Is the 2025 Honda CR-V worth $30,100?

The Honda CR-V has been a hot contender since 1997, and it's still going strong more than 25 years later.

Feb 17, 2025 - 07:43

Year after year, the midsize crossover segment proves to be one of the most brutal and unforgiving. Value beats all in this arena, as consumers have proven time and time again. With the rise in popularity of crossovers comes a tightly knit group of family-oriented, value-driven models.

Consumers who would have once picked a sedan for their family now tend to skew towards crossovers and for plenty of good reasons. Crossovers are roughly the same length as sedans but offer higher ride height, more interior space, and fuel economy comparable to their shorter siblings.

The Honda CR-V arrived in North America in February 1997, just one month after the Toyota RAV4 made its way to dealer lots. Together, the two models signified a major shift in the industry, one that continues to ripple through the market to this day.

Most of the time, a lack of updates for a new model year is bad news, but that’s not quite the case for the 2025 Honda CR-V. While it arrives identical to the 2023 and 2024 models, the latest CR-V marks the third year into the popular crossover’s sixth generation. Notably, however, while there haven’t been any changes, the CR-V has increased in price.

The Honda CR-V continues to be a great value in its sixth-generation

The sixth-generation Honda CR-V is going on its third year in its lifecycle, and it hasn’t had any changes since 2023. Even so, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially considering it puts an emphasis on practicality and value. Starting at $30,100, the 2025 Honda CR-V rides high with a reputation for reliability and just enough amenities to win over consumers.

Available in three trim levels, the 2025 Honda CR-V is fairly limited in its selection, with the range-topping EX-L trim starting at $35,000. No matter the trim level, the CR-V comes powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. That power comes channeled via Honda’s CVT.

All Honda CR-V models come with standard front-wheel drive, and upgrading to an all-wheel drive system will cost you an additional $1,500. 2025 Honda CR-V models equipped with FWD earn up to 28 city mpg, 34 highway mpg, and 30 combined mpg. Upgrading to AWD drops fuel economy to 26 city mpg, 31 highway mpg, and 28 combined mpg.

The Toyota RAV4 starts at $28,850, comes powered by a 203-horsepower engine, and earns up to 30 combined mpg. The Hyundai Tucson starts at $28,605 with 187 horsepower and earns up to 28 combined mpg. The Chevrolet Equinox is available from $28,600 and boasts 175 horsepower while earning 27 combined mpg.

Not everyone is a fan of CVTs, but there are alternatives to the Honda CR-V that come with a more conventional automatic transmission. The Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson, for example, both have a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Who is the CR-V’s closest rival?

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are the obvious choices when it comes to rivals in the crossover segment. The two models arrived within a month of one another, and their bitter battle continues to rage on more than 25 years later. For the 2025 model year, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer a similar spec sheet at competitive pricing.

The base Honda CR-V LX starts at $30,100 and features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with FWD and a CVT. That setup produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque and earns up to an EPA-estimated 28 city mpg, 34 highway mpg, and 30 combined mpg.

The Toyota RAV4 LE undercuts the CR-V in price, starting at $28,850. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with FWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 earns up to an EPA-estimated 27 city mpg, 35 highway mpg, and 30 combined mpg.

When it comes to tech and infotainment, the Toyota RAV4 is also a step above the Honda CR-V. The base CR-V has a standard seven-inch touchscreen display and a single USB port, while the RAV4 one-ups it with an eight-inch touchscreen and three USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard in both crossovers.

Thanks to its improved size and redesigned interior, the Honda CR-V has a pretty substantial advantage when it comes to interior space. The 2025 Honda CR-V boasts 106 cu. ft. of passenger volume, dwarfing the RAV4’s 98.9 cu. ft. When it comes to cargo space, the CR-V beats out the RAV4 again, with up to 76.5 cu. ft. versus 69.8 cu. ft.

Regardless of your choice of crossover, you’re getting some of the industry’s best safety systems as both the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 come with their respective manufacturers’ safety suites. Unfortunately, upgrading to AWD will cost you extra in either model, increasing the price by $1,500 and $1,400 in the CR-V and RAV4, respectively.

If you aren’t a fan of Honda or Toyota, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 has its pros and cons. The latest model starts at $30,300. At that price, the base Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. That combination delivers 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque while earning up to 25 city mpg and 31 highway mpg.

All Mazda CX-50 models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The crossover also rolls out with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and an eight-speaker audio system. Notably, the CX-50 offers less cargo space than the CR-V, with just 56.3 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded down.

Final thoughts

The Honda CR-V has maintained its place as one of the most reliable crossovers in the industry for decades now. As one of the first models introduced into the segment, the CR-V features a practical design and enough oomph to make it a competent daily driver. In its most recent rendition, the 2025 Honda CR-V serves as a fierce competitor, even at the base level.

With no updates for two years, Honda is leaving the CR-V’s current formula alone, at least for the time being. Given the crossover’s interior dimensions, modern styling, and acceptable list of features, it’s a great choice for families on a budget. Why change a winning formula?

Thanks to its overall combination of amenities and size, the 2025 Honda CR-V justifies its price. Its peppy turbocharged engine combines performance with efficiency while undercutting some competitors—but not all—in price. Still, it remains a solid contender, even when compared to its archrival, the Toyota RAV4.

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