Honda Keeps It Fresh With the 2026 CR-V

Honda is a force to be reckoned with. There are plenty of reasons for Honda’s success, with the brand’s reliability, affordability, and performance topping the list. The Honda CR-V has long exemplified these traits and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Some automakers would try to coast on this success as long as possible, but Honda is taking a more proactive approach when it comes to its star model.

The brand has unveiled a fully refreshed version for 2026, which means it’s the perfect time to head to us here at Indy Honda to check out a Honda CR-V for sale near Greenwood. From new wheels, headlights, and styling to improved interior tech, a more sophisticated traction management system, and the debut of a new off-road TrailSport trim, read on as we explore some of the highlights of the Honda CR-V mid-cycle refresh.

A New Suite of Technology 

The sixth-generation CR-V only hit the market in 2023, but even three short years can represent an eon when it comes to interior technology. The CR-V has long traded on its tech-forward approach, which is why it’s so nice to see Honda updating the SUV’s arsenal of comfort, convenience, and infotainment features as it unveils the 2026 model.

It all starts on the dashboard, where the crossover’s previous seven-inch infotainment display is replaced with a new nine-inch model that provides plenty of room to navigate through the CR-V’s wealth of apps, settings, and connected features. Drivers opting for the EX-L, Sport-L, TrailSport, and Sport Touring trims will enjoy even more screen real estate, with Honda providing a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, but the larger screens mark a significant improvement no matter which trim you settle on.

The infotainment display serves as the command center for a wide variety of features, from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity that allow you to leverage the power of your smartphone to Google’s built-in suite of apps. Need to navigate your way to some of the lesser-known corners of Greenwood? Google Maps is at your disposal, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates that’ll guide you to your destination with no fuss.

The integrated Google Play Store gives you access to popular apps like YouTube Music and Spotify to deliver the perfect soundtrack for your journey, while Google Assistant offers hands-free access to various vehicle functions. Need to set a new waypoint in Google Maps, respond to a text, stream your favorite content, or tweak the CR-V’s climate control settings? Just say “Hey Google,” and the built-in assistant does the rest, creating a seamless, safe ride that’ll have you looking forward to every journey. 

Honda has also expanded the CR-V slate of standard equipment for 2026, making previously premium features like a wireless charging pad standard across the entire lineup. The EX-L adds a digital instrument display, eight-speaker sound system, and front and rear parking sensors, while the Sport Touring turns the cabin into your new favorite place to enjoy a beloved album with its 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. It’s a strong showing for the 2026 CR-V, and one that proves Honda has its fingers on the pulse of an ever-evolving consumer base.  

Efficiency On Tap 

The CR-V’s compact design and potent powertrains allow the SUV to offer the best of both worlds, perfectly splitting the difference between performance and efficiency to provide drivers with an incredibly well-rounded ride.

The base CR-V is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder that defies its modest displacement to produce up to 190 hp thanks to its turbocharger. Available in both FWD and AWD configurations, the CR-V is a model of modern fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway to its name.^[a] Selecting the AWD version sees those numbers take a slight dip to 27 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, but that’s a fair trade-off for the sort of security that an AWD powertrain can offer when trying to navigate Greenwood’s snowy winter roads.^[a]

A little electric assistance allows the CR-V Hybrid to outpace the traditional model with 204 hp on offer. This 14 hp bump can be credited to the crossover’s 2.0L four-cylinder and two electric motors, which provide more than enough pep for a fun, responsive ride that still manages to retain its road manners. The base Sport and Sport-L trims are available with either FWD or AWD, but four-wheel power comes standard on the TrailSport and Sport Touring trims. While it tops out at 1,000 lbs of towing capacity, the hybrid brings some clear advantages in the efficiency department.

If you want to make your constant trips to the gas station a thing of the past, the CR-V Hybrid is the obvious choice, thanks to its fuel-sipping powertrain. The 2026 model gets an EPA-estimated 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway for the FWD version, and 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway for the AWD version.^[a] That’s not too shabby for the compact hybrid segment, besting competitors like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, and Subaru Forester Hybrid. 

New TrailSport Trim 

Since 2022, Honda’s TrailSport trim has been giving many of the brand’s vehicles a rugged makeover designed to up their off-road ability. It all started with the midsize Passport TrailSport, but the formula has since been applied to other Honda models like the three-row Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickup. The CR-V now gets in on the action for the 2026 model year with Honda treating the hybrid version of the compact crossover to a full suite of off-road upgrades. While the Passport TrailSport offers steel skid plates, recovery hooks, and an off-road tuned suspension, the CR-V version takes a lighter touch with a host of enhancements that allow it to explore the wilderness without sacrificing any of the on-road ability that’s allowed the SUV to dominate the market over the last three decades.

It’s hard to underestimate the importance of traction when venturing into off-road environments, and Honda has certainly kept this fact in mind when designing the CR-V TrailSport. You wouldn’t set out for a hike in a pair of flip-flops, and you’ll always be cruising in the proper footwear when you choose the CR-V TrailSport. The SUV swaps out its all-season tires for a set of Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires that provide superior grip while still allowing the CR-V to retain its impressive fuel economy stats.

While the TrailSport’s new all-terrain tires might be a valuable addition to the mix, they’re just one part of the equation. Honda has also provided the off-road trim with an updated traction management system, bringing substantial benefits to the SUV’s all-wheel drive system. Instead of dividing the hybrid powertrain’s 247 lb-ft of torque 60/40 between the front and rear axles, the new version can divide that power right down the middle with a nice, even 50/50 distribution when moving at slower speeds. That extra 10 percent might not sound like a lot, but it can pay dividends when it comes to freeing the CR-V from some sticky off-road scenarios. 

The CR-V TrailSport also gains a few styling upgrades that range from fashionable to functional and help to differentiate it from the regular model. Orange accents give the interior an athletic look while TrailSport badges are affixed to the exterior and the headrests. The trim’s exclusive Ash Green Metallic exterior color speaks to the SUV’s outdoorsy ethos, while a skid garnish affixed to the front fascia helps to protect the CR-V from common off-road obstacles. It might not be ready to do any dune bashing or rock crawling, but if you’re looking for a reliable SUV that can handle tough weather and lighter off-road conditions, the CR-V TrailSport is certainly worth a closer look.

Craving the CR-V? Visit Indy Honda Today  

The CR-V seems primed to continue its long run of success with the release of the 2026 model. Honda has ticked all the boxes when it comes to what drivers expect from a mid-cycle refresh, equipping the SUV with some important updates without radically redesigning the model. The CR-V’s new arsenal of interior tech allows the crossover to maintain its cutting-edge reputation with larger displays, more connectivity features, and other upgrades being extended to most trims.

It’s hard to find fault with the CR-V from a performance and efficiency perspective, especially when it comes to the hybrid model. An SUV that can achieve 40 MPG was once the thing of legend, but Honda has made that sort of fuel economy a reality by capitalizing on the latest advancements in automotive tech. Adventure-seeking Greenwood drivers are sure to appreciate the CR-V’s new TrailSport trim, which includes new all-terrain tires, a retuned traction management system, and some eye-catching styling touches.

If you’re ready to learn why the CR-V has become a go-to compact crossover for many of today’s drivers, stop by Indy Honda and explore our selection of new and pre-owned Honda SUVs today.

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^[a] 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 27 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for the 2WD Sport & Sport-L Hybrid trims. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L & Sport Touring Hybrid trims. 38 city/33 highway/35 combined mpg rating for TrailSport Hybrid AWD trim. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.

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