For decades, the Honda CR-V has been one of Australia’s most trusted family SUVs. Known for its reliability, balanced design, and consistent value, the CR-V has always offered a mix of space and everyday usability. In 2025, Honda takes the formula even further by blending its trademark dependability with a sharper design, advanced driver-assist technology, hybrid efficiency, and features that speak directly to modern Australian families.
This review takes a deep dive into every aspect of the 2025 Honda CR-V – from performance and fuel economy to safety, technology, interior comfort, and family-friendly practicality. If you’re weighing up your next SUV purchase in Australia, this breakdown will help you decide whether the CR-V still deserves its place as one of the best all-rounders in the mid-size SUV segment.
Design and Exterior Updates
The 2025 Honda CR-V’s design language has matured, reflecting Honda’s global push towards a sleeker, more premium SUV lineup. Its longer wheelbase and wider stance give it more road presence than earlier generations. Up front, the redesigned grille adopts a bolder hexagonal shape, paired with slim LED headlights that deliver a sharp and sophisticated look.
Side profiles are cleaner, with sculpted character lines that run across the doors, giving the CR-V a sportier feel without being over the top. Depending on the trim, you can expect 18- to 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome highlights, and roof rails that add both style and function.
The rear has also been rethought, with slimmer tail-lamps and a modernised bumper that integrates better with the bodywork. For Aussie families that want a balance of practicality and style, the CR-V hits the sweet spot – understated enough for suburban school runs, but stylish enough for city commutes or road trips along the coast.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside, and the CR-V 2025 reveals why it has been a long-time favourite for families. Honda has increased interior space thanks to its stretched dimensions, offering more rear legroom and cargo flexibility.
The cabin design follows a clean and horizontal dashboard layout, inspired by the latest Civic and Accord interiors. Premium soft-touch materials are used across the dash and door panels, while piano black accents and metallic finishes elevate the overall feel. Higher trims add leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, turning the CR-V into something that feels genuinely premium without being overpriced.
Practicality remains its strongest card. The rear bench seats are wide and supportive, with reclining options that make long drives comfortable for kids and adults alike. Boot capacity has grown, offering up to 580 litres with all seats in place – easily accommodating prams, sports gear, or weekend luggage. With the rear seats folded flat, the space expands to over 1,700 litres, making it one of the most versatile in its class.
Technology & Infotainment
Technology is an area where the 2025 CR-V really steps up. At the centre of the dash sits a 10.2-inch infotainment display, supporting both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is quick, intuitive, and finally feels like it’s on par with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4.
A fully digital driver display is standard across most trims, providing customisable layouts for navigation, trip info, and driver-assist alerts. Higher trims also feature a head-up display that projects critical information onto the windscreen – a feature previously reserved for luxury SUVs.
Audio lovers will appreciate the available 12-speaker Bose sound system, which adds clarity and depth to music playback. Multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and 12-volt outlets make it easy to keep all devices powered, an underrated but crucial feature for families juggling multiple devices on long drives.
Performance and Engine Options
The Australian-spec 2025 Honda CR-V comes with two key powertrain options:
1.5-litre Turbo Petrol: Producing 140kW and 240Nm, this engine is paired with a CVT automatic. It offers smooth power delivery for city and highway driving. While not the sportiest in the class, it’s quiet and efficient, making it well-suited to everyday family use.
2.0-litre Hybrid (e:HEV): The hybrid model is the star of the lineup, combining petrol and electric power for 152kW of combined output. It delivers strong low-end torque, whisper-quiet operation in urban settings, and excellent fuel economy – often under 6L/100km in real-world use. For families conscious of rising fuel prices, this is the pick of the range.
Both options are available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on trim level. The AWD system adds extra grip for rural or off-road trips but does slightly impact fuel economy.
Driving Experience
On the road, the CR-V continues to prioritise comfort and refinement over sportiness. Its suspension has been tuned to handle Australia’s varied road surfaces, from smooth highways to rougher regional roads.
The steering is light yet precise, making the CR-V easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces. Ride quality is excellent, soaking up potholes and bumps without unsettling passengers. On highways, the CR-V feels planted and stable, with minimal wind or road noise entering the cabin.
While keen drivers may find rivals like the Mazda CX-5 slightly more engaging, the CR-V nails its role as a stress-free, family-focused SUV. For long road trips, school runs, or commuting, it delivers the kind of smooth and predictable driving experience that buyers in this segment truly value.
Safety Features
Honda has made safety a cornerstone of the 2025 CR-V, equipping every model with its Honda Sensing Suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. This includes:
Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow
Lane-Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning
Collision Mitigation Braking (autonomous emergency braking)
Road Departure Mitigation
Traffic Sign Recognition
Additional features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system are standard on higher trims. With a strong emphasis on safety, the CR-V is well-positioned to secure a 5-star ANCAP rating, giving families added peace of mind.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Fuel efficiency has always been a deciding factor for Aussie buyers, and the 2025 CR-V doesn’t disappoint.
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol returns around 7.5–8.0L/100km, which is competitive for its class.
The hybrid version shines, delivering as low as 5.8L/100km in city driving and around 6.3L/100km on highways.
Servicing costs remain reasonable, with Honda’s capped-price service program helping owners plan ahead. Honda also offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is in line with most mainstream rivals, though some brands like Kia and MG offer longer warranties.
Trim Levels and Pricing in Australia
Honda has simplified its sales model in Australia, focusing on direct-to-consumer sales with fixed pricing. For 2025, expect the CR-V to be offered in four main trims:
Vi Petrol – entry level, well-equipped for its price.
VTi X Petrol – mid-range with added comfort features.
VTi L AWD – premium feel with AWD capability and enhanced tech.
e:HEV LX Hybrid – flagship model with top-tier luxury and hybrid efficiency.
Pricing starts around the low-$40,000s drive-away for base petrol models, stretching to the high-$50,000s for the fully loaded hybrid. While this puts it slightly above some budget rivals, the CR-V justifies its price with reliability, tech, and overall package value.
Competitors in the Market
The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most hotly contested in Australia, and the Honda CR-V faces stiff competition. Key rivals include:
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – the benchmark for hybrid SUVs, though long wait times remain a frustration for buyers.
Mazda CX-5 – stylish and engaging to drive, but slightly smaller inside.
Hyundai Tucson – sharp design, lots of tech, and strong warranty backing.
Kia Sportage – bold looks, long warranty, and plenty of family features.
Subaru Forester – rugged AWD system with strong safety reputation.
What sets the CR-V apart is its balance of interior space, Honda’s reliability record, and the availability of a hybrid that isn’t plagued by long delivery delays.
Why Families Will Love It
The CR-V continues to be one of the most family-friendly SUVs in Australia. Here’s why it stands out:
Space: Class-leading boot and rear seat space.
Comfort: Smooth ride and supportive seating for all passengers.
Tech: Kid-friendly connectivity, intuitive infotainment, and plenty of charging options.
Safety: Comprehensive suite of driver-assist features.
Efficiency: Hybrid model reduces fuel bills without compromising usability.
For parents juggling school runs, weekend sports, and holiday trips, the CR-V ticks every essential box.
Verdict: Is the Honda CR-V 2025 Worth It?
The 2025 Honda CR-V cements itself as one of the best all-round family SUVs in Australia. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overly sporty, but it excels in the areas that matter most: reliability, safety, comfort, and practicality. Add in modern tech, hybrid efficiency, and Honda’s proven build quality, and you have a vehicle that will serve families well for years to come.
For Aussie buyers weighing up options in a crowded SUV field, the CR-V 2025 is a safe, smart, and satisfying choice – a true family SUV built for real-world needs.
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