When the Honda CR-V first arrived in the late ’90s, it didn’t demand attention. It started as a small, boxy Civic-based wagon with a rear spare tire—practical, reliable, and easy to overlook. But over time, it quietly became America’s best-selling SUV.
Now in 2026, the CR-V returns with more attitude in the form of the TrailSport Hybrid—the first-ever pairing of Honda’s rugged-looking TrailSport trim with its proven two-motor hybrid system. I spent a day in San Diego with it—on the highway, in the city, and down dusty trails—to see if this version finally gives the CR-V the adventurous edge it’s been missing.
Design: Rugged Enough for the Family
TrailSport gives the CR-V a tougher face, but it doesn’t go over the top. You get Continental all-terrain tires, Shark Gray 18-inch wheels, and silver skid-style bumper garnishes. The exclusive Ash Green Pearl paint helps it stand out, and orange accent stitching adds character to the otherwise familiar interior. The look says, “I might leave the pavement,” not “I live at REI.”
There’s no lift or heavy-duty hardware underneath, so expectations should stay grounded. But as a style and confidence package? It works.
On the Road: Smooth Until the Climb
Around town and on the highway, the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid performs like a typical Honda—refined, quiet, and composed. The hybrid setup delivers 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, and the CVT transmission behaves better than most, simulating shifts for a more natural driving experience.
That said, things change once the road gets vertical. On steeper mountain climbs, the powertrain starts to feel a bit overwhelmed. Engine noise becomes more pronounced, and the added weight from the AWD system and trail gear makes the CVT’s limitations more obvious. It’s a reminder that this hybrid setup works best in Honda sedans or on flatter terrain.
Trail Drive: Light Adventure Approved
Our off-road loop included loose gravel and moderate declines. The TrailSport’s Hill Descent Control performed exactly as advertised, keeping the vehicle steady and controlled between 2 and 12 mph. AWD logic has been retuned to better handle slip at low speeds, and the all-terrain tires make a difference in grip and confidence.
Still, this isn’t a rock-crawler—and Honda knows it. It’s trail-capable, not trail-dominating. Think forest roads, not forest recoveries.
Interior & Tech: Classic CR-V Comfort
Inside, the CR-V remains one of the most family-friendly crossovers in the game. The rear seats slide and recline, cargo space is flat and generous, and the cabin feels airy and thoughtfully laid out.
All models now come standard with:
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Honda Sensing® driver assist features
Higher trims add luxury touches, including a 12-speaker Bose system, a digital gauge cluster, and Google Built-In with voice control and live navigation. It’s not a luxury-car posh, but for the price, it’s well-equipped.
How It Compares: CR-V TrailSport vs. RAV4 Woodland
If you’ve read my recent coverage of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, you know Toyota has doubled down on electrification and rugged appeal. The RAV4 Woodland Edition adds a lifted TRD suspension, torque-vectoring AWD, and towing up to 1,750 lbs—compared to the CR-V TrailSport’s 1,000 lbs.
However, the Honda counters with a smoother ride, a more intuitive interior layout, better infotainment, and improved real-world fuel economy (the TrailSport is rated at 38 city / 33 highway / 35 combined MPG). It also undercuts the RAV4 plug-in by several thousand dollars in price.
For most families who like the idea of weekend adventures but spend most of their time in traffic and parking lots, the CR-V still hits the sweet spot.
2026 CR-V Buyer’s Guide
Final Verdict
The 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid gives shoppers more personality without sacrificing what’s made the CR-V so popular: comfort, efficiency, and real-world utility.
It’s not built for boulder fields, but for those who want a commuter that can also handle a gravel trail to the lake—or simply look like it could—the TrailSport fits the bill.
Just keep in mind: on steep grades or long climbs, the hybrid powertrain feels a bit out of its element. This system excels in sedans and smooth city traffic, rather than on mountain switchbacks.
If you want CR-V reliability with a touch more character, this might be your next ride.