The 2025 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid is garnering attention, and like any new vehicle, early adopters are sharing their experiences. Doug Finney Jr., a new owner, recently posted in the Honda CR-V Community on Facebook, raising concerns about unexpected behavior in his new ride. Having previously owned a 2021 CR-V hybrid, Doug traded up to the 2025 model but is now questioning his decision due to some puzzling issues. His post highlights potential quirks that other 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid owners might also be encountering, and the community is buzzing with responses.
Doug’s primary concern revolves around the regenerative braking system, particularly how it interacts with the paddle shifters. In his 2021 model, using the paddle shifters to decelerate engaged the electric motor, effectively braking and recharging the battery, regardless of speed. However, he’s observing a different behavior in his 2025 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid.
Alt text: Close-up view of the steering wheel paddle shifters in a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, highlighting the controls for regenerative braking.
According to Doug, “In my 2025 Sport Hybrid, if I’m going over 25 to 30 mph and I do the same thing, instead of the electric motors slowing me down, the actual combustion engine revs up really loud like an engine brake, even though the instrument Panel lights up and says that it’s in EV mode.” This is happening across all drive modes – normal, sport, and eco – adding to his confusion. He further elaborates, “It’s even louder when I do it at higher speeds, like 50-70 mph. It says EV mode on the dash, but the engine is clearly revving to stop the car, not the electric motor.”
Seeking clarification, Doug visited a dealership service department. The initial response was that this behavior “doesn’t sound normal,” but unfortunately, an appointment isn’t available until mid-March. Faced with an upcoming 1200-mile round trip, Doug is understandably anxious to determine if this is a genuine issue or simply a characteristic of the new hybrid system. He posed the question to the community: “Has anyone else experienced this?” hoping to find similar experiences and potentially identify a solution or explanation before his long drive.
Adding to his list of concerns, Doug described another unusual experience during a recent trip in his 2025 Sport Hybrid. While driving above 55 mph, he noticed a distinct “sound of air rushing from the backseat area.” Initially suspecting loose weather stripping, he investigated further and discovered the source to be a vent under the rear passenger seat.
Alt text: Image showcasing the rear seat air vent in a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, the source of a reported loud rushing air noise at higher speeds.
“A vent under the passenger rear seat blows copious amounts of fresh air from outside into the cabin,” Doug explained. He noted the airflow’s intensity is directly related to the vehicle’s speed, becoming quite forceful at 70 mph, likening it to “one of those centrifugal carpet drying fans.” While the owner’s manual identifies it as an air intake, Doug is puzzled by its function and the noise it generates inside the cabin. “I understand the air is going over the battery and out of that vent, but why blow the loud air into the cabin?” he questioned.
Community members chimed in with various theories. Samuel Taylor suggested it might be related to battery compartment ventilation, designed to minimize debris and rodent intrusion, with noise possibly being more noticeable in warmer weather. Eric Hingst expressed concern about potential discomfort in colder climates if the airflow is uncontrollable. Marci Snider, a fellow 2025 CR-V hybrid owner, stated she does not experience this issue, even at 75 mph, and recommended Doug have it checked by the dealership, highlighting the variability in owner experiences.
To understand the regenerative braking system Doug inquired about, Honda provides information on how to utilize paddle shifters in hybrid vehicles. According to Honda, “To slow down a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid using the steering wheel paddle shifters, pull the left paddle (marked with a “-“) to increase the level of regenerative braking, effectively slowing the vehicle down; the right paddle (marked with a “+”) decreases the level of regenerative braking, allowing for less deceleration.” This clarifies that the paddle shifters are indeed intended to control regenerative braking levels. However, it doesn’t directly address why Doug is experiencing engine revving instead of electric motor engagement at higher speeds, suggesting a potential malfunction or a more nuanced operational characteristic that needs further exploration.
Alt text: Dashboard view of a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid showing the EV mode indicator, contrasting with the reported engine revving issue during regenerative braking.
Regarding the rear air vent, a Reddit post discussing a “new feature” in a 2025 Honda CR-V Sport Touring might offer a possible workaround, though not a solution to the noise issue itself. The post described how to enable outside air circulation without turning on the entire HVAC system by turning the system off and then pressing the vent selection button. While this is for general ventilation, it hints at the car’s system for channeling outside air into the cabin, potentially relevant to understanding the rear vent’s function and airflow.
Doug’s experiences highlight potential areas of concern for 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid owners, particularly regarding the regenerative braking system at higher speeds and the loud rear cabin vent. His questions and the community’s responses underscore the importance of shared owner experiences in understanding new vehicle models. If you own a 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid and have encountered similar issues or have insights, your input could be valuable. Share your experiences in the comments below to help Doug and other owners navigate these potential quirks.
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