The 2026 Honda CR-V is a smart choice in its segment. However, it doesn’t come cheap and the base trim levels lack some features we’ve come to expect for the price.
There are numerous compact crossovers to choose from, and several of them will satisfy the wants, needs and budgets of Canadian families. However, there arguably are only a few safe choices in the segment, qualified as such by a reputation for reliability, value and utter versatility. One of those is the 2026 Honda CR-V.
Now, we’re not saying that some compact utility vehicles need to be avoided, as each one has its qualities and shortcomings. The CR-V is a strong contender because it blends interior space, user-friendliness and fuel economy in a solid package that also happens to be built in Canada. Speaking of fuel economy, Honda is expanding the hybrid powertrain’s availability for the 2026 model year. The automaker is also adding the TrailSport trim level for those who like a more rugged appearance to match their active lifestyle, while some previously optional infotainment features are now standard across the board.
The 2026 Honda CR-V is offered in LX, Sport, TrailSport, EX-L and Touring trim levels, and only the base LX can be fitted with a front-wheel drivetrain. The rest all come with AWD as standard. The LX and Sport are equipped with a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder that develops 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, managed by a continuously variable automatic transmission. Optional on the Sport, included on the TrailSport, EX-L and Touring, the hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, an electric propulsion motor, a motor-generator and a 1.06 kWh battery pack. Combined output is rated at 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.
Fuel economy ratings are as follows. During our winter test of the CR-V TrailSport, we managed a very respectable average of 7.5 L/100 km.
| Powertrain | City/Highway/Combined L/100 km |
| Turbo 1.5L I4 with FWD | 8.4 / 7.1 / 7.8 |
| Turbo 1.5L I4 with AWD | 9.1 / 7.6 / 8.4 |
| Hybrid 2.0L I4 with AWD | 6.0 / 6.9 / 6.4 |
| TrailSport Hybrid 2.0L I4 with AWD | 6.3 / 7.2 / 6.7 |
In line with its more adventurous character, the TrailSport gets exclusivities such as orange cabin ambient lighting, all-season floor mats with a TrailSport logo, embossed TrailSport logos on the front seat headrests, orange stitching, gloss black door handles, grey 18-inch alloy wheels, 235/60R18 all-terrain tires, and that’s it. No extra ground clearance, no skid plates, no mechanical upgrades.
Standard features aboard the 2026 Honda CR-V include 17-inch wheels with covers, LED exterior lighting, a front windshield wiper de-icer, an intelligent key with remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, a four-speaker stereo, a seven-inch digital driver instrument cluster, a nine-inch infotainment system touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring and auto high beams.
The Sport trim level adds gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, speed-sensitive wipers, roof rails, a power sunroof, a power liftgate, two more speakers, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, white interior ambient lighting and an 8-way power driver seat, while the Sport Hybrid also gets a Wi-Fi hotspot and HondaLink connected services (subscription required), rear-seat USB-C ports, chrome exhaust finishers, and a tire repair kit instead of a spare.
Moving up the lineup, the TrailSport also benefits from a 10.2-inch digital driver instrument cluster and an eight-speaker audio system, while the EX-L receives front and rear park sensors, a laminated windshield, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver position memory, a 4-way power front passenger seat, perforated leather with orange accents and heated rear outboard seats. The range-topping Touring is equipped with 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, 12 speakers, a Google built-in interface with Amazon Alexa and HD Radio and low-speed braking control.
In Canada, 2026 Honda CR-V pricing ranges from $40,075 to $54,700, which includes the $2,000 delivery and destination charges, the $100 A/C tax and $1,000 dealer fees, but not dealer-installed accessories. In the United States, the CR-V is priced from $32,370 to $44,455. Competition includes the Buick Envision, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Ford Bronco Sport, the now-discontinued Ford Escape, the GMC Terrain, the Hyundai Tucson, the Jeep Compass, the Kia Sportage, the Mazda CX-5, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mitsubishi Outlander, the Nissan Rogue, the Subaru Forester, the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Why You Should Buy a 2026 Honda CR-V
- There’s plenty of interior room for all passengers, and the expansive window surface allows for good outward visibility. With a maximum volume of 2,166 litres (2,030 in the hybrid variants), the CR-V’s cargo area is second only to that of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
- On paper, the CR-V is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in the compact crossover segment. Meanwhile, the CR-V Hybrid’s fuel consumption is a little higher than those of the Ford Escape, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4, a little lower than those of the Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester. However, in real-world eco-driving, we have to work a little harder to reach those figures in the Honda compared to the RAV4. Also, the CR-V’s steering is light, but not sloppy, making it feel lighter and smaller than the vehicle actually is.
- The CR-V also shines for the user-friendliness of its infotainment system. The previous seven-inch touchscreen found in the LX and Sport trims has been dropped, meaning the nine-inch display now equips all trim levels, as is wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Most importantly, the on-board interface is easy to use even with those phone projections activated.
- A full suite of active safety features comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and auto high beams. The only feature missing, that’s exclusive to the Touring trim, is low-speed braking control.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2026 Honda CR-V
- The CR-V comes standard with many safety features, but comfort and convenience items aren’t plentiful. The base trim makes do with a urethane steering wheel, a sound system with only four speakers, no rear-seat USB ports, no power adjustments for the front seats, and steel wheels with hubcaps.
- The CR-V’s base price is among the highest in its segment, while the hybrids cost at least $49K once we factor in freight and delivery charges as well as dealer fees. The hybrid variants are the most expensive in the compact class, and their prices match those of some rivals equipped with plug-in hybrid powertrains. The RAV4 now comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, further lowering the affordability bar for fuel-efficient powerplants.
- Many rivals benefit from better cabin sound insulation than the CR-V’s. It’s not bad, but it could be better. The hybrid variants are powerful, but their powertrain is tuned for efficiency rather than all-out performance, and it shows. The hybrids’ gas engine is also a little noisy at wide-open throttle.
- With a tow capacity of 680 kilograms or 1,500 pounds for the LX and Sport trims, and a lowly 454 kg or 1,000 pounds with the TrailSport, EX-L and Touring, the CR-V isn’t a good choice for hauling a boat or a camper.
Should You Buy a 2026 Honda CR-V?
The short answer is yes. It’s a comfortable, versatile and fuel-efficient crossover that will serve small families very well, and it’s built right here in Canada, so acquiring one supports the local economy as well.
While the CR-V enjoys a strong reputation for reliability and that translates into good resale value, the crossover’s asking price is above-average in the segment. There are many excellent compact utility vehicles to compete with it, which offer more features for the buck.
| Specifications | |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 2026 Hyundai Tucson | 2026 Kia Sportage | 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Price Range ($CAD) | $40,075 to $54,700 | $38,048 to $50,748 | $35,144 to $56,094 | $39,222 to $64,022 | $37,061 to $51,561 | $40,529 to $56,384 |
| Engines | - Turbo 1.5L I4 - 2.0L I4 HEV | - 2.5L I4 - Turbo 1.6L I4 HEV - Turbo 1.6L I4 PHEV | - 2.5L I4 - Turbo 1.6L I4 HEV - Turbo 1.6L I4 PHEV | - Turbo 1.5L I4 MHEV - 2.4L I4 PHEV | - 2.5L F4 - 2.5L F4 HEV | - 2.5L I4 HEV |
| Output (hp) | 190 to 204 | 187 to 268 | 187 to 261 | 174 to 248 | 180 to 194 | 226 to 236 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 179 to 247 | 178 to 271 | 178 to 271 | 206 to 332 | 178 to 199 | 163 (engine only) |
| Combined Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 6.4 to 8.4 | 6.7 to 8.8 | 6.6 to 8.9 | 8.6 to 8.7 | 6.9 to 8.3 | 5.5 to 6.2 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,700 to 2,701 | 2,755 | 2,755 | 2,706 | 2,670 | 2,690 |
| Length (mm) | 4,695 | 4,640 | 4,685 | 4,710 | 4,655 | 4,601 to 4,655 |
| Width (mm) | 1,866 | 1,865 | 1,865 | 1,897 | 1,830 | 1,854 to 1,880 |
| Height (mm) | 1,680 to 1,690 | 1,685 | 1,665 to 1,680 | 1,740 to 1,745 | 1,730 | 1,694 to 1,755 |
| Headroom 1st/2nd/3rd Rows (mm) | 970 to 1,016 / 970 / - | 968 to 1,019 / 983 to 1,002 / - | 959 to 1,006 / 966 to 1,000 / - | 985 to 1,031 / 950 to 993 / 876 | 1,016 to 1,047 / 957 to 1,006 / - | 963 / 1,003 / - |
| Legroom 1st/2nd/3rd Rows (mm) | 1,049 / 1,042 / - | 1,052 / 1,004 to 1,050 / - | 1,052 / 1,050 / - | 1,058 / 968 to 1,014 / 475 to 486 | 1,101 / 1,000 / - | 1,041 / 960 / - |
| Cargo Volume Behind 3rd/2nd/1st Rows (L) | - / 1,028 to 1,113 / 2,030 to 2,166 | - / 902 to 1,097 / 1,876 to 2,119 | - / 1,119 to 1,121 / 1,855 to 2,098 | 308 to 362 / 866 to 872 / 1,822 to 1,832 | - / 762 to 838 / 1,957 to 2,107 | - / 1,070 / 1,994 |
| Max Towing Capacity (kg) | 680 | 1,588 | 1,134 | 907 | 680 | 1,588 |
