Wow time flies. Can it already been three model years since I last fully reviewed the Honda CR-V? That situation is remedied this week with the first-ever 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid. Not only that, it's also Honda's first-ever Hybrid to wear the badging. Its addition to the CR-V lineup comes as no surprise given that Honda's other TrailSport models - which add off-road capability - have been a hit. Honda says they now make up 20% of Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline sales combined. As for the CR-V, it's been Honda's best-selling vehicle for the past 28 years. The new TrailSport is one of four hybrid variants. New-for-2026, the entire CR-V lineup receives more standard tech.
While there are no major style updates for 2026, the TrailSport features exclusive rugged TrailSport style treatment. It starts with its available TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green Pearl premium paint hue. Rugged front end style tweaks including a silver skid garnish, and TrailSport-exclusive silver rear lower bumper garnish.
Unique Shark Gray 18-inch wheels are fitted with standard Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires designed to improve traction and durability when going off road.
Other distinguishing features include a piano black rear spoiler, black door handles and window surrounds, and orange TrailSport badges on the grille and tailgate.
Performance
The CR-V hybrid's award-winning dual-electric motor powertrain delivers 204 horsepower and 247 lb.-ft. of torque. Acceleration manages to feel better than its horsepower implies something I credit to Honda's AWD with Intelligent Control System which helps out in the torque department. New for 2026, all-wheel drive equipped models gain enhanced traction management at speeds below 9 mph.
In terms of the TrailSport badge, while it does upgrade capability in a few areas, the biggest being its all-terrain tires, it's off-road prowess is limited to the lighter side. Still it's nice to have the option to get a little dirtier than you could otherwise.
Interior
Honda's really elevated its interiors in recent years. Quality, materials and overall comfort level are all better. The CR-V TrailSport features a black interior with a splash of silver trim and amber ambient lighting in the footwells, overhead console, door handle pocket, door tray and cupholders.
The TrailSport is outfitted with cloth seats as opposed to leather-trimmed seats in the Sport Touring I reviewed in 2023. Orange TrailSport logos are embroidered on the front seat headrests and also adorn all-season rubber floor mats. You'll also find well-executed orange stitching on the seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob. The driver's seat is notably 10-way power.
The TrailSport benefits from a new-for-2026 10.2-inch digital driver display which looks great. On the other hand, the 9-inch multimedia system isn't quite as tech-forward in terms of graphics. But you do get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with a WiFi Hotspot. However, note that Google Built In is only on the top tri