2026 Honda CRV Trail Sport Review
Historically, the Honda CRV has been synonymous with comfort, practicality, and reliability. For nearly 30 years, it has served as a dependable compact SUV but has often lacked serious off-road capability. For 2026, Honda aims to change that with the introduction of the CRV Trail Sport, a more rugged variant designed for light off-road use while retaining the CRV’s signature on-road dynamics.
The Trail Sport name debuted in 2022 on the Honda Passport and represents Honda’s answer to off-road-oriented trims like Subaru’s Wilderness, Hyundai’s XRT, and Kia’s XPro. The 2026 CRV Trail Sport is the first to combine Honda’s two-motor hybrid system with additional off-road enhancements.
Engine and Performance
The 2026 CRV Trail Sport is powered by Honda’s hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter direct-injection DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Here’s a closer look at the specifications:
Gas Engine: 145 horsepower, 138 lb-ft of torque
Electric Motors: 181 horsepower, 247 lb-ft of torque
Combined Output: 204 horsepower
Battery: 1.1 kWh lithium-ion pack
Transmission: Direct drive (functions like an ECVT)
Drive: Real-time all-wheel drive standard (front-wheel drive optional on Sport trim)
Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs
Curb Weight: Approximately 3,900 lbs
Honda tweaked the traction control system for better side-to-side power delivery, helping the vehicle get unstuck in slippery conditions. Despite the all-terrain tires, the CRV retains its sporty and smooth on-road handling.
Fuel Economy and Range
City: 38 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Combined: 35 mpg
Fuel Tank: 15 gallons (~480 miles range per full tank)
Acceleration
0–60 mph: 7.22 seconds (best run with brake torque technique)
Top Speed: 111 mph
While not class-leading in horsepower, the CRV Trail Sport hybrid system provides smooth EV-like operation at low speeds, transitioning seamlessly to gas power when needed.
Exterior Design
The 2026 CRV received a minor refresh, with the Trail Sport featuring unique styling cues:
Color: Ash Green Metallic (first seen on the Passport Trail Sport)
Headlights: Full LED, reflector-style low and high beams, LED DRLs and turn signals
Grille: Glossy black with Trail Sport badge, houses radar sensor for adaptive cruise control
Front Bumper: Black trim with silver garnish mimicking a skid plate (no actual underbody protection)
Wheels and Tires: 18-inch alloy wheels, Continental CrossContact all-terrain 235/60 R18
Side Profile: Black painted side mirrors, black door handles, black roof rails, standard sunroof
Rear: LED brake lights, combination LED/incandescent tail lights, Trail Sport and hybrid badging, single functional exhaust on passenger side
Note: The CRV Trail Sport lacks true off-road features like a suspension lift, physical skid plates, orange accenting, or roof rails suitable for heavy-duty roof cargo.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 106 inches
Overall Length: 184.8 inches (longer than the current RAV4)
Ground Clearance: 8.1 inches
Interior Features
The Trail Sport interior focuses on functionality with subtle off-road styling elements.
Cabin Highlights:
Color Scheme: Black only, with sport cloth seats, mesh inserts, and orange cross-stitching
Trail Sport Logo: Embroidered on headrests
Front Seats: 10-way power driver seat, 4-way manual passenger seat (no memory function)
Door Panels: Soft-touch injection-molded plastic with glossy black and hexagonal textured trim
Dashboard and Infotainment:
Instrument Cluster: 10.2-inch digital display
Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless)
Navigation: Not included on Trail Sport; Google Built-in available only on Sport Touring trim
Steering: Heated, leather-wrapped with orange stitching and regen paddles
Drive Modes: Eco, Snow, Normal, Sport
Climate Control: Dual-zone, three-level heated seats
Charging: Wireless pad and two USB-C ports
Rear Seat:
Legroom: 41 inches
Recline: Adjustable
Ventilation: Rear air vents with USB-C ports
Cargo Capacity: 36 cu ft (seats up), 76 cu ft (seats down)
Limitations:
No spare tire (Fix-a-Flat kit included)
No panoramic sunroof
No 360-degree camera or parking sensors
Seats do not fold completely flat due to battery hump
Driving Experience
Despite its off-road-oriented appearance, the Trail Sport is primarily an on-road vehicle with some light trail capabilities:
Handling: Sporty, smooth, and responsive
Steering Feedback: Decent, quick responses
Ride Comfort: Maintains CRV’s signature comfort even with all-terrain tires
Noise Levels: Minimal road noise despite more aggressive tires
0–60 Performance: 7.22 seconds (slightly slower than Sport Touring due to heavier tires)
The Trail Sport is ideal for those who want CRV reliability and hybrid efficiency with a rugged look but not hardcore off-road performance.
Pricing and Availability
Base LX Trim: ~$26,900
Sport Hybrid (FWD): ~$30,500
Sport Hybrid (AWD): ~$31,500
Trail Sport AWD: ~$38,000–$41,000 (as tested including destination charge)
Sport Touring AWD: ~$43,700
Honda continues to keep CRV pricing competitive compared to rivals like Subaru Forester Wilderness ($42,000) while offering larger interior and cargo space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Smooth, efficient hybrid powertrain
Excellent on-road handling and refinement
Spacious rear seats and cargo area
All-terrain tires provide light off-road capability
Timeless exterior styling
Cons:
Mostly an appearance package for off-road appeal
Lacks true skid plates and suspension upgrades
Interior tech and infotainment behind competitors
Single color interior
No panoramic sunroof or cooled seats
Verdict
The 2026 Honda CRV Trail Sport is a solid, versatile compact SUV for families and hybrid enthusiasts who want a slightly more rugged-looking CRV without sacrificing comfort, efficiency, or handling.
However, it is important to note that the Trail Sport is more about style and light off-road aesthetics rather than serious off-road capability. If hardcore off-road features are important, competitors like Subaru Forester Wilderness or Toyota RAV4 TRD may be better choices.
For Honda loyalists, the Trail Sport adds a unique option to the CRV lineup while maintaining the model’s trademark reliability and practicality. With over 400,000 CRVs sold last year, Honda is likely to continue building on this momentum with the new Trail Sport model.
Quick Reference:
Powertrain Specs:
| Component | Output |
|---|---|
| Gas Engine | 145 hp, 138 lb-ft torque |
| Electric Motors | 181 hp, 247 lb-ft torque |
| Combined | 204 hp |
| Transmission | Direct drive (ECVT-like) |
| Drive | AWD standard, FWD optional |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 lbs |
Dimensions & Cargo:
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 106 in |
| Overall Length | 184.8 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up) | 36 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Seats Down) | 76 cu ft |
Fuel Economy:
| Mode | MPG |
|---|---|
| City | 38 |
| Highway | 33 |
| Combined | 35 |
| Tank Range | ~480 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about the 2026 Honda CRV Trail Sport?
The 2026 Honda CRV Trail Sport is Honda's first compact SUV with extra off-road styling and capabilities. It combines the two-motor hybrid powertrain with all-terrain tires, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and Trail Sport-specific badging and accents, although it remains primarily an appearance package rather than a full off-road upgrade.
What engine and hybrid system does it have?
This Trail Sport comes with a 2.0L direct injection four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. The gas engine produces 145 hp and 138 lb-ft torque, while the electric motors add 181 hp and 247 lb-ft, giving a combined 204 hp. The transmission is a direct drive system functioning like an ECVT.
Does the CRV Trail Sport offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Trail Sport comes standard with Honda’s real-time all-wheel drive. Unlike some competitors, it uses a physical connection between the front and rear axles. The traction control system has been tweaked for better responsiveness in slippery conditions.
What is the fuel economy and range?
The Trail Sport delivers around 38 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 35 MPG combined. With a 15-gallon fuel tank, the theoretical range is approximately 480 miles, though real-world testing shows just over 400 miles per tank.
What are the key exterior styling features?
The CRV Trail Sport features Ash Green Metallic paint, black door handles, black roof rails, a sunroof, LED headlights, and unique Trail Sport wheels with all-terrain tires. It also has subtle skid plate-style trims and Trail Sport badges on the front and rear.
What is the interior like?
The interior is all black with sport cloth seats, orange contrast stitching, and Trail Sport logos on the headrests. It has a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear-seat space with a recline function and USB-C ports.
How much cargo space does it have?
The CRV Trail Sport offers 36 cubic feet of storage with the seats up and expands to 76 cubic feet with seats folded. The underfloor storage is reduced due to the hybrid battery pack, and the car does not come with a spare tire but includes a Fix-a-Flat kit and compressor.
What is the 0-60 mph performance?
On level roads, the Trail Sport reaches 0-60 mph in approximately 7.2 seconds using brake torqueing for optimal acceleration. This is only slightly slower than the Sport Touring trim despite the all-terrain tires.
What off-road capabilities does it offer?
The Trail Sport is designed primarily for light off-road conditions such as dirt trails. It has all-terrain tires and a responsive all-wheel-drive system, but no suspension lift, skid plates, or heavy-duty off-road features, so it is not suited for serious off-roading.
What are the available trims and pricing?
The Trail Sport starts at around $38,000 with all-wheel drive. The tested version is just under $41,000 including destination charges. The Sport Touring trim tops out at about $43,700, offering additional premium features.
