2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell vs. Standard: A Breakdown
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover that suits drivers who want a vehicle that handles well on city roads while providing enough space for family trips out of town. For the 2025 model year, the CR-V is available in its standard gas-powered configuration and as a fuel-cell model — the CR-V e:FCEV.
The powertrain you choose can have an impact on this vehicle’s performance and gas mileage. In addition, both models have some important differences in their features. Our experts at #1 Cochran Honda Boardman in Youngstown, Ohio, have taken a closer look at both versions of this popular SUV to help you make your choice.
Key Differences in Performance
The gas-powered CR-V offers a solid powertrain with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of churning out 190 horsepower. You can have this vehicle in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), with the latter being a good choice if you plan on driving in difficult conditions or taking a gravel trail or two.
The CR-V’s fuel-cell powertrain has been built as part of a joint venture with GM. The CR-V e:FCEV is only available for sale in California, with Honda indicating it plans to make around 300 per year. It has two hydrogen tanks, one located below the rear seats and the other behind them. The fuel-cell system is located up front, and it powers a single electric motor that produces 174 horsepower. This version of the CR-V is available only in FWD. There’s also a 17.7 kWh battery pack on board to provide a little more driving range.
Hydrogen vs. Gasoline in the 2025 Honda CR-V
Both powertrains provide solid performance for the compact crossover class. In terms of speed, the gas-powered CR-V is slightly quicker than the fuel-cell model, with 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds and 8.6 seconds, respectively. You can fill up the hydrogen tanks in a few minutes, much like you would a gas tank. Charging the electric battery takes about two hours with a Level 2 charger, which you’ll find at most public charging stations. You can also install a Level 2 charger at home.
What’s the Difference Between a Fuel Cell and Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle?
The main difference between the CR-V e:FCEV and battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) is that a fuel cell produces electricity from fuel, in this case hydrogen, while a battery stores electricity for use. Whereas batteries are charged at home or a public charging station, fuel cells operate on hydrogen stored in tanks in your vehicle. Batteries are also heavier than hydrogen-powered fuel cells, making fuel-cell technology a good solution for larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs.
The CR-V’s fuel cell has a driving range of 241 miles, comparable with many battery-powered EVs. However, it won’t take as long to fill up the fuel tank as it will take to charge your battery in a battery-powered EV unless you charge your crossover on a Level 3 DC fast charger. Both powertrain options offer a viable way to decarbonize your daily commute or weekend drive out of town with your family.
Driving Range and Fuel Efficiency: How Far Will Each Get You?
With the gas-powered engine and standard FWD, the 2025 CR-V is good for 28 mpg on city roads and 34 mpg on the highway. These numbers are slightly lower if you upgrade to AWD. Car and Driver achieved 31 mpg with a CR-V AWD on its highway gas mileage test track. The CR-V e:FCEV is estimated to achieve 52 MPGe in the city and 57 MPGe on the highway.
In terms of range, you can achieve 241 miles of driving when the CR-V e:FCEV’s tanks are full, plus an additional 29 miles thanks to the small battery pack. That’s a total of 270 miles combined. You can charge the battery from the fuel cell if you need to do this while you’re on the go, though this will reduce the driving range of the fuel cell somewhat.
Sustainability Showdown: Environmental Impact of the 2025 Honda Fuel Cell vs. Standard
The CR-V e:FCEV is one way to cut your fuel emissions while continuing to drive a Honda crossover. However, since it’s not available outside of California, you may also want to consider the CR-V Hybrid. Its combination of a gas-powered engine with an electric motor helps improve this vehicle’s fuel economy, which means fewer trips to the pump.
Even if you stick with the gas-powered CR-V, its fuel economy numbers are good for the compact crossover class, so you won’t be damaging the environment like vehicles with poor fuel economy do. If environmental protection is your top priority, you should consider the hybrid model to reduce your carbon footprint.
Cost Analysis: Purchase Price, Maintenance, and Fueling Costs for Both Models
The CR-V e:FCEV is considerably more expensive than the standard CR-V. The 2025 CR-V has a starting MSRP of around $30,100. If you move up the trim ladder, the most expensive trim, the EX-L, will set you back around $35,000. By contrast, the CR-V e:FCEV has a starting price of around $50,000.
EVs typically have lower maintenance costs due to the smaller number of components inside. As a result, you may make back some of the price difference over your term of ownership by paying lower service costs. Hydrogen fuel is also cheaper than standard gas.
Test-Drive the 2025 CR-V at #1 Cochran Honda Boardman Today
The CR-V is a great choice for small families looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that performs well on city roads and highways. Here at #1 Cochran Honda Boardman, we’d be delighted to organize a test-drive for you so you can get a feel for the CR-V before committing to a purchase. Reach out to us today or visit our Youngstown dealership to take the next step.