2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Road Test and Review

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

The 2026 Honda CR-V gets a significant refresh this year with the debut of Honda’s first TrailSport hybrid model. It has enhanced all-wheel drive and a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Adventurers, families, and commuters who crave efficiency without sacrificing versatility will appreciate this new CR-V.

While not a hardcore off-roader, it can handle light off-road adventures with lots of room for people and cargo along with the modern tech families crave. Its refreshed design and hybrid focus make it a standout choice for those prioritizing sustainability and capability.

Rugged Exterior Design

The 2026 CR-V TrailSport showcases a bold exterior that emphasizes its rugged capability. Unique front and rear fascias with silver skid garnishes, black door handles, and sporty black window surrounds create a distinctive look. Exclusive 18-inch Shark Gray wheels paired with all-terrain tires enhance its off-road stance.

The design balances trail-readiness with urban sophistication so it looks at home no matter where you drive. There are also LED headlights and taillights, along with heated side mirrors with turn signals. The TrailSport, with its stylish take on adventure, is a standout in a competitive segment.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Comfortable, Practical Interior

The TrailSport’s interior blends durability with comfort, making it ideal for road trips or daily errands. There are leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching and TrailSport-embroidered headrests, along with 41 inches of rear legroom to keep everyone comfortable. Dual-zone climate control and heated front seats are also a part of the mix.

Ambient lighting enhances the vibe, although the interior leans toward function over luxury. Door pockets and a deep center console make it easy to stow everything a family needs for a day of adventuring. The TrailSport’s spacious, well-equipped cabin is great for long drives or outdoor excursions, balancing style and utility for busy lives.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

Efficient Responsive Performance

The TrailSport features a 2.0-liter 4-clinder hybrid engine with electric motors for 204 net system horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This all-wheel-drive only trim delivered smooth, responsive performance. It gets an EPA-estimated 38/33/35 mpg city/highway/combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice.

A choice of drive modes lets you tailor the drive to your preferences and current road conditions. While not a high-performance vehicle, its balance of efficiency and power ensures it handles both city streets and mild off-road challenges with ease.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

Balanced, Confident Handling

The TrailSport delivers a balanced ride that suits its adventurous yet family-friendly nature. The suspension system soaks up bumps and dips to deliver a calm ride. The all-wheel-drive system (now with a 50/50 torque split) enhances low-speed traction for light off-roading, and there’s hill descent control for steeper terrain.

This SUV handles corners with stability and confident steering, supported by all-terrain tires that provide plenty of grip. It avoids feeling top-heavy, making it well-suited to family outings or mild trails. The TrailSport Hybrid’s ride quality offers comfort for urban commutes, weekend getaways, or light off-road adventures, making it a versatile option.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Brady Holt

Room For All Your Cargo

With 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, there’s ample room for camping gear, strollers, or whatever a family needs to take along for the trip. A flat load floor and low lift-over height make loading heavy or bulk items easy, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

There are door pockets and a deep center console for all the little stuff you need close at hand. It’s a thoughtful design that includes privacy glass and a wide tailgate opening for even more cargo versatility. Families or adventurers seeking a vehicle that can handle gear-intensive outings will find the CR-V a great fit.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

Advanced Connected Technology

The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport is equipped with a standard 9-inch infotainment touchscreen along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to avoid cord clutter. A 10.2-inch fully digital driver display is also standard, and you can customize the display to show only the information you want to see.

There’s also a standard 8-speaker audio system that delivers crisp sound, while a wireless phone charger and USB-C ports in both rows keep devices powered. HondaLink services are also available with remote start and vehicle diagnostics to keep tabs on your vehicle’s status.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

Robust Safety Features

Honda Sensing equips the TrailSport with a comprehensive safety suite, including collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. Standard features like parking sensors, blind spot information, and cross traffic monitor further enhance safety while new low-speed braking control comes in handy, especially in city driving.

Auto high-beam headlights and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines add confidence in varied conditions. This safety package, combined with Honda’s reliability, provides peace of mind for daily commutes or road trips, particularly when you have the family on board.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

A Wide Range Of Trims

The 2026 CR-V lineup includes gas-powered trims (LX, EX, EX-L) priced from $30,920 to $35,400 and hybrid trims (Sport, TrailSport, Sport-L, Sport Touring) from $35,630 to $42,250, with all-wheel drive adding $1,500 across all trims. A $1,395 destination charge applies to all models. The TrailSport at $38,800 offers a compelling mix of rugged capability and fuel efficiency with standard all-wheel drive.

It's a good range of trims with gas models holding more appeal for budget-conscious buyers. Hybrids may be out of reach for those on a tight budget, but depending on how much you drive, there is gas savings to make it a bit easier to manage.

2023 Honda CR-V EX-L ・ Photo by Honda

Why It Shines

The 2026 CR-V TrailSport excels with its efficient 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain, rugged yet stylish design, and versatile, family-friendly features. Upgraded tech, like the 9-inch touchscreen, keeps it modern, while Honda Sensing safety features ensure peace of mind.

It blends light off-road capability with comfort for everyday life to make it a standout for families and adventurers. The TrailSport offers exceptional value, delivering a go-anywhere SUV that’s ready for urban life or weekend escapes, solidifying its place as a top compact SUV choice.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda