Honda CR-V vs. CR-V Hybrid: Key Differences

The CR-V is one of Honda’s most popular nameplates, so it makes perfect sense that they added the option for a hybrid powertrain to appeal to shoppers looking to save at the gas pump.

Obviously, the main difference between the 2025 CR-V and 2025 CR-V Hybrid is their fuel economy stats, but is that the only tangible difference between these two popular compact SUVs? To find out, we’ve decided to make a proper comparison to see which is the best choice for shoppers looking for a Honda SUV for sale in Goleta, CA.

CR-V vs. CR-V Hybrid: Performance

The meat-and-potatoes CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which puts out 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. It’s rated for up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the non-hybrid segment. According to Car and Driver, it does a 0 to 60 in in about 8.1 seconds, and it features three dynamic driver modes (Normal, Econ, and Snow) that allow you to tailor performance to multiple roadgoing scenarios. The CR-V can also tow 1,500 pounds, which makes it a bit more capable than the CR-V Hybrid.

Under the hood of the CR-V Hybrid, we find a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that’s paired with an electric motor, allowing it to crank out 204 combined horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Its increased power makes it just a little quicker; Car and Driver found that it could make 0 to 60 in about 7.9 seconds. The CR-V Hybrid also comes with four drive modes instead of three, with Sport mode added to the mix for an even greater boost of speed. Of course, it also has excellent fuel economy, getting 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, but despite having a more powerful motor, it’s only rated to tow 1,000 pounds.

Here's a side-by-side look at their performance specs:

CR-V vs. CR-V Hybrid: Dimensions and Measurements

At a glance, both SUVs look pretty much identical, and for the most part, they are. They have the same length, width, and height, the same wheelbase, and the same ground clearance. However, they do have some minor differences.

The CR-V has greater approach and departure angles than the Hybrid version, making it a bit more capable for activities like camping and light off-roading. The CR-V also weighs significantly less than the CR-V Hybrid, and they have different front-to-rear weight distributions, which affects handling.

They also differ slightly in their interior dimensions. Leg room is the same across the board, but the CR-V LX has more head room. The CR-V Hybrid also has less cargo space behind the second row, with 36.3 cubic feet, while the CR-V has 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

CR-V vs. CR-V Hybrid: Features

All CR-V models come standard with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth® capability, and cruise control.

The base models of both the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid get a 7.0-inch center touch screen display with wired Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, while the fancier trims get a larger 9.0-inch display with wireless device connectivity. Upper trims also get SiriusXM®, HD Radio™, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded speaker system. So, whether you choose gas or hybrid, you’ll be able to enjoy a solid array of tech features.

However, the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid is the model’s top-line trim, and it boasts features not found in the gas-powered version like a Bose premium stereo, access to HondaLink® subscription services, Honda navigation with voice recognition, and an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.

CR-V vs. CR-V hybrid: Safety

Both the gas and hybrid versions have outstanding safety scores, and they come with a wealth of standard Honda Sensing® driver assistance features, including:

·       Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow

·       Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)

·       Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)

·       Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

·       Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

·       Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

·       Traffic Jam Assist

·       Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)

·       Driver Attention Monitor

Regardless of which powertrain you choose, you can rest assured that you’re driving one of the safest SUVs on the road.

CR-V vs. CR-V Hybrid: Price and Trims

The 2025 Honda CR-V has six trims total, with three gas and three hybrid options, giving shoppers near Lompoc, CA plenty of choice in terms of pricing and standard features.

Here’s a breakdown of Honda CR-V vs. Honda CR-V Hybrid trims and pricing:

So, while the CR-V Hybrid will certainly cut down your fuel costs, shoppers on a tighter budget may find the CR-V more appealing.

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid for Sale Near Montecito, CA

Whether you decide to go for the gas or hybrid version, one thing’s for sure—you simply can’t go wrong with a new Honda CR-V, which won a perfect 10/10 rating from the experts at Car and Driver and earned the honor of best compact SUV and best hybrid SUV. We have an extensive inventory of both, and you can shop the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid on our website right now.

At Santa Barbara Honda, we also have tons of new car specials to ensure you get the best price in Southern California, and our college graduate program can save you even more dough at your trusted local Honda dealership.

Contact us online or give us a call at (805) 755-4648 to learn more or schedule a test drive.