2025 Honda HR-V on sale in the U.S.; no Hybrid variant yet

Update: ‘Corolla Cross Hybrid says Hello!,’ ‘Price,’ ‘Sales,’ ‘Honda electrification strategy (North America),’ and ‘TopElectricSUV says’ updated.

The second-generation Honda HR-V was launched for the North American market on June 7, 2022. While the global model (introduced in 2021) comes fitted with an e:HEV hybrid system, the North American-spec version is quite different and does not get the hybrid powertrain. Here’s what the other markets get as the new Honda HR-V Hybrid, and the analysis of the U.S.-spec HR-V (2025 Honda HR-V)

No hybrid powertrain for the U.S. yet

The U.S.-spec all-new HR-V, launched as a 2023 model, features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 158 hp and 138 lb.-ft. of torque. On April 28, 2023, Honda released the 2024 model year update, but it did not alter the engine specifications.

The more recent 2025 model year update, introduced a few weeks ago, also did not include a hybrid option. The HR-V continues with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, with power sent to the front or all wheels through a CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

Lower mpg than the previous-gen HR-V

The 2025 HR-V FWD achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG (city)/32 MPG (highway)/28 MPG (combined). The AWD variant offers 25 MPG (city)/30 MPG (highway)/27 MPG (combined). These figures are identical to the previous model year.

However, due to its larger size and engine, the new HR-V is less fuel-efficient than the previous generation, which was discontinued after the 2022 model year. The last EPA-estimated fuel economy for the FWD version of the previous generation was 28 MPG (city)/34 MPG (highway)/30 MPG (combined), and the AWD variant delivered up to 27 MPG (city)/31 MPG (highway)/29 MPG (combined).

Japanese version (ZR-V) gets Hybrid option

In Japanese dealer showrooms, Honda sells the North American style HR-V with a different name – ZR-V. It is the first Honda SUV fitted with the company’s new Sport e:HEV powertrain that clubs the 2.0-liter direct injection engine from the Civic Hybrid (Civic e:HEV) and the advanced two-motor hybrid system. Honda claims that combination allows for acceleration comparable to a 3.0L V6 engine.

The ZR-V Hybrid produces 104 kW (139 hp) and 182 Nm (134 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the traction motor generates 135 kW (181 hp) and 315 Nm (232 lb.-ft.) of torque. The latter is located along with the generator motor in an e-CVT. The electrified powertrain delivers a fuel economy of 22.1 km/l, which converts to 52 MPG.

Although the test cycles differ and direct comparison is challenging, this figure is estimated to be nearly double the EPA-estimated fuel economy of the U.S.-spec HR-V. For the American market, Honda could even consider a simpler system that is tuned for economy, and one that is cheaper.

Why a hybrid is relevant for the HR-V in the U.S.

Electrified model share target

Honda has never offered the HR-V with a hybrid system in the U.S. and Canada, but the company is striving to increase the share of electrified models in its portfolio. “Our strategy is focused on introducing a higher percentage of hybrids in core models in the near term,” said Dave Gardner, former Executive Vice President, American Honda, on June 28, 2021.

In an announcement on March 14, 2023, Honda said that even as it accelerates EV production preparation, it plans to sustain hybrid model production. The company anticipates strong demand for hybrid models through 2030 and beyond. The sustained success of hybrid model sales will support its big investments in the EV space.

Corolla Cross Hybrid says Hello!

Honda declined to comment when asked about the HR-V Hybrid for the U.S., but Green Car Reports is convinced that it is “a Hybrid system away from greatness.” The website feels that better fuel economy would make the HR-V a complete package and is the only serious aspect that Honda needs to work on. Increasing the EPA-est. fuel economy to 40 MPG with electrification could work wonders for the compact SUV, even if that means charging a premium of a couple of thousand dollars over the gas variant.

An HR-V Hybrid in the U.S. could help Honda mount strong competition to the 42-MPG (EPA-est.) Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Between January and June 2024, Toyota sold 45,167 units of the Corolla Cross in the U.S. and 17,129 units (37.9%) were Hybrid. These figures indicate that a significant amount of customers in this segment seek a frugal hybrid crossover.

In the next section, we’ll look at the gas-powered HR-V’s interior, features, and other aspects, which should apply to future versions as well.

Design

Distinct styling for all variants

Three variants of the 2025 Honda HR-V are sold in the United States: LX, Sport, and EX-L, and they have dedicated styling elements. Customers can choose from seven paint options:

1. Nordic Forest Pearl
2. Urban Gray Pearl
3. Crystal Black Pearl
4. Lunar Silver Metallic
5. Milano Red
6. Modern Steel Metallic
7. Platinum White Pearl

The HR-V LX gets a matte-finish honeycomb grille and 17-inch alloys with silver paint. The HR-V Sport gets a horizontal-themed grille mesh, a gloss-black rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip. The lower rear bumper is painted in gun-metallic, and the Sport also gets exclusive 18-inch five-spoke gloss black wheels.

The EX-L gets generous black treatment to the exterior. It gets a gloss black honeycomb grille, gloss black door pillars, and gloss black inserts on the front and rear bumper. The EX-L rides on 17-inch alloy wheels painted in Shark Gray with an exclusive machine-cut finish.

Sharp and Aggressive looks

All 2025 Honda HR-V variants get wide-set LED headlamps with an L-shaped DRL, an extended hood with two sharp lines, and a grille flanked by air curtains that channel the air through the bumper around the front wheels for aerodynamic benefits. The front windshield wipers remain hidden under the hood when not in use. Honda has used ‘laser brazing technology’ for precise roof casting to eliminate uneven moldings.

The North American HR-V has a familiar hunched rear-end for a sporty stance. Beak-shaped LED tail lamps look contemporary, while the sharper edges on the tailgate, and an inverted license plate section, make it immediately recognizable. It also gets a subtle roof-mounted spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and a black rear bumper.

Interior

Honda has focused on making the HR-V’s interior ergonomic and minimalist. There’s equal attention paid to form and function. The interior builds on Honda’s ‘simplicity and something’ design language that debuted on the Civic. Moreover, the Japanese brand says that close attention was paid to the operation of all switch gear, including the click and heft of the knobs, stalks, and switches.

The ‘Body Stabilizing Seats’ feature French stitching, while the rear seat bench is wider to make room for three passengers. Usually, accommodating three passengers at the rear can be a squeeze, but that might not be the case with the Honda HR-V. It has 24.4 cu.-ft. of cargo space and a lift height of only 27 inches, making loading and unloading items easy. By folding the 60:40 split seats, the cargo area can be expanded to 55.1 cu.-ft.

Tech-laden cabin

The HR-V gets an all-digital instrument cluster. The unit is a standard 7-inch LCD, while the infotainment is a 7-inch touchscreen. The EX-L grade features a larger 9-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The HR-V also features wireless charging, 8-speaker premium audio, and physical controls for simple functions like volume and home and back touchscreen navigation. An active noise cancellation feature isolates the cabin from the engine and exterior noises.

Price

The gas-powered 2025 Honda HR-V is available in FWD and AWD drivetrain layouts and three variants: LX, Sport, and EX-L. Its prices range from USD 24,600 to USD 29,650, excluding USD 1,350 in destination and handling fees.

Sales

The HR-V is one of Honda’s important contributors in the U.S. It was the fourth most popular vehicle in the brand’s American line-up in 2023, with sales of 122,206 units, a growth of 5.9% YoY (2022: 115,416 units). In 2024, Honda sold 88,191 units of the HR-V between January and July, 40.4% more than in the same period in 2023 (62,829 units).

Honda electrification strategy (North America)

Honda has announced that by 2040, it plans to convert 100% of its North American sales to battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles. In the meantime, it will work to convert 40% of sales to these types of cars by 2030 and increase that count to 80% by 2035.

Globally, Honda aims for electrified vehicles to form two-thirds of its auto sales by 2030, so it should electrify almost all models within a few years. And announcing its 2023 U.S. sales numbers on January 3, 2024, Honda stated that its electrified models created a new yearly record. The CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, with a combined sales of 293,640 units, accounted for over a quarter of the company’s sales in 2023 (1,162,531 vehicles).

TopElectricSUV says

While having grown and upgraded to a more powerful engine, the second-generation HR-V has declined in the efficiency aspect and clearly needs a fuel-sipping hybrid system. With gas prices on the rise, many HR-V buyers in America would be seeking out a hybrid model.

As HEV sales pick up, its main competitor Toyota has already responded in a timely fashion with the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Meanwhile, Honda has expanded its U.S. HEV lineup with the all-new Civic Hybrid, following the electrified versions of the CR-V and Accord. It seems to us that the HR-V Hybrid will be part of the next wave of Honda’s electrified launches.

2025 Honda HR-V FAQs

I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.