Gas or Hybrid? How to Choose Between the Honda CR-V and CR-V Hybrid

Shopping for a compact SUV is exciting and, at times, overwhelming because there are so many options. Yet, there is a lot to be said for the reliability, value, and efficiency of the Honda CR-V. Honda’s Comfortable Runabout Vehicle helped establish the crossover segment in the 1990s and remains a common sight on our lot. Its gas and hybrid powertrains entice drivers like you to visit your Honda dealer near Buffalo Grove to see and explore the icon firsthand.

The CR-V embodies Honda’s dedication to building long-lasting and value-rich vehicles. Because of this, there’s no question that the CR-V is an excellent investment for many drivers. Instead, the question is how to choose between a CR-V with a traditional gas engine and one with a hybrid powertrain. As your CR-V destination and trusted automotive partner, we’re here to help. 

#1 – Initial Investment and Long-Term Value 

We encourage every customer from Buffalo Grove and beyond to consider their budget and the short and long-term value of their investment. The 2025 CR-V starts at $30,100 for the entry-level LX.^[a] The trim is well-equipped, with a 190 hp turbocharged engine, optional all-wheel drive, smartphone integration, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies. With a traditional gas powertrain, the LX’s lower price tag and efficient engine appeal to budget-savvy shoppers, but what does that mean for the hybrid? 

The 2025 CR-V Sport Hybrid has a starting price of $34,650, making the initial investment slightly higher.^[a] However, looking at what you’re getting for your money is crucial. The CR-V’s hybrid powertrain is more potent, producing 204 hp without negatively impacting efficiency. The Sport Hybrid is also sportier and more functional, with exclusive trim details, roof rails, dual exhaust finishers, heated front seats, a one-touch power moonroof, a power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. These features and the efficiency of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system offer long-term value, making the initial investment more value-rich since the entry-level LX doesn’t provide the same amenities or features. 

#2 – Trim Options 

The 2025 CR-V lineup features a diverse trim family with distinct styling elements and a progressive lineup of features. The crossover’s six trims are equally divided, with three traditional gas-powered options and three hybrids. Yet, comparing the trims reveals the hybrid models have more standard features, a reflection of their slightly higher starting prices and Honda’s efforts to ensure drivers get more for their money. 

The entry-level CR-V LX sets the baseline for its siblings, rolling off the production line with cloth seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and the Honda Sensing suite. The mid-tier EX adds a one-touch power moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock. From there, the top-tier EX-L exudes luxury with its leather-trimmed interior, nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and power tailgate. 

The CR-V’s hybrid family starts with the Sport Hybrid, instantly recognizable by its sportier styling and roof rails. The base hybrid trim offers far more features than the LX, and that theme continues with the Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. The mid-tier Sport-L Hybrid has a leather-trimmed interior, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and a wireless phone charger. These features carry over to the Sport Touring Hybrid, which also features a Bose Premium Sound System, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power tailgate for enhanced convenience when loading and unloading cargo. 

#3 – Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Where do you spend most of your time on the road in Buffalo Grove? The CR-V is adaptable to any conditions, expertly navigating rush-hour traffic within the city limits or cruising at highway speeds. Moreover, the iconic crossover is renowned for its efficiency, modestly sipping fuel without compromising performance. But how do you choose between the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid? 

The 2025 CR-V showcases Honda’s success in giving drivers the best of both worlds—engaging performance and impressive fuel economy, courtesy of a turbocharged engine and smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission. As a front-wheel drive SUV, the 2025 CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.^[b] Enjoying all-weather confidence doesn’t dramatically reduce the CR-V’s efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for all-wheel drive models.^[b]

While the CR-V’s fuel economy ratings with its traditional gas powertrain are impressive, its hybrid ratings are even more so. Drivers looking to save more at the pump and lessen their carbon footprint will appreciate that the 2025 CR-V Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG combined with front-wheel drive.^[b] All-wheel drive models trail slightly behind, getting an EPA-estimated 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.^[b] Regardless, the CR-V Hybrid conservatively sips fuel, maximizing your savings at the pump. 

#4 – Performance and Driving Experience

Honda strikes a unique balance in the CR-V by heightening its efficiency without diminishing its driving demeanor. The crossover’s smaller footprint works to its advantage, making it easy to maneuver in town and on the highway. Its potent powertrain makes it adept in any situation, which leads to the next consideration: what you want from your experience behind the wheel. 

The 2025 CR-V rolls off Honda’s production line with a 1.5L turbocharged inline-four under its hood. The engine produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, making the CR-V engaging and responsive at any speed. As we mentioned, Honda maximizes the CR-V’s fuel economy by pairing that engine with a continuously variable transmission. This output also means the CR-V can tow modest loads of up to 1,500 lbs. 

Buffalo Grove drivers looking for a more exciting and engaging experience will want to consider the CR-V Hybrid. Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain includes a 2.0L inline-four to produce 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of near-instant torque. The higher horsepower output makes the CR-V Hybrid more potent, while its higher torque rating offers better responsiveness and acceleration. The pairing is unparalleled, especially with its fuel economy. The only caveat is that the hybrid can’t tow as much, with a slightly lower towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. 

#5 – Maintenance and Reliability 

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new vehicle without considering your responsibilities after the sale is final. What do we mean? Consider the care your CR-V will need to perform its best long after you drive off our lot and back to Buffalo Grove. 

Honda has a stellar reputation for building long-lasting, reliable vehicles, and the CR-V and CR-V Hybrid are no exception. These models showcase Honda’s legacy, from their high-strength builds to their engaging and efficient powertrains. Yet, it’s crucial to consider the long-term investment regarding maintenance and reliability when shopping between the gas and hybrid models. Fortunately, the news is good. 

A hybrid powertrain is more complex than a traditional gas-powered engine, which can make the CR-V Hybrid slightly more expensive to repair. However, a hybrid can require less maintenance overall since it puts less stress on components like the gasoline engine and brakes. Honda mitigates any additional expenses by covering the hybrid components with extended warranties. Honda also stands behind its gas-powered CR-V, offering similar powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage to instill confidence and peace of mind in your purchase. 

How Do You Choose? 

You’re already off to an excellent start by shopping for the CR-V. Yet, as you narrow down your options, consider the long-term benefits relative to your initial investment. For example, just because the CR-V Hybrid has a higher price tag doesn’t mean the overall investment is significantly higher, thanks to savings at the pump and Honda’s warranty coverage. Alternatively, the CR-V’s budget-friendly starting price offers widespread appeal to savvy shoppers looking for the basics. It is an efficient crossover with a traditional gas powertrain that reflects Honda’s decades of success in the global landscape. Either way, the CR-V is an excellent investment for Buffalo Grove drivers looking to get more from their money without settling for less. 

^[a]MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,350 destination charge for 2024 models and $1,395 destination charge for 2025 models, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

^[b]28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for the 2WD Sport & Sport-L Hybrid trims. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L & Sport Touring Hybrid trims. Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.

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