Utility trims add a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats, which matter if you spend long hours driving in hot weather.
Cargo space is identical across all trims: 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row slides and reclines on all trims, giving you flexibility to balance passenger legroom and cargo room. The EX-L and above add a power liftgate, which is convenient when your hands are full but not essential. If you have young children, note that the rear doors open wide, making car seat installation easier than in some competitors.
Technology and Infotainment Differences by Trim
The LX comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio, and a USB port. It does not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is a significant limitation if you rely on navigation or music streaming through your phone. The EX jumps to a 10.2-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless and wired. That single upgrade makes the EX substantially more livable for most buyers.
The EX-L adds a wireless charging pad for your phone and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the traditional analog gauges. The Sport Touring and Sport Utility both include a head-up display that projects speed, navigation, and warnings onto the windshield, reducing the need to look down at the dashboard. The Sport Utility adds a Bose premium audio system with 10 speakers, which sounds noticeably better than the standard system but is not essential unless you spend significant time in the car.
Safety Features and Driver information: Standard Across All Trims
Honda Sensing comes standard on every 2025 CR-V trim at no extra cost. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and road departure mitigation. These features work together to reduce driver fatigue on long drives and provide a safety net if you drift out of your lane or approach a vehicle too quickly.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on EX and above. The LX does not include these, which is worth considering if you frequently back out of tight parking spaces or change lanes in heavy traffic. All trims have a rearview camera, and the EX-L and above add a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and tight maneuvers easier to judge. If safety features influence your trim choice, the EX is the practical minimum; the jump from LX to EX includes both the larger touchscreen and blind-spot monitoring.
Price Progression and Value Across Trims
The 2025 CR-V LX with front-wheel drive starts around $33,000 to $34,000 before destination charges and incentives. The EX with all-wheel drive runs roughly $37,000 to $38,000. The EX-L sits around $41,000 to $42,000. The Sport Touring reaches $44,000 to $45,000, and the Sport Utility tops out near $48,000 to $50,000. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices; actual prices vary by dealer, region, and current incentives.
The best value for most buyers is the EX with all-wheel drive. You gain all-wheel drive, a modern touchscreen with phone integration, blind-spot monitoring, and a power liftgate for roughly $4,000 more than the LX. The jump from EX to EX-L costs another $3,500 to $4,000 but adds leather, heated seats, and a digital cluster—comfort features rather than capability. If you plan to keep the car beyond five years, the EX-L holds its value better in the used market because it appeals to a broader range of buyers. If you are trading in after three years, the EX is usually the smarter financial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2025 CR-V come in a hybrid version?
No hybrid is offered for the 2025 model year. Honda has produced CR-V hybrids in the past, and a hybrid may return in future years, but the current lineup uses only the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine across all trims.
Can I get all-wheel drive on the LX trim?
No. All-wheel drive is standard on EX and above and is not available as an option on the LX. If you want all-wheel drive, you must move up to the EX trim, which adds roughly $3,500 to $4,000 to the purchase price.
What is the difference between the Sport Touring and Sport Utility trims?
The Sport Utility adds a Bose premium audio system, ventilated front seats, and additional interior trim upgrades over the Sport Touring. Both include a head-up display and panoramic sunroof. The Sport Utility costs $3,000 to $4,000 more and is worth it mainly if you value premium audio or spend long hours driving in hot weather.
Is the 360-degree camera system worth the cost?
The 360-degree camera is standard on EX-L and above and is genuinely useful for parking and tight maneuvers, especially if you are not confident judging distances. If you rarely park in tight spaces, the standard rearview camera on lower trims is sufficient. It is not available as a standalone option on EX or lower trims.
Which trim holds its value best after three years?
The EX and EX-L typically hold value best because they represent the balance between features and price that used-car shoppers seek. The LX depreciates faster because buyers often stretch to EX for all-wheel drive and the larger touchscreen. The Sport Touring and Sport Utility depreciate more steeply because fewer used buyers want to pay for premium features.