The Honda CR-V has been a favorite among American drivers for over 25 years, consistently ranking as the nation’s best-selling SUV. In 2024, it was the fifth-best-selling vehicle in the U.S., with over 400,000 units sold—a record for the model. For 2026, Honda is taking its popular compact SUV to new heights by introducing the first-ever CR-V TrailSport Hybrid and adding more standard technology across the lineup. This refreshed CR-V combines rugged styling, enhanced off-road capability, and a tech-packed interior, making it a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Honda CR-V and its exciting new features.
A New TrailSport Hybrid: Rugged Looks with Hybrid Power
For the first time, Honda’s TrailSport trim, known for its adventure-ready design, is available on the CR-V, but only as a hybrid model. This marks the debut of a TrailSport variant with hybrid power, a significant move as hybrid vehicles now account for 30% of Honda’s total sales and over 50% of CR-V sales. The 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is designed to appeal to buyers who want a tough-looking SUV with the efficiency and performance of Honda’s acclaimed two-motor hybrid system.
Image credit: Honda
The TrailSport Hybrid stands out with a bold, rugged exterior. It features a silver skid garnish on the front fascia, a piano black rear spoiler, black door handles, and black window surrounds. Orange-accented TrailSport badges on the grille and tailgate add a distinctive touch. Buyers can also opt for the exclusive Ash Green Metallic paint, previously introduced on the 2026 Passport TrailSport, for a unique look.
To enhance its off-road credentials, the TrailSport Hybrid comes equipped with Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels. These tires are designed to provide better traction in dirt, sand, mud, rocky terrain, and snow while remaining quiet and comfortable on paved roads. The wheels also feature recessed valve stems to protect against damage from rocks and branches during off-road adventures. However, unlike the Passport TrailSport, the CR-V TrailSport doesn’t include a specialized suspension tune or true skid plates, suggesting it’s more suited for light off-road trips than hardcore trailblazing.
Image credit: Honda
Under the hood, the TrailSport Hybrid uses Honda’s fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, paired with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. This powertrain delivers 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque, offering a sporty driving experience and excellent fuel efficiency. The hybrid system is built at Honda’s Transmission Plant in Ohio, with the engine components manufactured at the Anna Engine Plant, showcasing Honda’s commitment to American production.
The TrailSport Hybrid also benefits from enhanced traction management on all-wheel-drive models, which improves performance at speeds below 9 mph. This system detects differences in wheel rotation speed and adjusts driving and braking forces to maximize traction, making it easier to navigate slippery or uneven terrain.
Upgraded Technology Across All Trims
Honda has made significant upgrades to the 2026 CR-V’s interior technology, ensuring every model feels modern and connected. All trims now come standard with a 9-inch HD touchscreen, a 2-inch increase over the previous base model’s 7-inch display. This larger, user-friendly screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. A wireless phone charger is also standard across the lineup, adding convenience for drivers on the go.
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Higher trims, including the TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid, feature a 10.2-inch full-digital instrument display. This 46% larger gauge cluster offers customizable functions, such as Honda Sensing settings and vehicle information, giving drivers more control over their driving experience. The top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid takes connectivity a step further with Google built-in, including apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. This feature comes with a complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan, making it a standout option for tech-savvy buyers.
A Premium and Adventure-Ready Interior
The 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid’s interior is designed to feel both premium and adventure-ready. The TrailSport logo is embroidered on the front seat headrests and molded onto the all-season rubber floor mats, emphasizing the trim’s rugged identity. Amber ambient lighting illuminates the footwells, overhead console, door handle pockets, door trays, and cupholders, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere at night.
The TrailSport Hybrid is well-equipped for comfort and convenience, with standard features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof, a power tailgate, and the 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. These additions make the TrailSport a compelling choice for buyers who want a blend of rugged style and everyday practicality.
Other CR-V trims also offer a spacious and comfortable interior, with sporty and sophisticated design elements. The hybrid-powered trims, including the TrailSport, feature bolder styling cues, such as polished stainless steel exhaust finishers, to differentiate them from the turbocharged models.
Powertrain Options: Turbo and Hybrid
The 2026 CR-V lineup offers a range of powertrains to suit different preferences. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims are powered by a responsive 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers drive modes including ECON, Normal, and Snow.
Image credit: Honda
The hybrid-powered trims—Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid—use the two-motor hybrid system, which provides 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque. These models offer additional drive modes, including Sport, for a more dynamic driving experience. The Sport Touring Hybrid also introduces a new “Individual” drive mode, allowing drivers to customize settings like throttle response and steering assist.
All CR-V models are available with Honda’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control, which enhances traction in challenging conditions. Features like Hill Descent Control and a Snow driving mode further improve the CR-V’s versatility, making it suitable for a variety of environments.
Safety Features: Leading the Compact SUV Segment
Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the 2026 CR-V continues to lead the compact SUV segment with its comprehensive safety features. Every CR-V comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes advanced driver-assistive technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The blind spot information system is also standard, enhancing driver awareness.
The CR-V’s safety credentials are bolstered by the latest version of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to provide better crash protection. The SUV features 10 standard airbags, including next-generation front driver and passenger airbags that reduce head rotation in collisions, particularly oblique impacts. Front knee airbags, rear-passenger side-impact airbags, a Rear Seatbelt Reminder, and a Rear Seat Reminder are also included, ensuring safety for all occupants.
Manufacturing and Availability
The 2026 Honda CR-V is built in three Honda plants in North America: the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, the Indiana Auto Plant, and the Alliston Auto Plant in Canada. This continues Honda’s 45-year tradition of producing vehicles close to its customers. Since 2006, Honda has manufactured over 3 million CR-Vs in the U.S., with more than 99% of Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024 made in North America.
The 2026 CR-V and TrailSport Hybrid are set to arrive at Honda dealers in spring 2025. Pricing details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, giving buyers a clearer picture of the cost for each trim.
Why the 2026 Honda CR-V Stands Out
The 2026 Honda CR-V builds on its legacy as America’s best-selling SUV by offering more standard features, a new rugged TrailSport Hybrid trim, and enhanced off-road capability. Its combination of advanced technology, efficient hybrid powertrains, and top-tier safety features makes it a standout in the compact SUV market. Whether you’re navigating city streets, tackling light off-road trails, or embarking on a family road trip, the CR-V is designed to deliver comfort, versatility, and reliability.
For buyers seeking a stylish, tech-savvy, and adventure-ready SUV, the 2026 Honda CR-V is a compelling choice. With its refreshed design, upgraded features, and the introduction of the TrailSport Hybrid, the CR-V continues to set the benchmark for compact SUVs. Keep an eye out for this exciting new model when it hits dealerships this spring.
