The 2026 Honda CR-V continues to evolve as one of America’s most popular SUVs, now enhanced with new standard technology and a rugged new TrailSport Hybrid trim that adds capability and off-road character to its renowned everyday versatility.
With these updates, Honda not only builds on CR-V’s 25-year legacy as America’s best-selling SUV but also strengthens its electrification strategy by pushing hybrid models to over 50% of CR-V sales.
READ MORE: Cadillac Highlights 3D-Printed Precision and Innovation in the Ultra-Luxury CELESTIQ
First-Ever CR-V TrailSport Hybrid: Rugged Meets Refined
Headlining the 2026 refresh is the TrailSport Hybrid, the first Honda SUV to merge the TrailSport off-road design with the brand’s two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain.
This trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, trail-optimized Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, a TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint, and a distinctive rugged fascia with orange badging and blacked-out trim.
Inside, the TrailSport Hybrid features TrailSport-branded rubber mats, amber ambient lighting, and a high-tech cabin with a 9-inch touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, and wireless charging.
To enhance trail performance, all AWD-equipped CR-Vs now include upgraded traction management below 9 mph, automatically adjusting power delivery and braking to maintain grip on uneven surfaces. Despite its off-road chops, the TrailSport Hybrid maintains CR-V’s signature smooth on-road dynamics and comfort.
More Tech and Comfort Across the Lineup
The 2026 CR-V gains substantial tech upgrades across all trims:
- Standard 9-inch HD touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Wireless phone charging
Upper trims like EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, and the Sport Touring Hybrid feature a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, while the Sport Touring Hybrid gets Google built-in, including Maps, Assistant, and Play, bundled with a 3-year unlimited data plan.
Further differentiating trims, the Sport Touring stands out with 19-inch wheels, a Bose 12-speaker premium sound system, and a new Individual drive mode, allowing customizable settings for throttle and steering responsiveness.
Hybrid Powertrain: Built for Efficiency and Punch
Four CR-V trims now feature Honda’s 4th-generation two-motor hybrid system: Sport, TrailSport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring.
The hybrid system pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with dual electric motors to deliver 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, offering responsive acceleration and exceptional efficiency. The hybrid power unit is built in Ohio, alongside the engine components produced at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant.
Timeless Design with a Rugged Twist
Exterior updates emphasize CR-V’s sporty yet functional styling. Hybrid models feature bolder front and rear designs, with unique exhaust finishers and exclusive wheels.
All trims benefit from Honda’s next-gen ACE™ body structure, while the TrailSport model emphasizes durability and outdoor readiness with its raised ride, underbody cladding, and enhanced grip from all-terrain tires.
Leading Safety in Its Class
All 2026 CR-V models include Honda Sensing®, with advanced safety tech like:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear seatbelt and rear seat reminders
CR-V also comes standard with 10 airbags, including next-gen driver and front passenger airbags designed to reduce head rotation in angled collisions.
Model Lineup Overview
The 2026 CR-V lineup features three turbocharged trims — LX, EX, EX-L — and four hybrid trims — Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid.
| Trim | Engine | Drive Modes | Wheels | Touchscreen | AWD Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX / EX / EX-L | 1.5L Turbo I4 (190 hp) | ECON / Normal / Snow | 18″ Alloy | 9″ | Available |
| Sport Hybrid | 2.0L I4 + 2-Motor Hybrid (204 hp) | ECON / Normal / Sport / Snow | 18″ Alloy | 9″ | Standard |
| TrailSport Hybrid | 2.0L I4 + 2-Motor Hybrid (204 hp) | ECON / Normal / Sport / Snow | 18″ Shark Gray AT | 9″ + 10.2″ | Standard AWD |
| Sport-L Hybrid | Same as above | Same as above | 18″ Alloy | 9″ + 10.2″ | Standard |
| Sport Touring Hybrid | Same as above | ECON / Normal / Sport / Snow / Individual | 19″ Alloy | 9″ + 10.2″ + Google built-in | Standard AWD |
Production and Availability
The 2026 Honda CR-V will hit dealerships spring 2025. It continues to be built at Honda’s plants in Ohio, Indiana, and Canada, with U.S. production exceeding 3 million units since 2006.
With a balanced mix of innovation, rugged capability, and long-standing value, the refreshed 2026 CR-V — especially with the addition of the TrailSport Hybrid — reinforces Honda’s leadership in the compact SUV segment.
READ MORE: 50 Years of the Volkswagen Polo: Compact Design, Spacious Comfort, and Global Success
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
