If you’re on the hunt for a Honda CR-V for sale, then you probably know some of the great things about it. You likely know that it’s a compact SUV with a couple of powerful and fuel-efficient engine options. You probably know it does great on gas while helping you get into tight parking spots with ease and zip around congested city streets effortlessly. You might also know that it comes in tons of different trims, each one with a different focus and personality. You may even know that it has available real-time all-wheel drive that can monitor the road and send torque to the tires that need it most. But do you know all the differences between the traditional gas engine version and the newer hybrid version?
The 2025 CR-V comes in three traditional gas engine trims and three hybrid trims, each of which is an appealing and affordable option with its own benefits. If you’re new to driving hybrids, we can understand your hesitation to make the switch. It’s also important to know that the type of powertrain they run on is not the only difference between the CR-V Hybrid and the traditional gas engine version. So you’re right to do your research and look into the details. I’m here to help you understand those details. Below are some important differences between the 2025 Honda CR-V’s traditional gas and hybrid models.
Three vs Four Drive Modes
On the performance front, you should know that while the traditional gas engine trims have three drive modes, the hybrid trims have four drive modes. For the gas engine trims, the modes are Normal, Snow, and ECON. Snow mode improves traction and control on slippery roads, adjusting torque distribution and throttle response to help you stay in command when powder has covered the pavement. ECON mode prioritizes fuel economy. It impacts cruise control, throttle response, climate control, and transmission shifting to get you the best possible MPGs. Finally, Normal mode is the default drive mode. It is designed to give you a balance of comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency.
What mode does the CR-V Hybrid add? The hybrid trims add Sport mode. By adjusting the throttle response and adding audio feedback, Sport mode will give you a more thrilling behind-the-wheel feel. If Sport mode sounds appealing to you, you will have to go with one of the CR-V Hybrid trims.
Fuel Economy: Let’s Break It Down
Now, let’s talk about fuel economy. Naturally, fuel economy is probably one of the top reasons you might find yourself drawn to the CR-V Hybrid. Is it that much better in the hybrid compared to the traditional gas engine model? Well, to put it bluntly, it certainly is. The EPA reports that the 2025 CR-V Hybrid can achieve 40 MPG combined. That breaks down to 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. The traditional gas engine model maxes out at an estimated 30 MPG combined. That breaks down to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. So you’re looking at a total of a 10 MPG improvement in the hybrid model. You’re also looking at some amazing city figures, which makes sense given that the hybrid powertrain recaptures battery power through regenerative braking, which you’ll do a lot of in the city (I know I hit the brakes a lot in the city where I live).
Overall, if you spend a lot of time in the city, you could see a significant fuel economy improvement in the hybrid model compared to the traditional gas engine model. As a whole, the CR-V Hybrid has a total range of 560 miles, while the traditional gas engine’s range sits at 420 miles. If fuel economy is a huge deal to you, there’s no denying that the hybrid model is the way to go.
A Price Difference That Could Make All the Difference
Now let’s talk about price. Many drivers love the CR-V for its affordable MSRP. If sticking to a strict budget is essential to you, you will probably want to stick with the traditional gas engine model. Here’s why I say probably. It is true that the traditional gas engine LX starts at just over $30,000. Meanwhile, the starting hybrid trim, the Sport Hybrid, already sits at over $34,000, and the hybrids go all the way up to nearly $41,000 with the Sport Touring Hybrid. However, because of the significant boost in fuel economy in the hybrid model, the savings you get at the pump could justify spending extra upfront.
You will have to think about your upfront budget for a vehicle as well as your long-term plans. You’ll also have to think about where and how often you drive and whether or not you will truly see the maximum savings available from the hybrid models. And, hey, if you’re leasing for just a few years, you could always try out the hybrid and see if the monthly fuel savings are significant enough to stay with the hybrid.
A Luxury Trim That’s Only Available as a Hybrid
I’d also like to discuss the Sport Touring Hybrid trim. The reason I want to give this trim special attention is that while the other hybrid trims have what feel like sister trims in the traditional gas engine options, the Sport Touring Hybrid is really a breed of its own. It has some features you will not find amongst the rest of the CR-V lineup—not in the other hybrids or in the traditional gas engine trims. One of these is a Bose premium sound system. For some drivers, an excellent sound system is everything, and if that sounds like you, you simply need to go with the Sport Touring Hybrid.
This trim also has a hands-free power tailgate that is not found elsewhere throughout the line lineup. Other trims have a power tailgate, but they do not have hands-free functionality. If you want the ability to simply kick your foot beneath the rear bumper and see the tailgate open on its own, once again, the Sport Touring Hybrid is the one for you.
Finally, only the Sport Touring Hybrid has Honda satellite-linked navigation. For drivers who travel in areas with poor cell service and who regularly visit destinations they’ve never been to before, this built-in navigation system is a huge bonus. And it is only found in this trim. If any of these features—the Bose sound system, the hands-free tailgate, or the navigation—are a must-have for you, then you must have the Sport Touring Hybrid.
The Honda CR-V Options Are Equally Solid but Also Very Different
Well, there you have it. You might have been surprised to find that the powertrain is not the only difference between the CR-V’s traditional gas engine and hybrid models. You can almost see the hybrid trims and gas engine trims as different models entirely because they offer some unique perks. Hopefully, what I covered today will help you understand whether or not you’re ready to switch to the CR-V Hybrid. In my opinion, it’s a terrific choice for anyone who does a lot of driving because the fuel economy boost you get from the hybrid will really add up over time.
