The 2026 Honda CR-V has a lot of equipment, but only one is smart buying

Seven models, a smart choice

The Honda CR-V was the automaker’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2024 and held that title through the first three quarters of 2025. By 2018, the CR-V had been the best-selling vehicle for more than two decades, and in recent years, Honda has expanded and diversified its lineup. Subsequently, the sheer number of trims and multiple powertrains the 2026 CR-V has can cause confusion as to which class is the smartest buy, and that’s why we’re here.

Below you’ll find a detailed look at the cab’s specifications and features, including efficiency, transmission, driver aids and comfort features, designed to inform your purchase decision. For its 2026 model year, the CR-V gets a mid-cycle refresh, mostly marked by tech changes like a standard nine-inch center touchscreen that’s two inches larger than last year’s, the EX-L gets a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and all trims also get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto wireless charging. Honda enhances this CR-V’s value proposition with improved traction management programming for off-road low-speed all-wheel drive (AWD) and new wheel designs. Learn more about the seven models of the 2026 Honda CR-V, four of which are hybrids, with the rest of our guide below.

LX – $30,920

All 2026 Honda CR-V grades except the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid have standard front-wheel drive (FWD), with available AWD. You’ll get less horsepower and torque in a non-hybrid CR-V at 190 and 179 lb-ft, respectively, via the turbocharged inline-four mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Non-hybrid CR-Vs like the LX have fewer built-in drive modes, including Normal, Econ and Snow, but Snow is only available when you select AWD. While you’ll naturally get better mileage with a hybrid version, pure internal combustion engine variants like the LX are competitive at 28/33 mpg city/highway in FWD and 27/31 mpg city/highway in AWD.

The LX’s steel wheels measure 17 inches and have hubcaps rather than exposed alloys. Other essential exterior features you’ll miss out on when you select this base trim are rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, a power liftgate with height memory, heated side mirrors and dual chrome exhaust tips. However, LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED side mirror indicators on the power side mirrors are standard. Inside, it’s no surprise that the basic trim of this extended range has cloth seats. While a larger touchscreen, standard wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto elevate the cabin, the audio system has just four speakers, and there’s no ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, or auto-adjustable rearview mirror. Despite the LX’s cutting interior corners in several areas, this trim boasts a number of advanced standard safety features. You’ll have to consider whether you’re comfortable sacrificing a blind spot information system, a cross-traffic monitor, front/rear parking sensors, and automatic low-speed brake control, though.

EX – $33,150

Stepping up to an EX gets you a power sunroof and silver-painted 18-inch alloy wheels instead of steel wheels. Separate notable exterior features include heated door mirrors and smart entry with automatic walk-away lock, but you still won’t get roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, a power tailgate or dual chrome exhaust trim. On the safety front, Honda adds two valuable features: a blind spot information system and a cross traffic monitor. Inside, the cabin gets white LED ambient lighting, an automatic up/down window for the front passenger, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, though the seats remain cloth. If you regularly take extended drives, you’ll appreciate the 10-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support and the audio system with six speakers instead of four. Overall, the EX does a solid job of diversifying away from the base LX, which is no easy feat given this model’s wide range of equipment.

Hybrid Sport – $35,630

The 2026 CR-V’s entry-level Sport Hybrid trim boosts total output and torque to 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft, complemented by a selectable Sport drive mode that provides more engaging handling and acceleration. Mileage on the CR-V Sport Hybrid is rated at 43/36 mpg city/highway in FWD and 40/34 mpg city/highway in AWD. The wheels remain 18 inches, but are redesigned with a gloss black finish. Honda further improves the Sport Hybrid’s exterior by adding black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust tips, and the interior gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but the seat material is still cloth. While it’s not the most luxurious CR-V, the Sport Hybrid’s increased fuel economy and power are worth considering.

EX-L – $35,400

One of the most significant additions to the EX-L is an electric tailgate, and driver assistance technology is enhanced with front/rear parking sensors and low-speed brake control. While you lose roof rails and dual chrome exhaust trims, you’ll most likely find a power tailgate and additional driver assistance technology more valuable. The wheels on this trim are the same as the EX model: 18-inch silver-painted alloys. All windows get power auto up/down functionality and the front passenger seat gets four-way power adjustment, but the EX-L’s interior highlights are standard leather-trimmed seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You’ll also get a fully digital 10.2 instrument cluster and a nicer eight-speaker audio system. Finally, the EX-L is the first CR-V model to make noticeable technological improvements.

TrailSport Hybrid – $38,800

Off-roaders won’t focus on models like the 2026 CR-V, but the TrailSport Hybrid trim is a solid option for casual off-roaders. In addition to standard AWD with improved low-speed grip, the TrailSport Hybrid enhances off-road performance with all-terrain tires and black roof rails. Honda dresses up the exterior with gloss black door handles, 18-inch shark gray alloys and dual chrome exhaust tips. Ambient interior lighting is trim-only amber, and this is the first CR-V trim to come with a standard heated steering wheel. However, you will lose the two-position driver seat memory, four-way power front passenger seat, front/rear parking sensors, and low-speed brake control. Plus, mileage is slightly lower than other CR-V hybrid variants at 38/33 mpg city/highway, and there’s no auto-dimming rearview mirror. While some will be disappointed that Honda swaps the leather-trimmed seats for cloth, this choice upholds the TrailSport Hybrid’s rugged character, and the black material is more dynamic with orange contrast stitching and TrailSport headrest logos.

Sport-L Hybrid – $38,725

Matching its Sport Hybrid counterpart, the Sport-L Hybrid features gloss black 18-inch alloys and the driver assistance suite is fully loaded. The only notable exterior and interior features missing from this trim are rain-sensing windshield wipers and a heated steering wheel. Leather-trimmed seats, two-position driver seat memory and four-way return front passenger seat adjustment, along with front/rear parking sensors and low-speed brake control.

Sport Touring Hybrid – $42,250

The Sport Touring Hybrid tops the 2026 CR-V lineup. AWD comes standard, and Honda boosts the power liftgate’s convenience with gear-exclusive hands-free access. While the Sport Touring Hybrid also features gloss black alloys, its wheels are the largest at 19 inches. Drivers benefit from an additional integrated driving mode, Individual, and the predictive Eco Assist system optimizes battery energy management by detecting upcoming slopes via GPS. The Sport Touring Hybrid is the only 2026 CR-V model with rain-sensing wipers and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

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Final thoughts

Of all the 2026 Honda CR-V trims, the Sport Hybrid is the smartest buy, offering increased power, efficiency, and a more balanced exterior form and function through features like black roof rails and chrome dual exhaust. It’s also the least expensive CR-V hybrid, and while the cloth seat material detracts from the interior’s luxurious feel, features like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob make things feel less basic. The TrailSport Hybrid is talked about because it’s a new CR-V trim, but its trade-offs probably outweigh the benefits for most drivers. Be sure to test drive the 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid alongside other CR-V trims and competitors before making a purchase.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on December 7, 2025, where it first appeared in Buying Cars. Add Autoblog as a favorite source by clicking here.