The most affordable Japanese SUV currently available

The SUV segment has been at its peak of development lately, with automakers battling to deliver the best combination of value, utility and comfort in a single package. In our opinion, automakers from Japan and Korea are clearly leading the way in this regard, with virtually every SUV segment led by an automaker from the region.

Choosing the SUV from Japan that offers the best value for money is not an easy task, but in the end we decided on our compact SUV of the year 2024, the Honda CR-V. This small SUV has been around for decades now, and Honda has refined the name and turned it into an affordable SUV that is packed with features.

We analyzed the 2025 Honda CR-V to find out what makes it special in its segment. We look at how much it costs and which trim level is right for you. We also looked at the compact SUV’s high level of interior comfort as well as its overall performance.

review

2024 Honda CR-V: A comprehensive guide to performance, specs and pricing

Despite strong competition, the CR-V is still considered the benchmark in the compact crossover segment, although some competitors are more affordable.

The Honda CR-V starts at an impressive $30,100

One of the reasons the Honda CR-V is so attractive is its price. Compared to some of its direct competitors in its class, the CR-V is pretty average, but what you get for your money is what makes it such a good choice. With most compact SUVs, you have to move up the trim levels to find the features you want, but not with the CR-V.

Equipment variants

Honda recently started selling its 2025 model year CR-V. Despite some price increases across the board, the latest CR-V is essentially identical to the previous model. There are also hybrid models of the CR-V, the Sport, Sport-L and Sport Touring, but we’re testing those separately.

There’s only a $5,100 difference between the cheapest and most expensive CR-V, so if you’re looking for the longest features list, you won’t have to shell out as much as you would with some of the CR-V’s competitors. Beyond that, the standard LX is actually pretty well equipped.

The best cut for you

While the CR-V is a perfectly solid car in base form and will leave you very satisfied with its long list of standard features, the most affordable trim level of the most affordable SUV is actually the EX-L. This trim level adds a level of comfort and luxury to your daily commute that you would otherwise miss out on.

Add TopSpeed ​​to your Google News feed.

The 2025 CR-V EX-L is extremely competitively priced compared to its strong competition in this segment. To get some of the features the EX-L offers on other compact SUVs, you would have to shell out for much more expensive trim levels. Below, we describe some of the key features of this trim.

• Electric tailgate with programmable height
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Smart access with Walk Away Auto Lock
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Driver’s seat with 10-way electrical adjustment
• Leather seats

2:15

Related

These are the cheapest compact crossovers you can buy in 2024

From Audi to Hyundai to Toyota, there are plenty of compact crossovers to choose from. But are they really affordable? Some of them actually are!

The 2024 CR-V has a spacious and comfortable interior

One of the many reasons people prefer SUVs over smaller cars is their greater utility. A large part of this is due to the interior space for passengers and luggage. The CR-V exceeds your expectations, offering one of the most spacious interiors in its segment.

Internal dimensions

Like almost all of its competitors in the compact segment, the CR-V is an SUV with two rows of seats. Despite being one of the larger in its class, the CR-V offers plenty of space for both the front and rear seats. That’s quite a bit more than some of its main competitors, especially when it comes to rear legroom.

The CR-V’s cargo space has been significantly improved over the previous generation. An adjustable cargo floor allows for a maximum cargo space of 39 cubic feet when the second row of seats is in use. When needed, the rear seats can be folded down to give you access to one of the largest cargo spaces in a compact SUV.

Comfort

Honda claims that the seats in the CR-V have been designed to reduce fatigue and provide comfort on long journeys. The driving position has also been significantly improved. There is a large storage compartment between the driver and front passenger that can store a lot of things. The rear seats are also adjustable, giving rear passengers a chauffeur-like experience.

Aside from the actual seats in the CR-V, the interior design of the cabin is impressive for an SUV in this price range. A honeycomb-shaped air vent stretches almost the entire length of the dashboard, while the vents are hidden behind it and not visible. Overall, the cabin is well laid out and incredibly inviting.

Related

5 affordable small cars with luxurious interiors

These luxury compact cars cost less than a new 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and offer excellent value for money.

Lots of technology is standard on every CR-V

Honda makes it a point to include a wide range of technologies as standard in its cars, and the 2025 Honda CR-V is no exception. From an impressive infotainment system to a long list of driver assistance systems, the CR-V offers everything a driver could need in the modern world, making it one of the safest Japanese vehicles on the market.

Infotainment and connectivity

A seven-inch infotainment screen is standard on the LX and EX trim levels and is more than capable. However, the EX-L gets access to an upgraded nine-inch screen, another reason we consider it the trim level that offers the best value. The system uses a good mix of touch controls and buttons, catering to those who prefer something a little more analog.

While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on the CR-V, the upgraded 9-inch system is the only one that supports wireless connectivity. The EX-L adds two USB-C ports so rear passengers can charge their phones, while a wireless charging pad is included up front.

Safety and driver assistance

The Honda CR-V is as safe as it gets, receiving five stars in the NHTSA test. This is thanks in no small part to the compact SUV’s numerous standard safety features. Standard features include, for example, a collision mitigation braking system, a lane departure mitigation system and a lane keeping assist system.

However, there is one contradiction regarding the CR-V’s safety that is worth keeping in mind: As seen in the video above, the IIHS gave it a “poor” rating in the “moderate overlap” crash test.

However, if you opt for the most advanced CR-V, you’ll get access to more advanced technology. A blind spot information system with cross-traffic monitor, as well as a multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors are some of the upgraded features you get with the more expensive model.

Related

10 brand new cars with the latest technology

With technology being one of the most competitive elements of new cars in 2024, here are 10 models that come with the very best, most modern features

A quiet and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers every CR-V

When buying a new car, the powertrain is always an important factor. Honda has a reputation for building strong and reliable powertrains, and the CR-V is no exception. It may not be the fastest SUV on the market, but for its intended purpose, the four-cylinder certainly does the job.

Performance

The same turbocharged 1.5-liter engine powers every 2025 Honda CR-V, paired with one of the best CVTs on the market today. You can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on every trim level. It may not be as nimble or agile as rivals like the Mazda CX-30, but it’s not boring either.

Every CR-V comes standard with features like hill descent control and a three-mode drive system. According to Car And Driver, the CR-V takes about 8.1 seconds to get to 60 mph from a standstill, which isn’t particularly fast, but it’s not the slowest either.

Fuel consumption

While not quite as efficient as the hybrid models, the gasoline-powered CR-Vs can certainly keep up in terms of efficiency. Plus, you’re not penalized too much for having all-wheel drive, making it a tempting choice. These fuel economy figures are based on EPA testing.