One of the best things about waking up in Cheshire is knowing that we live in one of the most beautiful places around—not just in the state of Massachusetts but in the entire country. We've got everything from lakes and mountains to trees and wildlife, and it stands to reason that we would want to keep our gorgeous views and vistas, which is why more and more drivers are shopping for eco-friendly models like the latest Honda CR-V Hybrid for sale in Cheshire.
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid isn't just a green compact SUV; it has such a generous array of tech and comfort features that it rivals most of the other vehicles in its class, with its nearest competitor being the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 is a fantastic compact SUV that has been around for many years, but there are a few key ways in which we believe the Honda CR-V Hybrid has more to offer. Let's take a look at why drivers in our part of Massachusetts are choosing the Honda CR-V Hybrid as their next budget-friendly, dependable, and enjoyable daily driver...
Hybrid Powertrains
Comparing the 2025 CR-V Hybrid to the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid can be a bit delicate. While the RAV4 is specifically designed to embody a more rugged character, the CR-V is inherently crafted to offer a more refined driving experience. Each vehicle has its unique strengths that cater to different preferences and needs.
While the RAV4 is offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, CR-V drivers do have the option of front- or all-wheel drive with the exception of the Sport Touring trim, which is offered in all-wheel drive only. And though neither the CR-V nor the RAV4 has the off-road chops to scale Mount Greylock without the assistance of roads, Honda's Real Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control provides almost instantaneous response to changes in road conditions, throwing extra traction where it's needed most. This technology is particularly helpful in a town where we get nearly four feet of precipitation throughout the year and occasionally feel the effects of whatever's spinning up and down the coast.
But of course, there's more to a car than just the drivetrain. The 2025 Honda CR-V is simply styled differently, with a more balanced, sporty outlook. It makes sense, then, that the CR-V Hybrid's trims should all be named "Sport," given the wide, rugged stance of the CR-V. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has earned a great deal of credit for being "practical," with no mention of refinement or balance. A practical SUV is a very good thing indeed, but what if drivers are looking for a little more?
Trims and Features
The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is offered in three compelling trim levels: Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes in seven somewhat disorganized trims: LE, XLE, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited.
Some drivers may argue that the Honda CR-V Hybrid isn't offered in enough different trims. While having lots of diverse trim options does provide lots of choices, Honda has historically cultivated very specific trim levels with a wisely differentiated array of features that make it easy for drivers to select the best option for them.
For example, those who choose the 2025 CR-V Sport Hybrid enjoy a 7-inch color touchscreen to use their infotainment system, which includes connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a 6-speaker audio system. Drivers of the Sport-L and Sport Touring trims receive a larger 9-inch color touchscreen; both offer wireless Apple and Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth audio streaming, but the Sport-L includes an 8-speaker audio system while the Sport Touring plays your favorite tunes on a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
To do an apples-to-apples comparison with the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid, nearly all of its trims include the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. This provides the RAV4 with an 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, if you're looking to upgrade to a more spectacular setup, only the top Limited trim includes a premium JBL sound system. This upgrade is also available as an option on only two of the seven trims, making it somewhat difficult to understand why so many other trims exist if they don't grant such desired improvements.
Also of note for drivers who know the difference between a damp cold and a dry cold: heated front seats are standard on all of the CR-V Hybrid's trims, while heated seats are optional on all but one of the RAV4 Hybrid's trims; in fact, they are not an option at all for those who choose the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid LE.
Details That Make Sense
Ultimately, there's more to a car than the drivetrain or the audio system. Most drivers are looking for a car that makes sense—and for drivers who regularly zip back and forth through these Berkshire towns, doing daily errands and exploring the bountiful wilderness we enjoy, having a vehicle that doesn't need a lot of stops at the gas station is a necessity.
Toyota fans are quick to note that the 2025 RAV4 has better fuel economy than the 2025 Honda CR-V, but let's take a look at the numbers. Most RAV4 Hybrid trims get an EPA-estimated 41 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 39 MPG. Those who select the Woodland Edition will see these figures drop to an EPA-estimated 38 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined.
The all-wheel-drive Honda CR-V Hybrids do, in fact, offer lower fuel economy figures, with an EPA-estimated 40 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined.[a] However, the front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid actually holds the highest city fuel economy figures of them all, with an EPA-estimated rating of 43 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 40 MPG combined.[a]
Then there's the matter of space. Drivers in Cheshire need space in their SUVs, whether it's for people, adventure gear and equipment, or doing the monthly shopping. 2025 CR-V Hybrids simply offer more space, with 39.3 cu.ft. behind the second row, and 76.5 cu.ft. with the rear seats stashed. In the 2025 RAV4 Hybrid, the standard cargo space is just 37.6 cu.ft., and the most you'll get is 69.8 cu.ft. of space with the rear row down.
Choosing the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The list of features that make the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid the better choice for Cheshire drivers goes on and on. From a robust driver assistance suite that includes blind spot assistance at all trim levels, standard Traffic Jam Assist, power-adjustable seats, and leather-wrapped interior surfaces, the CR-V may only have three trim levels, but each one makes sense based on a driver's needs and budget.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a fantastic vehicle for those who are looking for something more rugged and practical. It's also great for drivers who want to cherry-pick the features and options they can enjoy. However, if you're looking for a compact SUV that makes sense and feels good to drive on highways and in town alike, there really is only the Honda CR-V Hybrid to do the job.
