Jump Some Dunes in the New, Updated CR-V

The latest, 2026 Honda CR-V compact crossover SUV receives several updates as well as a new TrailSport trim, which combines hybrid power with off-road prowess.

Three years after Honda launched the sixth-generation, 2023 CR-V, the Japanese brand updated it and added an off-road friendly trim. The CR-V TrailSport lines up on the high-end of the seven-trim line-up and includes some of the Passport and Pilot TrailSport traits. Across the line-up, Honda added to the standard equipment list. And, on the all-wheel-drive models, improved low-speed performance.

MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT

What used to only come on higher trims, Honda now installs the larger, 9-in center display as standard equipment on the CR-V. That larger screen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To keep the smartphone party going, Honda also includes a standard wireless smartphone charger too.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport. 9-in center display. Image courtesy of Honda.

We see new optional equipment as well. Honda builds seven trims of CR-V: LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. Four of them (EX-L, Sport-L, TrailSport, Sport Touring) now get a fully digital 10.2-in instrument cluster screen. On 2023 models, even the top trim Sport Touring used a 7-in screen with an analog speedometer.

Now the Sport Touring hybrid stands out by getting Google built-in, which is Google Maps, Assistant, and Play. It’s a feature I quite like on cars.

Finally, the base CR-V grows to 18-in alloys, as opposed to the 17-in wheels the LX trim received in 2023. The Sport Touring rolls on 19s, for a bit of added flair.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport. TrailSport logo front grille. Image courtesy of Honda.

TRAILSPORT TREND

Joining the ranks of the Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline, the CR-V TrailSport marks the first off-road friendly Honda with a hybrid powertrain. But the CR-V version looks fairly pedestrian compared to the others these days.

You do get Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, sized 235/60R18. Those roll-on Shark Gray 18-in wheels. And the TrailSport comes standard with AWD. But you do not get any additional ride-height, skid plates, recovery hooks, or any other serious equipment. It’s largely styling.

For example, outside you see silver skid garnish, a piano black rear spoiler, black door handles, black window trim, as well as orange TrailSport badges on the grille and tailgate. And inside, Honda added the embroidered logo on the front seat headrests, the logo on rubber floor mats, and amber ambient light in a few places.

The CR-V TrailSport includes a fair amount of luxury, though: heated front seats, heated steering wheel, moonroof, digital instrument cluster, and a power tailgate. Finally, Honda will coat it in Ash Green Metallic paint, just like the Passport TrailSport

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport. Interior. Image courtesy of Honda.

CARRYOVER POWERTRAINS

The LX, EX, and EX-L trimmed CR-V still make use of a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, which produces 190 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 179 lb.-ft of torque between 1700-5000 rpm. It ties to a continuously variable transmission and then sends power to either the front or all-four wheels.

The remaining four trims get the 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder hybrid engine, replete with two-electric motors. The system creates a total of 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft of torque and propels the CR-V along, transmission free. Just like the non-hybrids, you choose between front- or AWD.

Finally, the AWD CR-Vs get added low-speed traction, courtesy of a system re-tune. At speeds below nine mph, if the system notices wheel slip on two tires (one on each axle), brake pressure is applied to the slipping tires and more torque is sent to the tires with traction. This aids in keeping momentum going.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport. Rear 3/4 in action. Image courtesy of Honda.

SUMMARY

Honda says to expect the 2026 CR-Vs to start arriving at dealerships before the end of spring. In the coming weeks, ahead of their arrival, I expect we’ll get an announcement on pricing. But given the relatively minor update we have, aside from the TrailSport, I expect prices to increase marginally from the $31,495 base price (including $1395 destination charge) for a 2025 model.

Honda added useful standard features. The big question lies in how folks will take to a lighter touch to the TrailSport sub-brand on its compact crossover. I hope to review soon and find out.