2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid Review

What did I think of it? Let's take away.

Transcript:

This is the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, a new trim in Honda’s compact crossover lineup. It follows the TrailSport versions of the Pilot and Passport, though Honda hasn’t gone quite as far with this one. That means there are now seven CR-V trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid, TrailSport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring.

I’m in Southern California as a guest of Honda to try out the new TrailSport, and I’m joined by my friend and fellow reviewer, Henry Payne, who has already driven it.

The CR-V TrailSport introduces only modest updates overall. Some interior features that were optional before are now standard, but the main change is this new trim. The question is: does it still feel like a CR-V, or something different?

The CR-V lineup isn’t cheap. The base LX with front-wheel drive starts above $30,000, while the TrailSport comes in over $40,000.

Walkaround

From the front, the TrailSport looks much like a standard CR-V. The differences are subtle: a TrailSport badge, gray accents on the lower bumper, but no skid plates or major fascia changes.

Under the hood is where things get more interesting. This is the first TrailSport with a hybrid powertrain—a 2.0-liter inline-four paired with Honda’s two-motor hybrid system. Output is 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, most of which comes from the drive motor. All-wheel drive is standard, as you’d expect for this trim.

From the side, you’ll notice gloss black trim on the mirrors, door handles, and window surrounds. The wheels are 18-inch Shark Gray alloys with Continental CrossContact all-terrain tires, sized 235/60R18. This is the biggest mechanical difference compared to other CR-V trims. The TrailSport is also available in an exclusive Ash Green paint color.

At the rear, changes are minimal aside from the TrailSport and Hybrid badging and gray lower trim. One drawback: faux exhaust outlets, which don’t actually connect to anything.

Cargo and Interior

Cargo space remains unchanged from the 2023 redesign—plenty of room with fold-flat rear seats, tie-downs, coat hooks, and a 12-volt outlet.

In the second row, space is generous. At 5'11", I had ample legroom, supportive seat bottoms, and enough headroom despite the higher seating position. Four adults would ride comfortably.

Up front, the TrailSport adds orange contrast stitching, all-season floor mats, and embroidered headrests. The seats are power-adjustable with lumbar support. The heated steering wheel has a thick rim, orange stitching, and integrated controls, with paddle shifters behind it.

A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch center display are now standard for 2026, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below that are heated seat controls, dual-zone climate, USB-C ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a wireless charging pad.

Drive modes include Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow.

Driving Impressions

The TrailSport uses the same hybrid system as the Accord Hybrid and CR-V Sport Touring. Power delivery is smooth thanks to the electric motor doing most of the work. Acceleration is responsive, and while the system mimics gear changes, it doesn’t have a conventional transmission. The paddle shifters instead adjust regenerative braking levels, allowing you to control how much the car slows when you lift off the throttle.

In Sport mode, the system responds quicker, with the engine kicking in earlier to generate more electricity. Econ mode softens responses for better efficiency.

Fuel economy is slightly worse than other CR-V hybrids because of the all-terrain tires, but that’s the trade-off for better performance on gravel, rocks, and rougher roads.

On the road, the CR-V rides smoothly, with added compliance from the taller tire sidewalls. Steering feel is a little lighter on-center compared to other trims, but grip remains good, and body roll is controlled.

Highway cruising is stable and quiet, with Honda’s adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist working well, though the system can be a little abrupt when approaching slower traffic.

Off-Road Test

Honda set up a small off-road course to showcase the TrailSport’s upgrades. It’s not Moab-level terrain, but it’s more than just gravel roads. With the all-terrain tires and updated all-wheel drive tuning, the CR-V TrailSport handled the obstacles confidently, showing that while it’s still very much a CR-V, it’s better prepared for rough conditions than the standard trims.

Views on Vehicles focuses on new car reviews and news, presented by Robin Warner, a perennial car nut. The reason for the channel's focus becomes crystal clear when you look at Robin's experience. He spent five years of his adult life as an engineer: four years in traction and stability control calibration, and little over a year in vehicle dynamics. He also spent 15 years of his adult life as an editor at various magazines, including stints at Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek.

The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.

Disclosures: The transcript was provided by AI and edited by a human staffer. Honda paid for our author's travel considerations.

[Image: Robin Warner]

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