The 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L sits between the standard EX and the top Touring trim

The 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L is Honda's mid-to-upper trim level for their compact SUV. It includes everything in the EX trim plus additional comfort and convenience features, but stops short of the Touring model's premium upgrades. The EX-L comes in two powertrain options: a standard gasoline engine or a hybrid version, and you can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on either engine type.

Understanding what comes standard on the EX-L helps you decide whether it meets your needs or whether you should look at the EX below it or the Touring above it. The differences are real — they affect how you interact with the vehicle every day — but they are also specific, not vague marketing language.

Key Takeaways

  • The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a larger touchscreen compared to the standard EX trim.
  • You can order the EX-L with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain, and with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
  • The EX-L does not include the panoramic sunroof or the premium audio system that come standard on the Touring trim.
  • Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on the EX-L, features that do not appear on the EX.

Interior and comfort features on the EX-L

The EX-L interior uses leather-trimmed seats instead of the cloth seats in the EX. The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, and the steering wheel is also heated. These features matter most if you live in a cold climate or drive early in the morning — they warm up faster than the cabin itself and reduce the time you spend in an uncomfortable vehicle.

The touchscreen is 10.2 inches on the EX-L, larger than the 8-inch screen on the EX. This screen handles the infotainment system, climate controls, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L also includes a power liftgate that opens and closes at the push of a button, whereas the EX has a manual liftgate you lift by hand.

Storage and convenience items are similar to the EX: you get a power moonroof (not a panoramic sunroof — that is Touring only), dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The rear seat folds flat to expand cargo space when you need it.

Technology and safety systems standard on EX-L

Honda Sensing, Honda's suite of driver-information features, comes standard on all 2025 CR-V trims including the EX-L. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems work together to reduce driver fatigue on long drives and help prevent certain types of accidents.

The EX-L includes a rearview camera and a multi-angle camera system that shows you different views when you are backing up or parking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard, alerting you to vehicles you cannot see in your mirrors.

The audio system on the EX-L is a standard six-speaker setup. The Touring trim upgrades to a premium audio system with more speakers and better sound quality, but if you listen to podcasts or talk radio, the standard system is adequate. Satellite radio is available but not included.

Engine and fuel economy options for the EX-L

The standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower. This engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and delivers reasonable acceleration for everyday driving and highway merging. Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits, terrain, and whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The hybrid option uses a 2.0-liter engine paired with electric motors and a battery. The hybrid produces similar horsepower but achieves better fuel economy, especially in city driving where the electric motor handles low-speed acceleration. The hybrid also comes with all-wheel drive as standard; you cannot order a front-wheel-drive hybrid CR-V.

Both engines meet current emissions standards. Neither requires premium gasoline — both run on regular unleaded. The hybrid does not need to be plugged in; it charges itself while you drive and brake.

Exterior styling and wheel options

The EX-L exterior is visually similar to the EX, with the same body shape and overall proportions. The main visual difference is that the EX-L comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the EX uses 18-inch wheels. Larger wheels can affect ride quality slightly — they transmit more road texture to the cabin — but they improve handling in corners and look more substantial.

The EX-L does not include the roof rails or the all-terrain styling cues that appear on higher trims. Paint color choices are the same across all CR-V trims. Roof color (body-color or black) is a choice you make when ordering, and this choice is available on all trims.

What the EX-L does not include

The Touring trim, which sits above the EX-L, adds a panoramic sunroof that spans most of the roof, a premium 12-speaker audio system, a power-adjustable steering column, and a semi-aniline leather interior (higher quality than the standard leather on the EX-L). The Touring also includes a hands-free power liftgate that opens when you wave your foot under the rear bumper.

If you are comparing the EX-L to the EX, the main things you gain are leather seats, heated seats and steering wheel, the larger touchscreen, and the power liftgate. Whether these features justify the price difference is a personal decision based on your budget and how much you value comfort upgrades.

All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive differences

The EX-L is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Front-wheel drive sends power to the front wheels only and is lighter, which improves fuel economy. All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels and provides better traction in snow, ice, and loose gravel, though it reduces fuel economy slightly and adds cost.

If you live in an area with significant winter weather or frequently drive on unpaved roads, all-wheel drive is worth considering. If you live in a mild climate and drive mostly on paved roads, front-wheel drive is adequate and saves you money both at purchase and at the pump. The hybrid CR-V comes with all-wheel drive only, so if you want front-wheel drive, you must choose the gasoline engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 2025 CR-V EX-L with front-wheel drive and the hybrid engine?

No. The hybrid powertrain comes with all-wheel drive only. If you want front-wheel drive, you must choose the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

Does the EX-L come with a sunroof?

The EX-L includes a power moonroof, which is a smaller opening panel in the roof. The panoramic sunroof, which spans most of the roof, is only available on the Touring trim.

What is the difference between the EX-L and the Touring?

The Touring adds a panoramic sunroof, a premium 12-speaker audio system, semi-aniline leather seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Touring also includes additional exterior styling details. The EX-L has the core comfort and technology features at a lower price point.

Is the leather on the EX-L real leather?

Yes, the EX-L uses genuine leather-trimmed seats. The Touring uses semi-aniline leather, which is a higher grade. Both are real leather; the difference is in the tanning and finishing process.

Does the 2025 CR-V EX-L have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Both are standard on the EX-L through the 10.2-inch touchscreen. You can connect wirelessly or with a USB cable, depending on your phone and preference.