This Japanese Hybrid SUV Costs The Least To Own Over Five Years

Hybrid SUVs are often praised for their fuel efficiency and reliability, but long-term ownership costs can vary significantly depending on the brand and model. While hybrids tend to offer savings at the pump, other factors such as depreciation, maintenance, and financing play a major role in determining how much it actually costs to own one over time.

Among Japanese hybrid SUVs, one model from Honda stands out as the most affordable to own over a five-year period. According to data from Edmunds and its True Cost to Own tool, this SUV is the only brand-new model in its class with a total five-year ownership cost below $40,000. That number includes depreciation, financing, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and other necessary expenses, making it a top option for buyers looking to get as much value as possible out of their SUV.

With hybrids continuing to be among the most popular types of vehicles for buyers, choosing a model that balances affordability with long-term value is key. By breaking down all of the major costs of ownership, we can see exactly why this hybrid SUV is the least expensive to own over the next five years.

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Is The Least Expensive Japanese Hybrid SUV To Own Over Five Years

It Is Estimated To Cost $39,846 To Own For The Next Five Years

Honda CR-V Hybrid Ownership Costs

As seen in this data, the base model 2025 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid has a total five-year cost to own of $39,846. This makes it the most affordable Japanese hybrid SUV in terms of ownership costs, coming in just ahead of the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which is estimated to cost $40,682 over the same period. The CR-V Hybrid’s lower total cost gives it an edge for buyers focused on long-term savings, especially in a segment focused on the combination of efficiency, affordability, and versatility.

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The Biggest Factor Is Depreciation, Accounting For Over $14,000

Honda CR-V Hybrid Price Breakdown

The 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is available in three trims, each one providing solid fuel economy while building on the one below it in terms of tech and features. The base Sport Hybrid starts at $34,650, providing a good balance of efficiency and technology. The Sport-L Hybrid, priced at $37,650, adds premium touches like leather-trimmed seats and a wireless phone charger. At the top of the lineup, the Sport Touring Hybrid starts at $41,100, offering additional luxury features, a Bose premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, and standard real-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Base Model 2025 CR-V Hybrid Is Expected To Be Worth Around $20,000 In Five Years

With an estimated depreciation of $14,126 over five years, the base model CR-V Sport Hybrid is expected to retain a resale value of around $20,000 with about 75,000 miles, as the data assumes the SUV is driven 15,000 miles per year. In almost all cases, depreciation is the single largest ownership expense, accounting for over a third of the vehicle’s total cost to own in terms of the CR-V Hybrid. The first year is particularly harsh with a loss in value of $7,755, more than half of the projected depreciation occurring as the SUV moves from new to used status. This initial drop is common across all vehicles but is especially noticeable in models with strong new car demand like the popular CR-V.

After the first year, depreciation slows considerably, making later years of ownership more financially stable. By year five, the CR-V Hybrid’s resale value is expected to level out, allowing owners to retain a large portion of their investment, finishing off at around 59 percent of its original value. While the depreciation rate does slow down for the CR-V Hybrid over the years, it is still one of the fastest-depreciating hybrid models out there.

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Financing, Fuel, And Maintenance Make Up Another $19,940 In Costs

Financing Costs Can Be Avoided By Paying Cash Or Having A Larger Down Payment

Financing a new vehicle is one of the biggest factors in total ownership costs, with the portion of payments going towards interest being much higher early on. Over a standard five-year loan term, financing costs for the 2025 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid are estimated at $7,174, making it the second-largest expense after depreciation. The majority of these costs occur in the first half of the loan period, as interest payments are front-loaded.

By year five, financing costs decrease significantly as the remaining loan balance shrinks and more of the payment is going towards principal instead of interest. Buyers looking to minimize financing expenses can reduce these costs by making a larger down payment, choosing a shorter loan term, or paying in cash. Avoiding high-interest loans is another key factor, as lower interest rates can lead to substantial long-term savings. As new car prices continue to go up, monthly payments have been on the rise, and more Americans than ever are failing to make their payments. So make sure you do a deep dive into any new car purchase before signing the paperwork.

Maintenance And Fuel Are Typically The Biggest Recurring Costs Of Vehicle Ownership

Since the 2025 model year of the CR-V is brand new, repair costs are minimal, with no expected expenses in the first two years and only $631 total over five years. Hybrid powertrains are also generally more reliable than traditional gas engines, leading to fewer mechanical issues early on. However, maintenance costs rise significantly as the SUV accumulates mileage, with regular upkeep becoming a major expense in the later years of ownership.

Out of the total $5,692 in estimated maintenance costs, nearly 80 percent is projected to occur in years four and five. This increase coincides with the SUV reaching 50,000 to 60,000 miles, when more significant regular maintenance starts to creep up, such as fluid replacements, tire changes, and new brakes.

Even with its impressive efficiency, fuel remains one of the biggest ownership costs for the CR-V Hybrid. The Sport Hybrid trim gets an EPA-estimated 40 miles per gallon (MPG) combined in its base model front-wheel drive configuration, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. Despite that, total fuel expenses over five years are projected at $6,350, making it the third-highest ownership cost behind depreciation and financing.

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Other Costs To Own A Honda CR-V Hybrid

Insurance, Taxes, and Fees Add Up Over The Years

Insurance is one of the most consistent expenses in vehicle ownership, especially for new models with today’s high price tags. According to the Insurance Information Institute, around 80 percent of policyholders purchase comprehensive insurance, and that percentage is likely even higher for a new vehicle. New cars tend to have higher insurance premiums because they are more expensive to replace or repair, and insurers must account for their full value when determining coverage costs. Over five years, insurance for the CR-V Hybrid is estimated to total $3,331, making it a key part of ownership expenses.

Taxes and fees are another necessary cost, though most of the expense occurs at the time of purchase. The first year includes a large upfront payment covering sales tax, title, and registration fees, with only minimal costs in subsequent years. Nearly the entire five-year total of $2,542 is due in year one, aside from an assumed $35 annual registration fee. This means that while taxes and fees are unavoidable, they are primarily a one-time expense rather than an ongoing financial burden like insurance or maintenance.

Driving More Than 15,000 Miles Per Year

All cost estimates for the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid assume an average of 15,000 miles driven per year. For those who drive more than this, total ownership costs will rise accordingly. Higher mileage accelerates maintenance needs, increases fuel expenses, and can lead to additional wear-related repairs. While hybrid vehicles generally require less upkeep than traditional gas-powered models, added mileage will bring more maintenance costs to the forefront much more quickly.

On the other hand, driving fewer miles can help reduce costs in some areas, particularly fuel and maintenance. However, certain expenses like depreciation and insurance remain largely fixed, meaning ownership costs will still be significant even with lower annual mileage. So heck, if you pick up a new CR-V Hybrid, you might as well hit the road and enjoy it since it’s still going to lose much of its value over the next few years!