The 2026 Honda CR-V Has Many Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy

Seven decorations, one 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 model for more than two decades, and Honda has expanded and diversified its lineup in recent years. Subsequently, the vast array of trims and multiple powertrains available with the 2026 CR-V can make it confusing to know which grade is the wisest purchase, which is why we’re here.

Below you’ll find details on specs and cabin highlights including efficiency, transmission, driver aids and comfort features designed to help you make your purchasing decision. For the 2026 model year, the CR-V gets a midcycle refresh, led by technology changes such as the standard 9-inch center touchscreen that’s two inches larger than last year, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster on the EX-L, and support for wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on all trims as well as wireless phone charging. Honda has enhanced this CR-V’s value proposition with enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) low-speed off-road traction management programming and a new wheel design. To learn more about the seven 2026 Honda CR-V models, four of which are hybrids, see the rest of the guide below.

LX – $30,920

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

The LX’s steel wheels measure 17 inches and come with hubcaps instead of bare alloys. Other key exterior features you might miss when opting for this base trim include rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, a power tailgate with height memory, heated door mirrors and dual chrome exhaust trims. However, LED headlights, LED taillights and LED mirror turn signals on the power mirrors are standard. Inside, it’s no surprise that the base trim of this extensive lineup is trimmed with cloth seats. While a larger touchscreen, standard wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto elevate the cabin, the sound system only has four speakers, and there’s no ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, or an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Although the LX’s interior cuts corners in several areas, this trim still boasts a host of standard advanced safety features. Still, you have to consider whether you’re willing to sacrifice a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, front/rear parking sensors and automatic low-speed brake control.

Ex – $33,150

Step up to EX and you get a power sunroof and 18-inch silver-painted alloy wheels instead of steel hubcap wheels. Individually noteworthy exterior features include heated door mirrors and a smart entry system with auto-locking, but you still don’t get roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, a power tailgate or dual chrome exhaust trims. On the safety front, Honda has added two valuable features: a blind-spot information system and a cross-traffic monitor. Inside, there’s white LED ambient lighting, power auto-up and down front passenger windows, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, but the seats are still cloth. If you frequently drive long distances, 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 over the base LX, which isn’t easy given the wide range of trims that model comes with.

Sport Hybrid – $35,630

The 2026 CR-V’s entry-level hybrid model, the Sport Hybrid, increases total horsepower and torque to 204 hp and 247 lb-ft, and is complemented by a selectable Sport Drive mode that delivers more engaging handling and acceleration. The CR-V Sport Hybrid gets 43/36 mpg with front-wheel drive and 40/34 mpg with all-wheel drive. The wheels are still 18 inches, but have been redesigned and feature a gloss black finish. Honda further enhanced the look of the sport hybrid by adding black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust trims, and the interior gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but the seat material remains cloth. While not the most luxurious CR-V, the Sport Hybrid’s improved fuel economy and power are worth considering.

EX-L – $35,400

One of the EX-L’s most important additional features is a power rear liftgate, and driver-assist technology is enhanced with front/rear parking sensors and low-speed brake control. While you lose the roof rails and dual chrome exhaust trims, most people will likely find the power liftgate and additional driver-assist tech to be more value. The wheels on this trim are the same as the EX: 18-inch silver alloys. All windows have power auto-up and down, and the front passenger seat has four-way power adjustment, but the highlights of the EX-L’s interior are standard leather-trimmed seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You also get a 10.2 fully digital instrument cluster and a better eight-speaker audio system. Ultimately, the EX-L is the first CR-V model to receive significant technology upgrades.

TrailSport Hybrid – $38,800

Off-road enthusiasts won’t pay attention to models like the 2026 CR-V, but the TrailSport Hybrid trim is a solid choice for casual off-road enthusiasts. In addition to standard all-wheel drive with enhanced low-speed grip, the TrailSport Hybrid has enhanced off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and black roof rails. Honda has dressed up the exterior with gloss black door handles, 18-inch shark gray alloys and dual chrome exhaust trims. Interior ambient lighting is a trim-specific amber color, and this is the first CR-V trim to come with a standard heated steering wheel. However, you lose two-seat driver’s seat memory, a four-way power front passenger seat, front/rear parking sensors and low-speed brake control. Additionally, city/highway mpg mileage is slightly lower than other hybrid CR-V models, and there’s no auto-dimming rearview mirror. While some will be disappointed that Honda swapped leather-trimmed seats for cloth ones, the choice supports the TrailSport Hybrid’s rugged personality, with black fabric paired with orange contrast stitching and headrest TrailSport badging for a more dynamic feel.

Sport-L Hybrid – $38,725

Sport-L Hybrid matches Sport Hybrid models, with 18-inch gloss black alloys and a fully loaded driver assistance package. The only notable exterior and interior features missing from this trim are rain-sensing windshield wipers and a heated steering wheel. Leather-trimmed seats, memory for the two-seat driver’s seat, four-way adjustable return for the front passenger seat, plus front/rear parking sensors and low-speed brake control.

Sport Touring Hybrid – $42,250

The Sport Touring Hybrid is the top of the 2026 CR-V lineup. All-wheel drive is standard, and Honda enhances the convenience of a power tailgate with trim-specific hands-free access. While the Sport Touring Hybrid also rides on gloss black alloys, it has the largest wheels, measuring 19 inches. Drivers have access to the additional integrated driving mode “Personal” and the predictive Eco Assist system senses upcoming hills via GPS to optimize battery power management. 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 2026 Honda CR-V models, the Sport Hybrid is the smartest choice, offering more power, efficiency and a better balance of looks and functionality with features like black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust tips. It’s also the least expensive CR-V hybrid, and while its cloth seat material detracts from the interior’s luxurious feel, features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob make everything feel less shabby. The TrailSport Hybrid is being talked about because it’s a new CR-V model, but for most drivers, its compromises may outweigh its benefits. Be sure to test drive the 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid, as well as other CR-V trims and competitors, before buying.

This article was originally published by Autoblog on December 7, 2025 and first appeared in the Car Buying section. Click here to add Autoblog as your preferred source.