Celebrating its 30th anniversary just a few months ago, the sixth-generation version of Honda’s Comfortable Runabout Vehicle is updated for 2026, receiving a subtle refresh and a rugged TrailSport Hybrid variant.
“The new CR-V TrailSport Hybrid will undoubtedly increase the popularity of Honda’s best-selling model, with the TrailSport trim already proving itself as a rugged, fun, and capable platform on our Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline trucks,” says Emile Korkor, Honda Canada assistant vice president.
“The CR-V, including the new TrailSport, is proudly built in Canada; its reliability, safety features, hybrid powertrain, and on and off-road capabilities have earned the trust of Canadians, making it our most popular SUV.”
There aren’t any new aesthetic changes to the exterior, other than larger 19-inch alloy wheels on the top-of-the-line Touring press loaner we tested. The hybrids, however, continue to feature sportier front and rear bumpers and polished details to differentiate from the lower, solely gasoline-propelled models.
In the cabin, occupants will notice a much bigger 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and the nine-inch infotainment display is now powered by Google built-in software (Touring Hybrid only), providing convenient access to native apps. Fortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain supported.
Like its siblings across the lineup, full-width honeycomb mesh air vents dominate the dashboard. There are also unique textured and dimpled decorative plastic elements running underneath and on the adjacent door panels. The standard 12-speaker BOSE stereo sounds great, especially given the CR-V’s fairly quiet ride.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and an e-CVT transmission help send power to all four wheels. A combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, to be exact. This may not be the most exciting setup ever, but the acceleration is quick, and Honda’s reputation for tight suspension systems (here a MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear) means the compact crossover handles better than most.
Drivers are able to choose one of four available drive modes to customize the experience somewhat. ECON restricts the throttle and air conditioning systems to prioritize fuel economy (I was averaging 7.1 L/100 km over a week of mostly city driving), while Sport does the opposite, dialing up the throttle response and generating electronic performance noise via Active Sound Control. There’s a balanced Normal mode and grip-friendly Snow mode as well.
In addition, the 2026s benefit from enhanced all-wheel drive traction management. Though not noticeable in everyday operation, in off-road conditions where speeds are below 14 km/h, torque is sent to the two wheels (one per axle) that have traction, while the other two slipping wheels are automatically braked.
In such environments, activating hill descent control on the center console is handy too, as the CR-V maintains a user-set speed—of between approximately three and 19 km/h set with the brake and gas pedal—while traversing steep declines of seven per cent or more.
The 2026 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid starts at MSRP $54,325 and is available now in stores.
Highlights:
MSRP: $54,325 (base)
Motor: 2.0 liter inline-four cylinder + two electric motors
Horsepower: 204 (net)
Torque (lb-ft): 247 @ 2,000 rpm
Gearbox: e-CVT automatic
Layout: front engine/all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 7.1 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)
