2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport-L VS Sport Touring Hybrid
The Sport Touring Hybrid trim is the most equipped model in a CR-V, packed with features and advanced driver assistance as expected at the top trim level. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of over $41,000!
One trim level down is the more affordable Sport-L Hybrid. With a price difference of over $3,400, the Sport-L still offers many essential features.
Are you trying to decide which SUV is right for you? In this article, I’ll explain the key differences and similarities between the CR-V Sport-L Hybrid and the Sport Touring to help you find the best fit for your budget and needs.
Key Differences
To warm up, let’s begin with a quick overview of the main differences between the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid and the Sport-L Hybrid.
| Features | Sport-L Hybrid | ST Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 18-in Gloss Black Alloys | 19-in Gloss Black Alloys |
| Audio Systems | 320-Watt Audio System | Bose Premium Sound System w/ Subwoofer |
| Drivetrain | FWD as Standard, Available AWD | AWD |
| Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System | NA | Available |
| Steering Wheel | Leather-Wrapped | Leather-Wrapped w/ Heated |
| Ambient Lighting | Center Console | Center Console, Door Pulls and Footwells |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability | NA | Available |
| Stock Tires | 235/60R18 103H | 235/55R19 101H |
| HondaLink Subscription Services | NA | Free three-month trial |
Exterior
The CR-V Sport-L Hybrid and ST Hybrid appear to have identical exteriors, sharing the same size and features. However, a few subtle details set the two apart.
Similarities
Starting with exterior dimensions, both hybrid SUVs are the same size. Here’s a quick look at the specs:
- Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
- Length: 184.8 inches
- Height: 66.5 inches
- Width: 73.5 inches
Both trims also share the same exterior color options, with each available in eight colors:
- Canyon River Blue Metallic
- Solar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Urban Gray Pearl
- Meteorite Gray Metallic
- Radiant Red Metallic
- Platinum White Pearl
- Still Night Pearl
The Hybrid Sport-L and Sport Touring also share many exterior features. Here are some of the features included with both trims.
- Auto On/Off Headlights
- LED Taillights
- Active Shutter Grille
- Hood Damper
- Body-Colored Fin-Type Antenna
- Intermittent Rear Window Wiper w/ Heated
- Remote Entry System
- Body-Colored Door Handles
- Same Security System
- Body-Colored Roofline Spoiler w/ Brake Light
- Power Side Mirrors w/ LED Turn Indicators
- Moonroof
- Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Finishers
- Gloss Black Roof Rails
It’s great that the Sport-L and Sport Touring share many features and design elements. There’s a lot to appreciate no matter which trim you choose
Differences
Still, the two have a few exterior differences in certain features and design elements.
Silver Front Bumper Garnish
When you compare the two models side by side, you’ll notice a few subtle differences. For example, the trim at the bottom of the headlight differs in color.
This part has a silver finish that matches the Honda logo on the Sport Touring, while it’s glossy black on the Sport-L Hybrid.
This detail comes down to personal preference. The silver accent on the Sport Touring is a unique touch that sets the top-tier model apart.
However, some people, including myself, find the silver a bit out of place and would prefer it in black to match the grille, giving the CR-V a sportier look overall.
In fact, many CR-V owners discuss this on forums, and it is common for Sport Touring owners to repaint this trim to black.
Wheels
Additionally, each trim comes with different alloy wheels:
- Sport-L: 18-inch Gloss Black Alloys
- Sport Touring: 19-inch Gloss Black Alloys
The Sport Touring features larger wheels at 19 inches compared to the 18 inches on the Sport-L. These larger wheels give the CR-V ST a sportier appearance, and 19 inches is a popular size among those looking to upgrade with aftermarket wheels, so it’s great to see this equipped on the Sport Touring.
While the trims have different wheel sizes, both sets are finished in gloss black. These black alloy wheels look sharp on any Honda CR-V model and pair well with any exterior color.
Additional Features
In addition to the design differences mentioned above, the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid includes extra features such as Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. This technology automatically activates the wipers when it detects rain or splashes of water on the windshield.
The Sport Touring also has a Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate, which is incredibly useful for opening the trunk while carrying items like groceries.
These features are exclusive to the Sport Touring and unavailable on the CR-V Sport-L Hybrid.
Interior
Similarities
When it comes to the interior of the CR-V, the Sport-L and Sport Touring share many similarities.
Here are the interior features available in both models:
- Identical interior dimensions (same cargo space, passenger volume, headroom, legroom)
- Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control System
- Push Start Button
- Cruise Control
- Power Door and Tailgate Locks
- LED Cargo Area Lights
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering
- Push-Open Fuel Door w/ Capless Fuel Filler
- Armrest w/ Center Console Storage
- Auto-Up/Down Power Windows
- Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
- Rear-Seat Center Armrest
- Sliding Sunvisors
- Cup Holders (front & rear)
- Lockable Glove Compartment
- Door-Pocket Storage Bins
- LED Map Lights
- Floor Mats
- Driver-Side Garment Hook
- Rear Heater Ducts
- Rear-Window Defroster
- Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors
- Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls
- Front Passenger’s Seatback Pocket
- Vanity Mirrors w/ LED Light
- Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror
As you can see, both models share various features, including high-end options like dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and more.
Differences
There are also some notable differences between these two trim levels.
Colors
Honda does not offer many interior color options for the CR-V.
Interior color availability for each trim:
- Sport-L Hybrid: Black leather with orange stitching
- Sport Touring Hybrid: Black leather with orange stitching, gray leather
The Sport-L is only available in one color option, while the Sport Touring includes an additional gray option.
However, Honda’s approach to the gray color feels somewhat inconsistent. The gray is only found on parts of the seats, giving the interior an oddly striped look.
Personally, I am not a fan of the gray option in the Sport Touring’s interior, but it is available if you prefer it.
Heated Steering Wheel
Both trims come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that is comfortable griping, even on long drives.
However, the Sport Touring includes a heated steering wheel for added comfort. While this feature is not standard on the Sport-L trim, it can be added as an option at purchase.
Ambient Lighting
Both trims come with nice-looking ambient lighting in the interior.
However, the Sport Touring offers more ambient lighting locations, including the center console, door handles, and footwells. In contrast, the Sport-L Hybrid has ambient lighting limited to the center console only.
Safety & Technology
The current Honda CR-V model is the most feature-packed version yet, equipped with the latest technology and safety features for a safe and comfortable ride.
Both models are basically identical in terms of safety and driver assistance features. However, there are some notable differences between Sport-L and Sport Touring in terms of entertainment and connectivity features.
Similarities
Both CR-V models include these tech features:
- 9-Inch Color Touch-Screen
- 7.0-in Digital Speedometer Instrument Cluster
- 15-Watt Wireless Phone Charger
- 3.0-Amp USB-C Charging Port
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
- Bluetooth Streaming Audio
- Radio Data System (RDS)
- SMS Text Message Function
- Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC)
- 2.5-Amp USB Smartphone/Audio Interface
- 12-Volt Power Outlet (front console & cargo area)
- HondaLink
- SiriusXM
- HD Radio
Both trims come equipped with Honda Sensing driver-assistive technology, which includes a range of safety features and advanced driving aids.
With either CR-V trim, you receive the following safety features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
- Driver Attention Monitor (Coffe Cup Symbol)
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
- Cross Traffic Monitor
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
- Rear Seat Reminder (RSR)
- Low-Speed Braking Control
Both trims also include the same active and passive safety features. Including:
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
- Vehicle Stability Assist
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)
- 3 Point SRS Airbag
- Rear Outboard Passengers’ Side Airbags
- Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
- 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
- LATCH
- Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions
- Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
Differences
The Honda CR-V Sport Touring offers extra features not found on other trims. Here are the key differences in equipment and technology.
Speaker
The Sport-L Hybrid has a 320-watt audio system with eight speakers, providing good sound quality.
However, the Sport Touring features a premium BOSE audio system with 12 speakers and a subwoofer, delivering superior audio quality unmatched by the lower trims.
If you are an audiophile, the Sport Touring with BOSE speakers is definitely worth considering.
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
The Sport Touring Hybrid includes a built-in Satellite Navigation System, a Honda-exclusive feature unavailable on other trims.
While the CR-V Sport-L Hybrid does not have the Honda Navigation System, it supports Wireless Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay. This allows you to seamlessly use popular navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Many users prefer Apple’s or Google’s navigation apps for their ease of use and up-to-date information over Honda’s built-in system.
HondaLink Subscription Services
Did you know you can control and monitor your CR-V, even start it remotely, right from your smartphone? Not all trims have this feature, though. Right now, only the Sport Touring Hybrid offers the full HondaLink experience.
The Sport-L Hybrid does support HondaLink, but only for basic features like Vehicle Guides, Recall Notifications, Service Appointments, and Roadside Assistance.
The Sport Touring Hybrid takes it to the next level with extras like mileage tracking, fuel range, oil life, Vehicle Health Reports, remote start, Security Alarm Alerts, Remote Lock and Unlock, Find My Car, and more.
To use HondaLink, you’ll need a subscription. Sport Touring owners get a free three-month trial, and after that, it’s $110 a year.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability
Another feature exclusive to the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid is Wi-Fi Hotspot capability. This allows for a more stable internet connection while you’re on the go, keeping you connected even when you’re in the car.
Powertrain
Under the hood, the two trims are the same. Both the CR-V Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. They also share an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) that responds smoothly and efficiently.
The key difference lies in the drivetrain. The Sport Touring comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the Sport-L Hybrid features front-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive on the Sport-L, you’ll need to upgrade at purchase for an additional $1,500.
Price & Value
Both the top two trims have higher sticker prices than the other CR-V models in the lineup.
Here are the prices for the two trim levels:
- Sport-L Hybrid 2WD: $37,650
- Sport-L Hybrid AWD: $39,150
- Sport Touring Hybrid: $41,100
Keep in mind that these prices don’t include tax, license, registration, or the $1,350 destination charge. If you opt for a premium color, you must add an extra $455.
The price difference between the two trims is $3,450. For that extra cost, you get:
- All wheel drive
- Larger Rims Size
- Better Audio System
- Free 3-Month HondaLink Trial
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Wi-fi Hotspot
- More Ambient Lighting
- Handsfree Power Tailgate
Which Should You Buy?
The price difference between the two trims is about $3,450. However, if you choose the Sport-L Hybrid with all-wheel drive, the gap shrinks to $1,950.
So, is the extra cost worth upgrading to the Sport Touring, or should you stick with the Sport-L Hybrid?
It depends on your driving needs. The Sport Touring offers better value if you want an all-wheel-drive SUV. For just $1,950 more, you get all-wheel drive and upgrades like larger wheels, a premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, and more.
On the other hand, if front-wheel drive suits your needs and you’re satisfied with the features of the Sport-L Hybrid, saving some money might be the better choice. The Sport-L Hybrid already includes a long list of modern features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless charging, which are also available on the Sport Touring.
If you are exploring other options, CR-V trims with lower starting prices are definitely worth considering. Fortunately, I have compared several Honda CR-V trims to help give you a clearer picture and guide you toward making an informed decision.
Final Words
Buying a vehicle isn’t always about practicality. Sometimes, it is about choosing what brings you happiness.
While it is important to consider features and value for money, those factors may not matter as much if the vehicle you choose sparks joy.
If the Sport Touring Hybrid makes you happy, even if you do not necessarily need all-wheel drive or premium audio, go for it. It is your money and your choice, and you deserve to enjoy what you want.
Both the Sport-L Hybrid and the Sport Touring offer excellent features and equipment. Whichever one you choose, you will get a fantastic SUV.
Which CR-V are you planning to choose? Share your thoughts in the comments!
