What is a CR-V? The CR-V is a compact crossover SUV built in the Greensburg, Indiana assembly plant and sold in North America by Honda. The 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is a small SUV that features a hybrid power train for efficiency. It’s a dedicated TrailSport trim that adds off road capability with specific equipment such as, all terrain tires and enhanced traction management. It combines a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder gas engine with electric motors and standard all wheel drive (AWD) on the TrailSport models. The interior is designed for comfort and practicality, with ample storage and passenger space, while the exterior has a rugged and sporty look.
The power train, interior and performance specs for the new 2026 Honda CR-V are:
Hybrid system: A 2.0 liter Atkinson cycle 4 cylinder gas engine paired with electric motors delivers a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.
Drivetrain: The TrailSport comes standard with AWD for traction control and has enhanced traction management at low speeds.
Transmission: A direct drive system with 2 electric motors replaces a traditional transmission with an option for the gas engine to directly power the drive wheels.
All terrain tires: The TrailSport Edition is equipped with all terrain tires for improved grip and performance on any and all paved, off road and trail surfaces.
Unique styling: TrailSport features unique exterior styling, including a special front grille and new 18″ inch alloy wheels.
Enhanced traction management: This system gains enhanced traction management at speeds below 9 mph for better traction control when navigating obstacles.
Spacious and practical: The cabin offers ample passenger space and cargo capacity, with many storage nooks and crannies and a large center console.
Comfort: It includes heated front seats and a power adjustable driver’s seat as standard, with other trims adding features like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
Technology: Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual zone climate control and a suite of driver assistance systems.
Rugged styling: The TrailSport CR-V has a sporty and modern look, with a wide stance, a large gloss black grille, and available features like black roof rails and fender flares.
LED lighting: Dual low beam LED headlights provide super bright illumination, and feature automatic on and off functionality.
To showcase this new 2026 model, this week Honda sent me a CR-V TrailSport SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this AWD Hybrid edition is $38,800. The only extra cost option on the test CR-V is the special paint for $455. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,395 delivery charge is: $40,650.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to $45,731. At just 269 bucks under $46 Grand, you get a highly optioned compact SUV that gets 38 MPG city, 33 MPG highway and 35 MPG in combined driving. Also, it can drive on the hybrid battery in EV only electric vehicle mode in stop and go traffic.
You should consider buying a 2026 Honda CR-V because it’s a comfortable and practical SUV with improved tech and safety features. There’s a choice between an efficient hybrid or a turbocharged gas engine with new design updates. Key features include a larger standard touchscreen, more comfortable redesigned seats, enhanced AWD capabilities and a refreshed exterior look.
Performance and efficiency:
Powertrain options: Choose between a fuel efficient gas engine hybrid system with electric motors or a responsive 1.5 liter turbocharged gas engine.
Hybrid performance: The hybrid power train delivers 204 horsepower for quick acceleration, while maintaining good fuel economy.
TrailSport Hybrid: This trim adds off road capability with all terrain tires and a refreshed AWD system for better low speed traction control.
Driving modes: Selectable modes of ECON, Normal, Snow, Sport or Individual, which allow you to tailor your driving experience to different road and weather conditions.
Technology and comfort:
Larger Touchscreen: A bigger center stack screen is now standard on all trims, providing easier access to audio, navigation and smart phone integration.
Enhanced voice recognition: Improved technology allows for more seamless hands free control of vehicle functions.
Redesigned Seats: Updated seats provide better comfort and support for long drives.
Premium Sound: Higher trims include a premium Bose sound system for an enhanced audio experience.
Safety features:
Honda Sensing Suite: Every model comes equipped with Honda’s comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, including collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Improved AWD: The 2026 model features improvements to the Real Time AWD system for better traction management, particularly on the TrailSport Edition.
Design and utility:
Updated Exterior: A refreshed design includes a sharper front grille, updated LED headlights and new road wheel options.
Spacious Interior: The CR-V offers a roomy and comfortable cabin with plenty of cargo space, with up to 76.5 cu-ft of room with the rear seats folded down.
Practical Features: Available features like a power tailgate and a 90 degree rear door opening add to the CR-V’s utility for hauling cargo, gear, pets and people.
So, who would buy a 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport? The buyer for a CR-V TrailSport is someone who wants the reliability and practicality of a CR-V, but also desires increased capability for light off-road adventures with rugged styling. They are likely looking for a daily driver that can handle more than just pavement, making it suitable for accessing trailheads, camping spots, or driving on unpaved roads without needing a dedicated off-road vehicle.
This is a snapshot of who the real buyer is:
The everyday adventurer: This buyer uses their vehicle for daily life, but wants the freedom to explore on weekends. They might be going camping, hiking, or simply want the confidence of having all wheel drive for inclement weather on back roads.
The style conscious driver: They are drawn to the rugged and stylish appearance of the TrailSport trim, which sets it apart from the standard CR-V models.
The AWD seeker: For many buyers, especially in areas with challenging roads, the availability of AWD is a major draw. The TrailSport is positioned as the ideal trim to get this capability, as seen in reviews of previous CR-V models.
The value oriented explorer: They appreciate the CR-V’s reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency, but want to add a layer of capability, without the higher price tag and fuel consumption of a bigger and less efficient SUV.
So call, click or visit your local Honda dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new and updated 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport AWD Hybrid SUV. And remember that the base price for a new CR-V starts at only $30,920. Honda – The power of dreams and comfort, meets adventure and style, with a 2026 CR-V TrailSport SUV.
The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net.