Honda is giving its best-selling SUV a rugged twist for 2026, and it’s more than just a styling update. With the Trailsport trim, this SUV gains real off-road upgrades, like all-terrain tires, improved ground clearance, and revised suspension tuning.
While it still delivers the practicality and comfort that make it a hit with families, the 2026 version adds capability for weekend adventures and light trails. It’s a clear move to compete with rivals offering tougher-looking, more versatile trims.
This update adds new appeal to one of Honda’s most popular models, without sacrificing its everyday usability. Here are the key reasons why it should be on your radar.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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Honda Adds a TrailSport Trim to the CR-V Hybrid Lineup
The CR-V has been Honda’s best selling vehicle for some time now. In fact, it is the second best-selling SUV, sitting only behind the Toyota RAV4. It is so popular due to the fact that it is such a good all-rounder, but something that it has been missing is some real off-road capability. Hence, the Japanese brand has added a TrailSport trim for 2026.
2026 Trims and Pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
LX
$30,920
EX
$33,150
EX-L
$35,630
Sport Hybrid
$35,400
Sport-L Hybrid
$38,725
TrailSport Hybrid
$38,800
Sport Touring Hybrid
$42,250
For 2026, Honda has slightly increased the price of the CR-V. It still has a competitive starting price, hovering just above $30,000. If you want a model with the hybrid powertrain, however, the least you can spend is $35,400. The new TrailSport trim sits near the top of the stack, with only the Sport Touring Hybrid costing more.
Generally, we think that the Sport-L delivers the best value for money. Over the base hybrid, it adds a lot of equipment without inflating the price to a ridiculous degree. However, the new rugged TrailSport certainly makes a case for itself, existing as a more rugged and adventurous alternative at the same price point as the Sport-L.
TrailSport Key Standard Features
As already mentioned, the TrailSport is all-new for the 2026 model year. It comes loaded with a ton of features to differentiate it from the regular CR-V. This includes unique aesthetic elements on the inside and outside. It features a unique silver accent on the front fascia as well as a blacked-out spoiler, door handles, and window trim. It also gets embroidered headrests.
The TrailSport isn’t just an aesthetic package, though. It comes standard with an upgraded all-wheel drive system as well as 18-inch wheels and Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires. The all-wheel drive system is the star of the show, though, capable of detecting where wheels are slipping and adjusting power as well as applying extra braking power where terrain gets tough and traction is an issue.
Other Changes for 2026
As well as the addition of a new trim, the entire CR-V lineup gets some updates for the 2026 model year. This includes an upgraded infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, wireless connectivity, and better traction management. The range-topping Sport Touring model also gets a unique set of 19-inch wheels.
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The TrailSport Model Comes With the More Powerful Hybrid Powertrain
Honda
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid TrailSport action shot side profile
For the 2026 model, Honda continues to offer gas-only and hybrid models. While the gas-only models are more affordable, the Japanese brand definitely reserves its best features for the more powerful hybrid models. If you’re looking at getting behind the wheel of the new TrailSport, know that it comes exclusively with the hybrid powertrain.
Interior Dimensions and Comfort
Engine
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four
2.0-Liter Hybrid Inline-Four
Transmission
CVT
CVT
Horsepower
190 HP
204 HP
Torque
179 LB-FT
247 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
8.1 Seconds
7.9 Seconds
Top Speed
130 MPH
111 MPH
The non-hybrid CR-V comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine while the hybrid model gets a naturally aspirated four-cylinder instead. Both models come exclusively equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission. While CVTs aren’t our favorite, the CR-V’s transmission is more refined than most. Front-wheel drive is standard, with the advanced all-wheel drive system being optional on most models, with it coming standard in the TrailSport.
The CR-V feels firm and planted, offering plenty of confidence through corners. It also features an impressively comfortable ride. With the TrailSport’s additional equipment and the upgrades to the all-wheel drive system, it should be decently capable when taken off the tarmac. It might not be able to follow Jeep Wranglers wherever they may go, but it’ll certainly be able to take on some rough stuff. Honda has also added an ‘Individual’ drive mode, which allows you to personalize steering, throttle, and engine sound settings.
Fuel Economy
Model
City
Highway
Combined
Hybrid FWD
43 MPG
36 MPG
40 MPG
Hybrid AWD
40 MPG
34 MPG
37 MPG
Gas FWD
28 MPG
34 MPG
30 MPG
Gas AWD
26 MPG
31 MPG
28 MPG
Gas-only CR-Vs offer some pretty decent fuel economy compared to other crossovers in the compact segment. The hybrid is obviously much more efficient. You’ll see the biggest gains in city driving with the hybrid, with the difference in highway efficiency not being as massive as you might expect.
The above figures are for the 2025 model, though. Tweaks to the all-wheel drive system and the larger all-terrain tires may mean that the TrailSport is a little less efficient than other all-wheel drive CR-V hybrids.
Safety and Driver Assist Features
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low‑Speed Follow
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Honda has imbued the CR-V with a ton of standard driver assist features from the word go. This includes some advanced collision detection and mitigation systems. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist mean that some of the fatigue induced by longer trips can also be reduced.
The NHTSA has given the CR-V five stars out of five for safety and the IIHS awarded Honda’s crossover the Top Safety Pick award back in 2024.
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Unique Styling Elements Bolster the Cabin of the 2026 CR-V TrailSport
Honda
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid TrailSport front seat and dashboard
Within the compact SUV segment, the CR-V has one of the most logically laid out interiors out there. It is spacious, practical, and loaded with features. Everything is easy to access and is intuitively placed. The TrailSport sets itself apart with a few minor styling elements here and there while offering the same practicality that made the CR-V so attractive in the first place.
Interior Dimensions and Design
Front Row Headroom
38.2 Inches
Front Row Legroom
41.3 Inches
Second Row Headroom
38.2 Inches
Second Row Legroom
41 Inches
Cargo Capacity
39.3 Cubic Feet
In the compact SUV segment, the Honda CR-V ranks near the top when it comes to interior space. Those in the front and back seats will both be equally comfortable, even for the tallest of passengers with the longest of legs. Cargo space is also plentiful, with one of the most spacious trunks out there. Fold the rear seats down, and you can extend your cargo capacity to 76.5 cubic feet.
The interior design in the CR-V might not be particularly flashy, but it is practical and comfortable. Nice materials are used throughout the cabin, especially if you opt for higher trim levels. The TrailSport model in particular comes with embroidered headrests, molded rubber floor mats, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Infotainment and Technology
As is the case with every other hybrid CR-V, the TrailSport comes standard with a nine-inch infotainment screen which peaks out the top of the dashboard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with this system. The TrailSport also comes with a 10.2-inch customizable digital gauge cluster, while the base model gets a seven-inch screen instead.
There are a number of other features that come standard on the TrailSport model that add to its practicality. This includes a standard wireless smartphone charging pad. This feature is standard on all hybrid models. While base CR-Vs get a six-speaker layout, the Trailsport comes equipped with a more premium eight-speaker sound system. You also get a power-operated tailgate.
