Front seat comfort has become a significant complaint among 2025 Honda CR-V owners, particularly affecting the Sport Touring trim. The seats feature high, hard side bolsters that create a "hole" effect with the low seat bottom, making them uncomfortable for average-sized adults. The problem worsens in cold weather when the seats become even harder, and owners report the seats are much less comfortable than the previous generation.

Apple CarPlay connectivity issues plague multiple owners across different trims. The gauge cluster audio display frequently gets stuck and won't show what's playing through CarPlay, a problem that carried over from the 2021 model year. This represents a chronic technology issue that Honda hasn't resolved despite widespread iPhone usage.

Steering system problems have emerged as a serious safety concern. One EX-L owner reports dangerous wandering at highway speeds, with the vehicle crossing lane lines even with lane-control systems engaged. This represents a potentially dangerous fault that could lead to accidents, especially concerning given Honda's reputation for safety.

The infotainment system suffers from connectivity drops and screen blackouts, particularly problematic when leaving internet-connected areas. Navigation systems lose connection and screens go blank precisely when drivers need information most, creating a significant usability issue for long-distance travel.

Headlight design flaws include both inadequate illumination in dark, inclement weather and a snow-catching problem. The headlight housings collect snow in their recessed areas during snowfall, potentially reducing visibility and creating safety hazards in winter driving conditions.

The 2025 Honda CR-V's hybrid powertrain consistently impresses owners with its smooth, quiet operation and excellent efficiency. Unlike many competitors that pair batteries with turbocharged engines, Honda's naturally aspirated hybrid system provides seamless power delivery without the on/off characteristics of turbo systems. Owners regularly achieve 38-42 MPG in mixed driving, with the system feeling refined and effortless.

Ride quality and cabin quietness earn universal praise from CR-V owners. The vehicle rides more like a mid-size sedan than a compact SUV, with excellent highway composure and minimal road noise intrusion. The well-insulated cabin creates a peaceful driving environment that owners consistently highlight, making long trips comfortable and conversation-friendly.

Interior space and practicality exceed expectations, even for tall drivers. One 6'7" owner specifically chose the CR-V because it provides adequate headroom where Toyota, Lexus, and Mazda competitors don't fit. The interior feels roomier than expected, easily accommodating five adults with good legroom front and rear.

Advanced safety features and technology integration work seamlessly when functioning properly. Owners appreciate the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, responsive touchscreen, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist systems. The Bose audio system receives particular praise for clear, immersive sound quality that enhances the driving experience.

Fuel costs represent a significant advantage for 2025 Honda CR-V owners, particularly those choosing hybrid models. Real-world fuel economy consistently meets or exceeds EPA estimates, with owners reporting 38-42 MPG in mixed driving conditions. This efficiency translates to substantial savings over time, especially when compared to the 20 MPG some owners were getting in previous vehicles like the Honda Pilot.

Maintenance costs appear reasonable based on Honda's traditionally reliable reputation, though the 2025 model year is too new for extensive long-term data. However, some owners note that Honda has removed previously standard features like garage door openers and rear cargo covers, now making them dealer options. This nickel-and-diming approach increases the total cost of ownership for buyers wanting complete functionality.

The lack of a spare tire on hybrid models adds unexpected costs and inconvenience. Owners must either rely on the included tire repair kit or purchase an aftermarket spare tire for around $400. This additional expense wasn't anticipated by many buyers and represents a hidden cost that affects long-term ownership economics.

Warranty service costs could become significant given the reported quality control issues and recalls. While covered under warranty initially, owners experiencing multiple recalls, suspension noises, and technology problems may face higher repair costs once warranty coverage expires. The inconsistent dealer service experiences also suggest potential diagnostic and repair costs may vary significantly between service locations.

Spare tire solutions top the modification list for 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid owners. Since Honda eliminated the spare tire on hybrid models, many owners purchase aftermarket spare tire kits for around $400. These kits can be stored in the cargo area for long trips, providing peace of mind that the tire repair kit alone doesn't offer.

Garage door opener retrofits address Honda's cost-cutting removal of this previously standard feature. Some owners install smartphone-based solutions like MyQ systems to restore garage door functionality, while others seek aftermarket HomeLink-compatible systems to replace what Honda removed from even top-tier trims.

Audio system modifications focus on disabling Honda's Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) module, which several experienced Honda owners consider ineffective. This modification involves disconnecting the ANC system to improve overall audio quality, a common practice among Honda enthusiasts who find the system more annoying than helpful.

Interior storage solutions help address the reduced storage space compared to previous generations. Owners add aftermarket center console organizers, door pocket expanders, and armrest accessories to compensate for Honda's reduced storage design. The missing armrest tray that was included in previous models can be purchased separately online to restore functionality.

The 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid consistently delivers exceptional real-world fuel economy that meets or exceeds EPA estimates. Owners report achieving 38-42 MPG in mixed driving conditions, with some reaching as high as 42.1 MPG with 30% highway driving. This efficiency represents a dramatic improvement over many owners' previous vehicles, with one owner jumping from 20 MPG in a Honda Pilot to 38+ MPG in the CR-V hybrid.

Driving conditions have minimal impact on the hybrid's efficiency compared to traditional gasoline engines. The system performs well in both city and highway environments, with the electric assist helping maintain efficiency during stop-and-go traffic. Owners report consistent mileage regardless of driving style, though aggressive acceleration can temporarily reduce efficiency.

Non-hybrid CR-V models deliver more modest but still respectable fuel economy. EX-L owners report around 33 MPG in mixed driving, which represents good efficiency for a compact SUV but falls well short of the hybrid's impressive numbers. The $1,500 price premium for hybrid technology pays back relatively quickly given the substantial efficiency improvement.

Test drive seat comfort extensively, especially if considering the Sport Touring trim. Multiple owners report significant comfort issues with the front seats' high side bolsters and low seat bottom that creates an uncomfortable "hole" effect. Spend at least 30 minutes in the driver's seat during your test drive, and try the seats in cold weather if possible, as they become even harder and more uncomfortable.

Choose the Sport Touring over Sport-L if considering AWD, as the $1,500 price difference becomes minimal when adding AWD to the Sport-L (standard on Sport Touring). This represents excellent value for the additional features and standard AWD system. The hybrid models offer substantially better fuel economy and are worth the premium for most buyers.

Inspect build quality carefully during delivery, as some owners have discovered paint defects and quality control issues that weren't noticed during initial purchase. Check interior surfaces, particularly the rear window area, for paint overspray or other finishing defects. Also verify all technology systems work properly, especially Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Consider purchasing an aftermarket spare tire if choosing a hybrid model, as Honda eliminated this safety feature. Budget an additional $400 for a proper spare tire setup if you plan on taking long trips or want complete roadside preparedness. Also factor in the missing garage door opener if this feature is important to you.

Against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V owners consistently praise superior ride quality, cabin quietness, and interior visibility. The CR-V feels more substantial and refined, with better driving dynamics and a smoother, more sedan-like ride. However, the RAV4 offers more advanced technology features like 360-degree cameras, larger displays, and better cargo space depth, making it more tech-forward but less comfortable.

Compared to luxury alternatives, CR-V owners find their vehicle matches the comfort and quality of Lexus and Acura models at a significantly lower price point. One owner specifically noted seeing no difference in quality or comfort between their CR-V and family members' luxury vehicles, representing excellent value in the premium compact SUV segment.

The CR-V's hybrid system stands out favorably against competitors by avoiding the turbo-plus-battery combinations used by many rivals. Owners appreciate the naturally aspirated hybrid approach that provides smoother, more predictable power delivery without the on/off characteristics of turbocharged systems. This makes the CR-V hybrid feel more refined than many competitors' forced-induction alternatives.