Are you shopping for a well-priced and energetic subcompact SUV? The 2025 Honda HR-V might be on your shopping list. After all, the 2023 model was named a Top Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In a world where it’s hard to find a new vehicle for less than $30,000, the HR-V stays firmly in the affordable price range. If you decide to check out a Honda HR-V for sale, there are a few things to know before you begin your shopping journey. The HR–V is great for adventurers and commuters alike. It comes in just three trims; however, each of these trims offers a distinct personality with unique benefits, so every driver, regardless of preferences and behaviors, should find the right vehicle for their needs in the lineup.
What You’ll Enjoy in Every Trim
Let’s first review what you will have, no matter what trim you select. Under the hood of every 2025 Honda HR–V is a 2.0L I-four engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. The US Department of Energy reports that front-wheel drive models achieve MPG figures of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. All-wheel drive models only see a very small dip in fuel economy, so you should not find yourself at the pump too often, regardless of which model you choose.
The 2025 HR-V enjoys Real Time All-Wheel Drive. This system uses sensors to determine when to send extra torque to the rear wheels, giving you the command you need in slippery situations. If you tackle winter roads, the Snow mode will reduce wheel slippage. When activated, it communicates with the transmission to start in second gear and adjusts pedal sensitivity to improve traction. Every model also has Hill Descent Control, which prevents the vehicle from taking on unwanted speed while going downhill.
As for safety, each model has the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistance features. Standard across all trims is a Collision Mitigation Braking System, a Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Also standard across all trims is smartphone compatibility for Apple and Android devices.
The Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation standard on all trims adjusts your volume to your environment. So, when you suddenly slow down, it lowers the volume, and when you’re speeding up to get to the freeway, it increases the volume so you can still hear your music over the sound of the engine. You also get Bluetooth HandsFreeLink on every trim, allowing you to make hands-free calls from the road. Every trim comes standard with HondaLink, which provides you with reminders about important services and recalls.
A Look at the Trims
Now, let’s get into the trims. Honda only made three trims for the 2025 HR-V. However, once you get to know them, you’ll see that these three should appeal to a wide range of driving styles.
The LX
The LX is the starting trim. It gets you cloth seats and a manual adjustable driver seat. You can control your smartphone apps on a 7-inch color touchscreen, and you will listen to your tunes, audiobooks, and other audio media on a four-speaker sound system. Should you need to power up your device, you will find USB ports in the front and center console. With push button start, you do not need to put your key in the ignition to turn on this vehicle. It rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels that are painted silver.
The Sport
If you were looking for an inspired behind-the-wheel experience plus some striking style details, check out the Sport trim. It sits on 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels. Plus, it adds a special Sport grille, a chrome exhaust finisher and rear privacy glass for a sophisticated aesthetic.
You will enjoy heated front seats on this trim. Plus, the speaker system gets a two-speaker bump from the LX, with a total of six speakers. A leather-wrapped steering wheel adds to the VIP look and feel of this trim, as do the heated front seats. Another upgrade in the Sport is the auto up/down windows for the rear seat passengers. These allow you to fully lower or raise the rear windows by pushing their associated button just once. The LX only has this feature for the driver and the front seat passenger. Plus, the driver and front passenger’s vanity mirrors are illuminated in this trim, giving you and your co-pilot good visibility for those last-minute touch-ups before getting out of the vehicle.
When you get in and out of the Sport trim, the Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle by simply touching the door handle. The Sport trim also adds a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor that will alert you if a vehicle is approaching your blind spot when you are changing lanes.
The EX-L
Finally, we end at the EX-L. It builds on the other trims with more comfort, convenience, and safety features. On top of the standard Honda Sensing driver assist features, it not only adds Blind Spot Monitoring but also parking sensors to help you in and out of tight spots. Drivers will enjoy an 8-way power adjustable seat, a nice boost from the manually adjustable seats of the lower trims. While the other trims have Automatic Climate Control, only the EX-L upgrades to Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control so your front seat passenger gets command over their temperature. The leather-trimmed seats also give this trim a distinctly sophisticated look and feel. As for wheels, the EX-L drops back down to 17-inch ones, like those you get on the LX; however, they have their own look. The EX-L rolls on machine-finished alloy wheels with gloss shark gray inserts.
You will continue to enjoy smartphone compatibility on this trim; however, it will be wireless so that you can leave the USB cords at home. Plus, there is even wireless charging so that you can power up your device cord-free. You will control your smartphone apps on a 9-inch color touchscreen, a 2-inch boost from the screen on the Sport and LX trims. Additionally, a one-touch power moonroof lets you take the views around your vehicle with ease. It also has a tilt feature, letting you take in some fresh air when you need it.
Three Personalities, A Variety of Driving Styles
Honda planned the three trims of the 2025 Honda HR-V with a lot of thought and care, considering a wide array of driving needs and lifestyles. You have your no-frills but high-value starting trim, the LX, your performance enthusiast’s Sport trim, and your luxury lover’s EX-L trim. When a manufacturer plans trims this well, there’s no need for an extensive lineup. If you’re going to shop for a 2025 HR-V, ask yourself what features will enhance your daily drives and deliver the behind-the-wheel experience you’re searching for. If you want a great price and don’t need many extras, the LX should have you covered. But if you truly enjoy the act of driving, consider the Sport. And if you crave a little sophistication in your life, consider the EX-L.
