2025 Honda CR-V: Changes, Automatic Transmission, PHEV

The new generation of Honda’s best-seller is here, better than ever. The reception seems great but, interestingly, it looks like the Japanese manufacturer is already working on some changes. If we can trust tumors, it looks like we could see a new transmission in the near future, where the current CVT would be replaced with a conventional automatic. Moreover, some sources also speculate about the new powertrain option, a plug-in hybrid. Without any doubt, these changes would make the 2025 Honda CR-V even more appealing.

At this point, the officials are still quiet on these updates but whether we see them or not, the overall layout will remain the same. The CR-V will remain one of the best models in the class, with attractive styling, quality interior, generous passenger and cargo space and a full load of standard and available equipment.

We expect that the 2025 Honda CR-V could arrive sometime in the second half of the year.

2025 Honda CR-V Could Get New Transmission

As we’ve just mentioned, the 2025 Honda CR-V could already come with some big updates, even though it will represent the third production year of the generation. From what we can hear, the Japanese manufacturer plans to offer the CR-V with a new transmission. Allegedly, the uninspiring CVT would be replaced with a new 10-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter.

Without any doubt, this would have a highly positive impact on the driving experience. However, it is still unclear whether the new transmission would be coupled with the gasoline version only, or there is also a chance to see it as a part of Honda’s recently-introduced hybrid setup.

Moreover, some sources also speculate about the new powertrain option, a plug-in hybrid. That model would offer more power and better efficiency than the conventional self-charging hybrid, though we still don’t know what it could look like. Rumors suggest it could be based on a turbo-four engine. On the other hand, base models will continue with a 1.5-liter turbo-four with 190 horsepower, while the classic hybrid will combine a 2.0-liter inline-four with two electric motors, for a combined output of 204 horsepower.

2025 Honda CR-V Design

Since we are talking about a model that will represent the third production year of the generation, it’s pretty much for sure that there will be no significant design changes. In terms of styling, we presume there could be minor updates like new color options but the overall appearance definitely won’t change. The new generation looks boxier, but also more elegant than before and it looks like Honda finally did a great job with aesthetics.

As usual, the 2025 Honda CR-V will offer ride quality that’s more about comfort than athleticism. The CR-V may not be as engaging as rivals like Mazda CX-5 but on the other hand, it is smooth and comfortable.

Interior

This has always been CR-V’s strong point and the new generation brought only enhancements. The new cabin is stylish and well-built, so there is no reason for modifications in the near future. We expect to see the same layout in the 2025 Honda CR-V, though we shouldn’t exclude the possibility to see minor changes, such as new color schemes.

Besides quality, this SUV has also been known for plenty of passenger and cargo space. The new model is even better and offers an even higher level of comfort than before. Both rows of seats accommodate adults with ease, while the cargo area is, as usual, among the biggest in the class. In numbers, that would be around 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet of the total volume.

Features

Novelties in this aspect are always possible, so the 2025 Honda CR-V might come with a few of them as well. Still, most things should remain the same, which means that base models would come standard with goodies like a 7-inch touch screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, remote keyless entry and a moonroof.

Among upgrades, expect to find a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, two second-row USB ports, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker audio system, as well as a universal garage-door opener.

When it comes to safety, all models will come standard with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, etc.