2025 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid VS Sport-L: What’s the Difference?

If you’re in the market for a new hybrid SUV, chances are you’ve already got the Honda CR-V on your radar—and maybe even decided it will be your next daily driver. But how do you choose between the trim levels? Many people are torn between the CR-V Sport Hybrid and the Sport-L Hybrid, so let’s start there.

In this guide, I’ll break down the key specifications of both trims. From exterior and interior features to tech and safety, you’ll find everything you need to know below. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer idea of which model suits you best.

Since there aren’t many differences between recent CR-V models, this guide also applies to the 2023 and 2024 Honda CR-V model years. Read: 2024 Vs 2025 Honda CR-V.

Exterior

Starting with the exterior dimensions, both hybrid SUVs are similar in size. Check out the specs below:

• Wheelbase: 106.3 in
• Overall Length/Width: 184.8 in / 73.5 in
• Height (2WD/AWD): 66.2 in / 66.5 in
• Track (Front/Rear) (2WD): 63.4 in / 64.1 in
• Track (Front/Rear) (AWD): 63.3 in / 63.9 in
• Ground Clearance (2WD/AWD): 7.8 in / 8.2 in

There’s a slight difference in curb weight between the two, with the Sport-l being a bit heavier. Check out the specs below:

• Sport Hybrid Curb Weight (2WD/AWD): 3,752 lbs / 3,869 lbs
• Sport-L Hybrid Curb Weight (2WD/AWD): 3,777 lbs / 3,893 lbs

Evaluating the Honda CR-V color options is also important; fortunately, there’s no difference between the two trims. Both are available in eight color options, including:

• Canyon River Blue Metallic
• Crystal Black Pearl
• Solar Silver Metallic
• Meteorite Gray Metallic
• Urban Gray Pearl
• Platinum White Pearl
• Radiant Red Metallic
• Still Night Pearl

Both the Sport Hybrid and the Sport-L Hybrid share several exterior similarities. Here are some features they both offer.

• LED Headlights w/ Auto-On/Off
• LED Taillights
• Active Shutter Grille
• 18″ Gloss Black Alloys
• 235/60R18 103H Tyres
• MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
• Multi-Link Rear Suspension
• Reverse-Linked Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer with Heated Wiper Zone
• Remote Entry System
• Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock®
• Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
• One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
• Rear Privacy Glass
• Dual Chrome Exhaust Finishers
• Body-Colored Fin-Type Antenna

However, the Sport-L Hybrid does come with this specific feature:

• Power Tailgate with Programmable Height

(source)

Interior

Moving on to the interiors, some differences start to become apparent between the two trims. Take a look at the following specs:

Features	Sport Hybrid	Sport-L Hybrid
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror	–	Available
Front Passenger’s Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment	–	Available
Driver’s Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, including 2-Way Power Lumbar Support	available	Available w/ Two-Position Memory
Auto-Up/Down Power Windows	Front Row Windows	Front & 2nd-Row Windows
15-Watt Wireless Phone Charger	–	available
HD Radio	–	available
SiriusXM	–	available
Apple CarPlay	wired	wireless compatible
Android Auto	wired	wireless compatible
Audio System	240-Watt w/ 6 Speakers	320-Watt w/ 8 Speakers

In addition to the table above, there are still a few more noticeable differences between the two, including:

Seating Materials

The Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid both have a black interior, but the seat materials differ.

The Sport Hybrid features fabric-covered seats, while the Sport-L Hybrid offers leather seats. Each material has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Read more: Honda CR-V Interior Colors.

Touch-Screen Display

The infotainment systems in the Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid also differ. The Sport-L Hybrid features a 9-inch color touchscreen, while the Sport Hybrid has a smaller 7-inch display.

Wireless Capabilities

Both the Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Sport-L Hybrid supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, offering a more convenient experience than the wired version.

While the Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid have some differences, they share many similarities, especially in terms of dimensions and comfort features.

Dimensions:

• Headroom (front/rear): 38.2 in / 38.2 in
• Legroom (front/rear): 41.3 in / 41.0 in
• Shoulder Room (front/rear): 57.9 in / 55.9 in
• Hip room (front/rear): 55.6 in / 52.6 in
• Cargo Volume (rear seats up/down): 36.3 cu ft / 76.5 cu ft
• Passenger Volume: 103.5 cu ft

There are also many similarities in terms of comfort features. Both trims include the following:

• Remote Engine Start with Climate Control
• Power Door and Tailgate Locks
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System
• Cruise Control
• One-Touch Turn Indicators
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
• Multi-Functional Center Console Storage with Armrest
• Sliding Sunvisors
• Beverage Holders (front & rear)
• LED Map Lights
• Floor Mats
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
• Push Button Start
• Rear-Window Defroster
• LED Cargo Area Lights
• Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls

(source)

Powertrain

Everything under the hood is identical for Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid. Here are some key specs to familiarize yourself with.

• Engine Type: In-Line 4-Cylinder
• Displacement: 1,993 cc
• Horsepower: 190 
• Torque: 192 lb-ft 
• 4-Mode Drive System: ECON/Normal/Snow/Sport
• Two-Motor Hybrid System
• Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.0 gal
• Required Fuel: Regular Unleaded
• 2WD MPG (City/Highway/Combined): 43 / 36 / 40
• AWD MPG (City/Highway/Combined): 40 / 34 / 37

Safety & Assist

Wondering which model offers the most complete safety and driver-assist systems? Fortunately, both trims come equipped with the following:

Safety Features

• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• 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)
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Advanced Front Airbags
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Knee Airbags
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Front Side Airbags
• LATCH: Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)

In addition to safety features, both trims are equipped with Honda Sensing, which offers a variety of driver-assistive technologies, including:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)*
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Auto High-Beam Headlights
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR)

However, there is a slight difference in the Honda Sensing features between the two trims. The Sport-L Hybrid includes parking sensors and low-speed brake control, but these features are missing on the Sport Hybrid.

Price and Value

The price increase for the 2025 Honda CR-V concerns some people, but both models still offer great value for what you get. Here are the MSRPs for the 2025 models:

• Sport Hybrid: $34,650
• Sport-L Hybrid: $37,650

That’s a $3,000 difference between the two trim levels. The extra cost for the Sport-L Hybrid is mainly for the following features:

• Leather-Trimmed Seats
• 9.0-Inch Touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Wireless Android Auto
• SiriusXM
• 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat with Two-Position Memory
• 15-Watt Wireless Phone Charger
• Power Tailgate with Programmable Height
• 320-Watt Audio System

Should You Buy the CR-V Sport Hybrid or Sport-L?

There are several differences between these two hybrid CR-Vs, even though their dimensions and basics are the same. Both are comfortable and enjoyable SUVs, but it might be worth paying the extra $3,000 for the upgraded trim level.

If you want a larger screen with supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or prefer leather seats to cloth seats, upgrading to the Sport-L Hybrid could be a better choice than adding these features later with aftermarket parts. However, if these features aren’t essential for you, saving the extra money and sticking with the Sport Hybrid might make more sense.

The best way to decide is to visit your local Honda dealer and explore the CR-V trims in person. Dealers usually have several trims on display, allowing you to compare them and take a test drive. After a careful examination, you’ll likely find the model that best suits your needs, whether the Sport Hybrid or the Sport-L Hybrid.

So, which Honda CR-V would you choose as your next best vehicle? Let me know in the comments!