To say the 2026 Honda CR-V is critical to the automaker's health is an understatement. Honda sold over 400,000 examples of this compact crossover SUV in 2024, making it the fifth best-selling model in America. Last redesigned in 2023, Honda isn't letting any grass grow beneath the tires of the 2026 CR-V, which receives several updates and improvements.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Chief among the changes is a new TrailSport trim level. It's a more rugged version of the CR-V, equipped with a hybrid powertrain and minor off-roading enhancements. It joins the existing lineup, which includes the turbocharged gas engine LX, EX, and EX-L and the hybrid-powered Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the new TrailSport but is available on other 2026 Honda CR-V SUVs.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
To give the new CR-V TrailSport an off-road-ready appearance, Honda adds more than just orange-accented badges declaring the SUV's intent. The front end features a new simulated skid plate, and silver back bumper trim emulates it. In addition, black door handles help to differentiate the TrailSport from the rest of the 2026 CR-V lineup, and an exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint is available for the new model.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The TrailSport also has unique 18-inch wheel designs in a Shark Gray finish, and they're wrapped in 235/60R18 Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires. Honda says the tires provide better traction in snow, dirt, mud, and sand and grip better when driving over rocks. However, the TrailSport does not have a suspension lift, underbody protection, improved ground clearance, or more generous approach, breakover, and departure angles. So, you'll still want to stick to paved roads and beaten paths while driving it.
Honda makes other changes to the 2026 CR-V. Hybrid versions have black window surround trim for the new model year, and the EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport-L trims have new 18-inch wheel designs.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Honda bases the new CR-V TrailSport on the Sport Hybrid trim level, so it has cloth seats. The orange stitching and accents common to all Honda TrailSport variants are evident, and the trim level's logo appears on the front-seat head restraints and the standard all-season floor mats. At night, amber interior lighting illuminates the footwells and storage locations. Every TrailSport is ready for winter or summer with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
A power liftgate is also standard on the CR-V TrailSport, rising to reveal the compact SUV's generous cargo space. Behind the back seat, the TrailSport provides 36.3 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold it down, and the cargo volume expands to 76.5 cubic feet. Due to the hybrid battery location under the cargo floor, it does not offer additional hidden storage like the turbo gas versions.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
That turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine is standard in the CR-V LX, EX, and EX-L. It makes 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to drive the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available, and for 2026, Honda improves the AWD system's low-speed traction management performance.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The 2026 CR-V Hybrid continues to use Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain, supplying 204 hp and 247 pound-feet of torque. It's an unusual setup; you can learn more about it here. The two-motor hybrid drivetrain powers the front wheels, and AWD is optional except for the TrailSport, which has it as standard equipment. New for 2026, the Sport Touring Hybrid offers a configurable Individual driving mode.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
On the tech front, the big news for 2026 is the standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It replaces the previously standard 7-inch screen and includes new wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while deleting SiriusXM satellite radio availability. Unfortunately, this change has eliminated the previous 7-inch screen's tuning knob, and Honda has left off the small tuning buttons that came with the 2025 model's 9-inch display.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Wireless smartphone charging is now standard on every 2026 CR-V. With EX-L, Sport-L, TrailSport, and Sport Touring trims, a larger 10.2-inch digital instrumentation panel is standard and offers a more comprehensive data set. When you upgrade to the Sport Touring Hybrid, the 2026 CR-V now includes an infotainment system equipped with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store (shown below).
Honda Sensing is standard on every 2026 CR-V, a collection of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. It provides the features you expect in a modern vehicle without any above-and-beyond bells and whistles.
Honda Sensing includes:
The 2025 CR-V is ineligible for a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Honda has not changed the 2026 CR-V to improve the SUV's standing in this regard.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
The Honda CR-V dominates a compact crossover SUV segment that offers numerous alternatives. The new TrailSport version will appeal to people who might otherwise choose a similarly mild off-roader like a Chevrolet Equinox Activ, Hyundai Tucson XRT, Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition, Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, or Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition. Among those rivals, only the Toyota has a hybrid powertrain like the CR-V TrailSport.
Honda is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 30, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
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