The CR-V will get rowdy
With a few of the greatest gross sales numbers within the phase, the Honda CR-V is already wildly common, however there’s at all times room for enchancment. One of many points some had with the CR-V was its lack of off-road functionality. Certain, it is in a category that’s not meant for severe off-road athleticism, however even for mild off-highway journeys, the CR-V by no means shines.
Honda has lately confirmed that it could take a soft-roader, just like the Passport or Pilot, and make it able to mid-level off-roading. That is very true for the all-new, upcoming CR-V, which has one of the crucial superior all-wheel drive (AWD) programs on a crossover. In its “TrailSport” guise, Honda sprinkled some rugged-looking garnish and a brand new Ash Inexperienced Metallic paint, bringing an off-road improve to the SUV full with the swagger of an adventurer.
The bottom mannequin 2026 Honda CR-Vs include a turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque via a repeatedly variable transmission (CVT). These fashions can be found in each front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The hybrid mannequin comes with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine related to 2 electrical motors for a mixed output of 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Honda hasn’t launched the EPA numbers, but it surely expects the totals to be very near the 2025 fashions, excluding the TrailSport, given its heavier, bigger tires.
What’s new for 2026?
All 2026 CR-Vs get a bigger 9-inch touchscreen with wi-fi charging, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The upper EX-L, Sport-L, TrailSport, and Sport Touring trims additionally get an even bigger 10.2-inch full-digital instrument show. There are three turbo non-hybrid trims: LX, EX, and EX-L, whereas the 4 hybrid trims embrace Sport Hybrid, the brand new TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid.
Honda has additionally beefed up the traction administration system in its AWD fashions, permitting all of them to higher deal with the dust no matter whether or not they’re the brand new TrailSport or not.
What’s the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid?
Honda has lastly added the TrailSport identify to the 2026 CR-V, and it seems to be fairly cool. Honda says they improved off-road efficiency in the entire new AWD CR-V fashions, together with the brand new TrailSport Hybrid. This enchancment, known as “Actual Time All-Wheel Drive with Clever Management,” shoves much more torque to the wheel that has grip, so even when two wheels are suspended, energy will go to the 2 that stay on terra firma. That is primarily based on the traction management system working with the braking system to halt the spinning, ineffective wheel and permit energy to the one which has traction.
And sure, you may solely get the TrailSport trim with the hybrid powertrain. I’ve a sense that, if the take price is excessive, Honda might construct a non-hybrid model as properly.
The TrailSport additionally advantages from Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires (235/60R18). I’ve off-roaded the Pilot TrailSport with an identical tire, and so they have been remarkably competent. It labored properly in delicate sand, mud, and on the freeway.
The remainder of the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport primarily will get particular paint, trim, and a few inside upgrades. The uniquely styled entrance fascia with a plastic silver skid garnish offers it that rugged off-road look producers have been going for, together with a piano black rear spoiler and black door handles. All of the window surrounds are blacked out as properly, and orange TrailSport badges grace the grille and tailgate. The distinctive and macho-looking 18-inch wheels are coated in Shark Grey paint, which pairs properly with the aforementioned unique Ash Inexperienced Pearl paint.
The inside trim is lined with the identical orange-colored stitching and piping because the badge, whereas the entrance seats have “TrailSport” stitched into the headrests, with equally styled ground mats. Even the seatbelts carry that orange coloration. Among the supplies, together with the seating materials, are additionally distinctive. Based on Honda, there’s amber ambient lighting within the footwells, overhead console, door deal with pocket, door tray, and cup-holders.
The 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Touring retains issues on the pavement
Not like the rugged-looking TrailSport, the Sport Touring has a barely extra city and opulent really feel to it, which is among the causes it is on the prime of the lineup. Except for a leather-based inside and distinctive 19-inch wheels, the Sport Touring will get an “Particular person” drive mode setting. This permits for extra customization of traits like throttle response and steering help, via saving the driving force’s selections, versus solely deciding on from preset drive mode settings. Sport Touring fashions additionally get a singular display with Google built-in and a complimentary three-year information plan, in addition to a Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Audio system.
Last ideas
The 2026 CR-V will arrive at sellers this spring, however pricing, EPA numbers, and some different particulars have but to be introduced. By way of pricing, we do know that Honda is inserting the CR-V TrailSport between the Sport Hybrid and the Sport L Hybrid. If we’re to make use of the 2025 fashions as a gauge, it seems to be like it is going to be someplace beneath the Sport L Hybrid’s $37,650. That is offered that the entire pricing stays about the identical for the 2026 mannequin.
I’m very curious to see if Honda managed to make the CR-V TrailSport one thing particular. Certain, it will not be as succesful as their Passport TrailSport, however I believe it is going to be significantly better than the present CR-Vs. I simply hope it is as enjoyable to drive because it seems to be.
