2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport hybrid adds rugged looks, mild off-road capability
As compact SUV sales have soared, the top sellers ― Toyota RAV4 and CR-V, in that order ― risk being taken for granted: just another family-friendly commuter. Nothing to see here.
Like a spike collar on a Goldendoodle, the TrailSport's aggressive trim says, 'There's more to me than meets the eye.'
That's not entirely fair. To Goldendoodles. The hyper-popular, hypoallergenic hybrid dog is a playful and energetic fluffball that represents the best of both sides of its lineage: Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever.
The 2026 Honda CR-V gets the hybrid part right, but falls short of the off-roading standard Honda set with its stellar 2026 Passport TrailSport.
That's not a deal-breaker. It's an expectations-setter.
The Passport TrailSport raised expectations for Honda off-road SUVs. The CR-V TrailSport has more off-road capability than any previous CR-V, but the trim level is more of an appearance package than an equipment upgrade.
Regardless, it'll sell like Goldendoodles at a Montessori. The dog-park and soccer-field parking lots will be packed.
More USA TODAY reviews: I took Toyota's 2025 Land Cruiser out for a second look ― and loved it more
What makes the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport special?
The CR-V TrailSport is only available as an all-wheel-drive hybrid. Fuel economy suffers 2 mpg in combined city/highway driving versus non-TrailSport AWD CR-Vs, due to extra weight and its capable all-terrain tires. It's still admirable at 35 mpg combined, 38 city and 33 highway, though.
In addition to handsome black-limned orange 'TrailSport' badges front and rear, exterior changes include a cosmetic silver front 'lower bumper garnish' ― not to be mistaken for a front skid plate ― and black door handles, window surrounds and rear spoiler.
Interior modifications include seats with embroidered TrailSport headrests and amber ambient lighting.
The TrailSport also benefits from a number of modifications made across the CR-V line this year, including retuned traction control.
TrailSport prices start at $38,800, excluding $1,395 destination charge.
Honda builds the CR-V TrailSport in Greensburg, Indiana.
Driving impressions
The CR-V TrailSport was surprisingly capable on a short off-road course in the dusty hills east of San Diego. That's a credit to the SUV's basic engineering, because the TrailSport doesn't have any specialized mechanical components, aside from rugged 18-inch Continental all-terrain tires. The off-road course Honda provided was essentially a dusty field, with two notable exceptions:
On paved surfaces, the deeply grooved all-terrain tires increase road noise slightly, but not enough to disrupt conversation. More noticeably, the drivetrain downshifted occasionally while going uphill at 50 mph or so, causing engine revs ― and then, noise and vibration ― to increase unexpectedly. There was no impact on safety or speed, just some surprising drivetrain noise.
2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport hybrid key features
What could be better?
Let's be clear. Barring a zombie apocalypse, the TrailSport has more off-road capability than any CR-V owner will ever need. Anything more ― say steel skid plates ― would raise the price and reduce fuel economy disproportionately to the value its owners receive.
Still, I love the bigger changes the TrailSport badge delivered to the '26 Passport. I hate to see the badge's meaning diluted when it had just begun to gain traction in a world where it competes with vehicles like the Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch and what I expect to be highly capable off-road versions of the upcoming Jeep Cherokee and Compass.
Why buy a 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport hybrid?
The CR-V didn't become America's second-best-selling non-pickup by accident. It's a terrific vehicle, and the hybrids are its best models.
The TrailSport's handsome black trim, orange badges and beefy wheels and tires make it a visual standout, especially in the ash green metallic paint ― think an olive uniform done up for a black-tie dinner ― of my test vehicle.
Combined with upgrades across the 2026 CR-V model line ― including retuned traction control, bigger instrument cluster, available 9-inch touch screen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto ― the CR-V TrailSport promises to be a strong addition to an already madly popular model line.
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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