<div id="readability-page-1"><div><div><h2>Seven trims, one smart pick</h2><p>The Honda CR-V was the automaker’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. during 2024 and has maintained this title through the first three quarters of 2025. By 2018, the CR-V had been a top seller for over two decades, and in recent years, Honda has expanded and diversified its lineup. Subsequently, the vast number of trims and multiple powertrains that the 2026 CR-V has can spur confusion as to which grade is the smartest buy, and that’s why we’re here.</p><p>Below you’ll find a detailed look at specs and cabin highlights, including efficiency, transmission, driver aids, and comfort features, designed to inform your buying decision. For its 2026 model year, the CR-V receives a mid-cycle refresh, mostly headlined by tech changes such as a standard nine-inch central touchscreen that’s two inches larger than last year’s, the EX-L receiving a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and all trims getting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Honda enhances this CR-V’s value proposition with enhanced traction management programming for low-speed off-roading in all-wheel drive (AWD) and new wheel designs. Learn more about the 2026 Honda CR-V’s seven trims, four of which are hybrids, with the rest of our guide below.</p><h2>LX - $30,920</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fdA02rfVjj8uljPU429F6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/fd5b1466070aed554db1bda228597cbe?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fdA02rfVjj8uljPU429F6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/fd5b1466070aed554db1bda228597cbe"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>All 2026 Honda CR-V grades, except the TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, have standard front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD available. You’ll get less horsepower and torque in a non-hybrid CR-V at 190 and 179 lb-ft, respectively, via the turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Non-hybrid CR-Vs like the LX have fewer integrated drive modes, including Normal, Econ, and Snow, but Snow is only available when you select AWD. Though you’ll naturally get better mileage with a hybrid trim, pure internal combustion engine variants like the LX are competitive with 28/33 city/highway mpg in FWD and 27/31 city/highway mpg in AWD.</p><p>The LX’s steel wheels measure 17 inches and have hubcaps rather than exposed alloys. Other key exterior features you’ll miss when selecting this base trim are rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, a power tailgate with height memory, heated side mirrors, and dual chrome exhaust finishers. However, LED headlights, LED taillights, and LED side mirror turn signal indicators on power side mirrors are standard. Inside, it’s no surprise that this expansive lineup’s base trim has cloth seats. While a larger touchscreen, standard wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto elevate the cabin, the audio system has only four speakers, and there’s no ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, or an automatic-dimming rearview mirror. Despite the LX’s interior cutting corners in several areas, this trim boasts an array of standard advanced safety features. Still, you’ll have to consider whether you’re comfortable sacrificing a blind-spot information system, cross traffic monitor, front/rear parking sensors, and automatic low-speed braking control.</p><h2>EX - $33,150</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_oiNwbs75b_k3Gq7jy4S8Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/673dcf86c81543a6b26198162fb6ed00?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_oiNwbs75b_k3Gq7jy4S8Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/673dcf86c81543a6b26198162fb6ed00"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>Moving up into an EX gives you a power sunroof and 18-inch silver-painted alloy wheels instead of steel hubcap wheels. Separate notable exterior features include heated side mirrors and smart entry with walk-away auto lock, but you still won’t get roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, a power tailgate, or dual chrome exhaust finishers. On the safety front, Honda adds two valuable features: a blind-spot information system and a cross-traffic monitor. Inside, the cabin gains white LED ambient lighting, a power auto-up/down front passenger window, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, though the seats remain cloth. If you regularly take extended drives, 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 diversifying itself from the base LX, which isn’t easy given this model’s wide range of trims.</p><h2>Sport Hybrid - $35,630</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IqyqzYsCIKHbO5tkwxLwsg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/e6e5057191c29639b99252b3fc226b31?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IqyqzYsCIKHbO5tkwxLwsg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/e6e5057191c29639b99252b3fc226b31"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>The 2026 CR-V’s entry-level hybrid trim, the Sport Hybrid, increases total horsepower and torque to 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft, complemented by a selectable Sport drive mode that delivers more engaging handling and acceleration. Mileage on the CR-V Sport Hybrid is rated at 43/36 city/highway mpg in FWD and 40/34 city/highway mpg in AWD. Wheels remain 18 inches, but are redesigned with a gloss-black finish. Honda further enhances the Sport Hybrid’s exterior by adding black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust finishers, and the interior receives a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, but the seating material is still cloth. Though not the most luxurious CR-V, the Sport Hybrid’s increased fuel economy and power are worth considering.</p><h2>EX-L - $35,400</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZQV0DgMBouAcdsi8tv1IMA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/526b6c851ff8e617e9f7c5e7b8e6faeb?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZQV0DgMBouAcdsi8tv1IMA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/526b6c851ff8e617e9f7c5e7b8e6faeb"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>One of the EX-L’s most significant additions is a power rear tailgate, and driver-assist tech is enhanced with front/rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control. While you lose roof rails and dual chrome exhaust finishers, most will likely find a power tailgate and added driver-assist tech more valuable. This trim’s wheels are the same as the EX’s: 18-inch silver-painted alloys. All windows receive power auto up/down functionality, and the front passenger seat gets four-way power adjustment, but the EX-L’s interior highlights are standard leather-trimmed seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. You’ll also get a 10.2 fully-digital instrument cluster and a nicer eight-speaker audio system. Ultimately, the EX-L is the first CR-V trim to make noticeable tech upgrades.</p><h2>TrailSport Hybrid - $38,800</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/InvP0XzZGeRt48wudMedAQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/8c53c6e3a75d436375e3b1dd0f802c27?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/InvP0XzZGeRt48wudMedAQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/8c53c6e3a75d436375e3b1dd0f802c27"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>Off-road enthusiasts aren’t going to focus on models like the 2026 CR-V, but the TrailSport Hybrid trim is a solid option for casual off-roaders. Besides standard AWD with enhanced low-speed grip, the TrailSport Hybrid enhances off-road performance with all-terrain tires and black roof rails. Honda dresses up the exterior with gloss black door handles, 18-inch shark gray alloys, and dual chrome exhaust finishers. The interior’s ambient lighting is trim-exclusive amber, and this is the first CR-V trim to come with a standard heated steering wheel. However, you’ll lose two-position driver’s seat memory, the four-way power front passenger seat, front/rear parking sensors, and low-speed braking control. Additionally, mileage is slightly lower than other hybrid CR-V trims at 38/33 city/highway mpg, and there’s no automatic-dimming rearview mirror. Though some will be disappointed that Honda is trading leather-trimmed seats for cloth, this choice supports the TrailSport Hybrid’s rugged persona, and the black fabric is more dynamic with orange contrast stitching and headrest TrailSport logos.</p><h2>Sport-L Hybrid - $38,725</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/esQR4smf7lWsnP86W6DfGg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/d0fd23f7bf47a338fc1867cb3ebdb8f3?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/esQR4smf7lWsnP86W6DfGg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/d0fd23f7bf47a338fc1867cb3ebdb8f3"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>Matching its Sport Hybrid counterpart, the Sport-L Hybrid features 18-inch gloss black alloys, and the driver-assist suite is fully loaded. The only notable exterior and interior features missing from this trim are rain-sensing windshield wipers and a heated steering wheel. Leather-trimmed seats, two-position driver’s seat memory, and four-way front passenger seat adjustability return, along with front/rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control.</p><h2>Sport Touring Hybrid - $42,250</h2><figure><div><div><p><span><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qsXpi.sdPWNmeZ2HooKWOw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/0ba61a9e309708b81411e74c6831dd82?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="960" height="540" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qsXpi.sdPWNmeZ2HooKWOw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/autoblog_arena_articles_145/0ba61a9e309708b81411e74c6831dd82"/></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Honda</figcaption><p></p></figure><p>The Sport Touring Hybrid tops the 2026 CR-V lineup. AWD comes standard, and Honda dials up the power tailgate’s convenience with trim-exclusive hands-free access. While the Sport Touring Hybrid also contains gloss black alloys, its wheels are the largest at 19 inches. Drivers gain an additional integrated drive mode, Individual, and the predictive Eco Assist system optimizes battery power management by sensing upcoming hills via GPS. The Sport Touring Hybrid is the only 2026 CR-V trim with rain-sensing wipers and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.</p><figure><div><div><p><span></span></p></div></div><p></p><figcaption>Cole Attisha</figcaption><p></p></figure><p><em> View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article </em></p><h2>Final thoughts</h2><p>Out of all the 2026 Honda CR-V trims, the Sport Hybrid is the smartest buy, offering increased power, efficiency, and an exterior better balancing form and function through features like black roof rails and dual chrome exhaust. It’s also the least-expensive CR-V hybrid, and while its cloth seating material detracts from the interior’s sense of luxury, features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob make things feel less bare-bones. The TrailSport Hybrid is talked about, being that it’s a new CR-V trim, but its compromises likely outweigh its benefits for most drivers. Be sure to test drive the 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid alongside other CR-V trims and competitors before making a purchase.</p><p><i>This story was originally published by Autoblog on Dec 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.</i></p></div></div></div>

<p>The 2026 Honda CR-V offers seven trims, with the EX-L being the standout choice due to tech upgrades like a larger touchscreen and enhanced traction management. The CR-V remains Honda's best-selling vehicle in the U.S., with a mid-cycle refresh featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and improved off-roading capabilities. The lineup includes hybrid options, with the Sport Hybrid offering increased fuel economy and power. Buyers should consider features like safety systems, drive modes, and interior amenities when choosing the best trim for their needs.</p>

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