The 2026 Honda CR-V is coming soon to your Honda dealer, and it’s going to look a lot different with an updated Sport Touring model and the TrailSport hybrid. The CR-V is already one of the most popular crossovers on the market, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t use some improvement. Honda decided to address its lack of off-road trims first.
Bringing Adventure to the Compact Segment
One of the issues plaguing the CR-V’s otherwise stellar reputation is its lack of off-road ability. It’s not in a class known for any real off-road chops, but the CR-V is probably close to last on a list of compact SUVs that you’d want to take off the pavement. Honda proved that it’s possible to take a soft off-roader like the Passport or Pilot and give it at least midlevel chops. That’s what’s happening with the upcoming CR-V TrailSport.
The new CR-V is expected to feature one of the most advanced AWD systems ever equipped on a crossover. With the TrailSport trim, Honda added some rugged trim details and a new, striking Ash Green Metallic paint. The shiny gray-green paint theme has been all the rage in adventure-oriented models. It’s sure to stand out at your Honda dealer when it arrives.
Performance Specs for the 2026 CR-V
The base 2026 CR-V will feature a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 190 horsepower with a CVT sending power to the wheels. The base model is available with either AWD or FWD. The hybrid CR-V will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors to make 204 horsepower and a lot more torque at 247 pound-feet. In terms of fuel economy, the numbers should be close to the 2025 model. The TrailSport will likely take a hit in this area due to its larger tires.
New Features for 2026
The 2026 CR-V comes with a few new features, like a larger nine-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple/Android compatibility. The higher trims will add a larger 10.2-inch fully digital instrument display. There are a total of three non-hybrid trims with the turbocharged engine to include the LX, EX, and EX-L. The hybrid trims include the Sport Hybrid, the new TrailSport Hybrid, the Sport-L Hybrid, and the Sport Touring Hybrid at the top of the lineup.
Honda has also improved the traction management system for AWD models, which gives them better capability on unpaved roads. This is the case on all AWD CR-V models, not just the TrailSport.
Highlights of the CR-V TrailSport
The biggest news for the 2026 CR-V continues to be the addition of the TrailSport model. It takes advantage of the overall improvements to the CR-V’s AWD system, which includes something called Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control. It pushes extra torque to the wheel with grip, so even if two wheels are off the ground, the power will go to the ones on the ground. This helps avoid wheel spinning and gives power to the wheel with traction.
Currently, you can only get the TrailSport in a hybrid powertrain, but it’s possible that Honda will consider building a non-hybrid TrailSport if the model is popular. The TrailSport will also come with all-terrain tires to help it succeed in sand, mud, and dirt.
The new 2026 CR-V is expected to hit Honda dealers in the Fall of 2025.
