2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Trailsport – Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Read why the CR-V has been the best-selling Honda of all since 2017.

David Colman

Story and Photos by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

The CR-V has been a phenomenal sales success for Honda since it was introduced in October, 1995. In the hotly contested compact SUV segment, the CR-V has consistently outsold the competition, a feat America's best selling crossover has accomplished since 1997. The latest iteration, the 2026 all-wheel-drive Trailsport Hybrid I tested, gives every indication it will continue its market dominance for yet another year.

This petite sports utility proved to be fun to drive, a defining characteristic that is woefully absent in so many of its competitors. In particular, the TrailSport edition puts a premium on solid performance, both on and off-road. Its 2.0-liter gasoline-fueled motor joins forces with a large electric traction motor to produce 204hp and 247lb.-ft. of torque. This parallel-axis, two-motor Hybrid system is engineered for excellent mileage (35MPG), with reasonably quick acceleration. The 0-60mph sprint takes 7.1 seconds, and the standing start quarter mile is achieved in 15.8 seconds at 87mph.

You might be surprised to learn how much more expensive the CR-V has become over the past decade. Back in 2015, Honda's much more limited CR-V model range started at $22,795 and topped out at $30,295. For 2026, Honda offers three normally aspirated versions ($30,920 - $35,400). and five Hybrids ($35,630 - $42,250). The TrailSport Hybrid we tested carried a base price of $38,800. When you add $455 for Ashe Green Metallic paint (a color available only on the TrailSport), and $1,395 for delivery, your new Honda will set you back $40,650. Only the luxurious 2026 Sport Touring Hybrid (base price $42,250) costs more than the TrailSport we drove.

If you have any off-road aspirations, go for the TrailSport. TS branded black door handles and window frames complement orange badges front and rear. Inside, the motif continues with orange seat stitching, TS logo headrests, and orange interior lighting. The business end of the off-road upgrade starts with a nifty-looking set of Shark Gray 18-inch alloy rims mounting 235/60R18 all-terrain Continental CrossContact ATR rubber (TW 500). Honda has improved the TrailSport's low speed traction management by adjusting the front-to-rear torque split ratio from 60F:40R to a perfectly balanced 50:50. Also aiding off-road capability is the reallocation of driving force. For 2026, the tire getting the best grip also gets the most drive, while the corner slipping the most gets the most braking force. These improvements are further bolstered by what Honda calls "Pedal Actuated Hill Descent Control." On declines of 7% or steeper, the brake pedal can be set to allow descent speeds between 2 and 12mph. If you've ever been freaked out descending steep downhills, this new feature will do wonders for your off-road chops.

While the Baja refinements for 2026 will appeal to knowledgeable dirt kickers, the fact of the matter is most CR-Vs will be consigned to daily commutes, grocery and big box store outings, and paved road family escapades. For those more mundane purposes, this mainstream Honda crossover is also perfectly suited. Let's start with its marvelous seating, both front and rear. I have not found any better, more supportive front bucket seats than those in the TrailSport. With just enough side bolstering and just enough base cushion length, these sporty-looking black and orange cloth perches perfectly fit the bill. The driver's side offers 10-way power adjustment. Three-stage heating, as well as steering wheel heat, made for many comfy outings on cold wintry days.

The back seat's 3 occupants are also well looked after, with lots of legroom, and full-size side and rear windows. A standard power moonroof with tilt feature helps brighten up the interior on long trips. The storage area of the CR-V is surprisingly copious. With 5 adults on board, you still have access to 36 cubic feet of luggage space. If you need more, simply flop the rear seat backs forward (via 2 easily accessed levers) and voila, a 72 cubic foot shipping container offers itself, with a virtually flat floor from front to back. This configuration allowed me to slot my bike into position with minimal effort. The TrailSport's standard power tailgate facilitated the loading/unloading procedure. The remote button on the key fob allows you to control the liftgate from a block away. And unlike other manufacturers - who put tiny keyfob actuators on the side of the fob - Honda makes your life simple by using only the fob's flat face for all actuators.

After spending a week with this rather ingenious compact SUV, I can clearly see why the CR-V has been the best-selling Honda of all since 2017.

2026 HONDA CR-V HYBRID AWD TRAILSPORT

• ENGINE/MOTOR: 2.0 Liter inline-4, Direct Injection, + Traction Motor and Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
• HORSEPOWER: 204hp (Combined)
• TORQUE: 247lb.-ft. (Combined)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 38MPG City/33MPG Highway/35MPG Combined
• PRICE AS TESTED: $40,650

HYPES: Perfect Family/Fun /Explorer

GRIPES: A Little Short on Horsepower

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2026 David E Colman