2026 Honda CR-V Buyer Guide

Editorial illustration.

Quick take

The 2026 Honda CR-V is a five-passenger compact crossover with a 190-hp turbocharged gasoline powertrain or a 204-hp two-motor hybrid. It emphasizes roomy two-row practicality, available AWD, and a choice between entry price/cargo capacity and hybrid efficiency.

Best for

Commuters, small families, and active couples wanting a spacious five-seat compact SUV with flexible cargo space and the option of efficient hybrid power; not ideal for buyers needing a third row or serious towing.

At a glance

• Starting price: $30,920 MSRP for LX 2WD, excluding $1,395 destination; $32,315 including destination, before tax, registration, options, and dealer pricing.
• Body style: Compact SUV/crossover
• Powertrain: LX, EX and EX-L use a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four with CVT and standard FWD/available Real Time AWD. Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid use a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four/two-motor hybrid with a direct-drive unit; FWD or AWD varies by trim.
• Output: 190 hp and 179 lb-ft for the turbo gasoline powertrain; hybrid system output is 204 hp (145-hp engine plus 181-hp motor; peak outputs are not additive).
• Fuel economy or range: 2026 EPA ratings: gas FWD 28/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined; gas AWD 27/31/29. Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid FWD 43/36/40; their AWD versions and Sport Touring Hybrid AWD 40/34/37; TrailSport Hybrid AWD 38/33/35.
• Seating: 5 passengers (2 front, 3 rear).
• Cargo and towing: Gas models: 39.3 cu ft behind second row and 76.5 cu ft maximum. Most hybrids: 36.3/71.8 cu ft; Sport Touring Hybrid: 34.7 cu ft behind second row. Maximum towing is 1,500 lb for gasoline trims and 1,000 lb for hybrids; accessory towing equipment is required.

Trims

• LX
• EX
• EX-L
• Sport Hybrid
• TrailSport Hybrid
• Sport-L Hybrid
• Sport Touring Hybrid

Why it stands out

• Choice of 190-hp turbo or 204-hp hybrid powertrains, with FWD hybrid ratings up to 40 mpg combined.
• Practical two-row packaging, including up to 39.3 cu ft behind the rear seats and 76.5 cu ft maximum in gasoline versions.
• Honda Sensing driver-assistance suite is standard across the lineup, alongside a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Available AWD across much of the range; TrailSport Hybrid adds all-terrain tires, while AWD is standard on TrailSport and Sport Touring Hybrid.
• 41.0 inches of rear legroom on Honda's specification sheet.

What to consider

• Hybrid cargo capacity is lower than the gasoline CR-V, and Sport Touring Hybrid has the smallest listed behind-second-row cargo figure.
• The 40-mpg combined headline applies only to FWD Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid; AWD hybrid ratings range from 35 to 37 mpg combined.
• Tow ratings are modest: 1,500 lb for gasoline and 1,000 lb for hybrid models.
• IIHS's updated moderate-overlap report notes rear-passenger chest-injury and belt-positioning concerns; read the current IIHS record when safety is a priority.

Closest alternatives

• Toyota RAV4
• Mazda CX-5
• Subaru Forester

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Sources

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Prices, ratings, incentives, and specifications can change. Verify the exact vehicle, window sticker, equipment, and transaction terms before purchase.