In scenic Carlsbad, California, Pursuitist was invited to evaluate the all-new 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD. The new CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is the first Honda SUV to combine rugged TrailSport design and all-terrain tires with an all-wheel drive, two-motor hybrid-electric system, with the target of improving performance off-road.
The Honda CR-V has been America’s best-selling SUV over the last 25 years and continues to set sales records, surpassing 400,000 units last year. Given the current electric vehicle slow walk in the United States, increasing sales of hybrid-electric vehicles is key to the Honda electrification strategy, as hybrids now represent 30% of all Honda sales.
“Our best-selling Honda CR-V is now even more of an industry benchmark with the addition of a rugged new TrailSport model, which has proven to be incredibly popular on our light trucks,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The combination of rugged design elements and capabilities, incredible on-road dynamics and hybrid powertrain makes the Honda CR-V a more compelling SUV than ever before.”
For the 2026 model year, the CR-V lineup now includes three turbocharged trims: LX, EX, and EX; and four hybrid variants: Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, Sport Touring Hybrid, and the model we drove in Carlsbad, the TrailSport Hybrid AWD. Given the sales success of CR-V Hybrid models, Honda expects the new models to continue to represent more than 50% of CR-V sales.
2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD Exterior
The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid brings new design cues to the CR-V lineup. Frontal styling includes a rugged fascia with silver skid garnishes and painted tow hooks. The side view features TrailSport-exclusive “Shark Gray” 18-inch wheels, with recessed air valves for protection off-road and standard Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires that deliver excellent traction in dirt, snow, mud, and rocks while remaining remarkably quiet on-road – a trait not found in some competitor all-terrain tires.
The CR-V TrailSport profile features Black door handles and window surrounds, and orange TrailSport badging. The rear view is highlighted by a pair of polished exhaust tips. TrailSport models are exclusively available with Ash Green Metallic paint, among other shared paint colors within the CR-V lineup.
2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD Interior
Inside, the CR-V TrailSport offers very good passenger and storage space, and is equipped with lots of high tech, including an intuitive infotainment system. A touch of luxury is present inside on the TrailSport Hybrid via amber ambient lighting in the footwells, overhead console, door handle pocket, door tray and cupholders. Underfoot, standard all-season rubber floor mats channel off-road debris, and help insulate the floor from road noise.
The TrailSport logo is is present on the headrests of the heated front seats, a heated steering wheel is a nice luxury touch.
On the interior technology front, all 2026 CR-V trims offer more standard features than previous models. Goodies include a larger 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a wireless phone charger. Higher trims, including CR-V EX-L, the new TrailSport Hybrid AWD, Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, get a larger 10.2-inch full digital instrument display with user-selectable functions, such as Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information and more.
The top-line Sport Touring Hybrid features CR-V’s first integration of Google built-in, allowing access to apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play. A complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan for Google built in is standard.
CR-V’s interior delivers best-in-class cargo volume, easily accessible with the standard power tailgate.
2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD Performance and Drive Experience
Is the new TrailSport Hybrid a legit trail runner? In a word, yes, as the CR-V TrailSport has the drivetrain and tech designed to improve off-road performance.
The TrailSport Hybrid features Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The TrailSport Hybrid’s new traction management system is designed to operate at speeds below 9 mph, and senses the difference in the rotation speed of two CR-V wheels – one on each axle. The driving force is then transmitted to the wheels with the most traction; and the braking force to the slipping wheels is increased, significantly improving trail performance.
On a specially curated Carlsbad trails, the TrailSport proved very capable, giving owners the opportunity to explore trails some class competitors would have more difficulty traversing.
On smooth Carlsbad roads and highways, the vehicles 204 horsepower delivered the power necessary for no-drama passing. Ride quality is excellent, and the cabin was relatively quiet – a plus considering the more rugged off-road-capable tires standard on TrailSport.
2026 CR-V Safety
Honda’s “Safety for Everyone” mantra continues in all of its models, and the new CR-V lineup is an excellent choice for consumers who buy their vehicles based on safety. All CR-V models come standard with the “Honda Sensing” suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, the latest version of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, and advanced airbag technology.
The Honda Sensing system includes Blind Spot Information, Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection; Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keeping Assist System; and Adaptive Cruise Control.
CR-V features 10 standard airbags, including next-generation front driver and passenger airbags specifically designed to reduce head rotation in a collision; as well as front occupant knee airbags and rear-passenger side impact airbags. A Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat occupant reminder are also standard.
Honda models always receive high marks in U.S. Government and Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash testing.
2026 CR-V Prices and Trims
The 2026 CR-V is available in six gasoline engine trims with similar fuel economy ratings:
LX (2WD) 1.5T/CVT $30,920 $32,315 28 / 33 / 30 City/Hwy/Combined
LX (AWD) 1.5T/CVT $32,420 $33,815 27 / 31 / 29
EX (2WD) 1.5T/CVT $33,150 $34,545 28 / 33 / 30
EX (AWD) 1.5T/CVT $34,650 $36,045 27 / 31 / 29
EX-L (2WD) 1.5T/CVT $35,400 $36,795 28 / 33 / 30
EX-L (AWD) 1.5T/CVT $36,900 $38,295 27 / 31 / 29
And six gasoline/Hybrid trims with a wider band of excellent fuel economy ratings:
Sport Hybrid (2WD) $35,630 43 / 36 / 40 City/Hwy/Combined
Sport Hybrid (AWD) $37,130 40 / 34 / 37
TrailSport Hybrid (AWD) $38,800 38 / 33 / 35
Sport-L Hybrid (2WD) $38,725 43 / 36 / 40
Sport-L Hybrid (AWD) $40,225 40 / 34 / 37
Sport Touring Hybrid (AWD) $42,250 40 / 34 / 37
The Destination Charge for all trim levels is $1,395.
Overall, the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid combines practicality with off-road capability, making it a compelling option for those looking to explore both city streets and rugged trails.
CR-V Manufacturing
It’s important to note in a tariff environment that the new CR-V models are assembled in two Honda plants in the U.S. – the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, and the Indiana Auto Plant.
The two-motor hybrid-electric power unit is built at the Honda Transmission Plant in Ohio and is paired with a four-cylinder engine manufactured at the Anna Engine Plant in Ohio.
Honda marked the 40th anniversary of the Anna Engine Plant on July 22, 2025, celebrating the largest world’s largest Honda auto engine plant.
AEP has built more than 32.5 million engines, including for automobiles and powersports products, as well as a variety of powertrain components for engines and transmissions since it began production of motorcycle engines on July 22, 1985.
Since 2006, Honda has produced more than 3 million CR-Vs in the United States.
