2026 Honda CR-V
Since 1997, the CR-V has attracted savvy buyers with its abundant good qualities, led by practicality, affordability, and longevity. Many CR-V drivers keep coming back to the model whenever they need a new car, knowing they’ll be happy with it time after time. That’s why quite a few folks will be interested to hear that Honda has refreshed its strongest selling nameplate with some technology updates and additional standard features. For example, all trims now have wireless device charging, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless smartphone integration; the top-of-the-line EX-L is graced with a bigger digital gauge cluster, too. Beyond that, the CR-V’s optional all-wheel drivetrain has received some traction-management updates. The CR-V Hybrid gets even more changes, including the introduction of the TrailSport trim; please see our separate overview for that variant.
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Trims and Powertrains
The refreshed 2026 CR-V’s trim selections are the LX, EX, and EX-L. Their turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine makes 190 horsepower and forms the powertrain with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the default on all three trims, with Real-Time AWD an option. According to the EPA, FWD CR-Vs achieve 28 miles per gallon around town and 33 mpg on the highway. AWD fuel economy dips only slightly to 27 city/31 highway.
The versatile CR-V has 39.3 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space, which can be increased to 76.5 cubic feet when the second row is unoccupied and its seatback is folded down. Towing capacity for every trim tops out at 1,500 pounds.
Standard Features
One of the highlights of the 2026 model year refresh is expanded standard equipment, meaning that the base LX now gets wireless device charging and wireless smartphone integration. It also has remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, push-button ignition LED exterior lights (including auto-on/off headlights), a 7-inch driver information display, and power-adjustable side-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators, variable intermittent windshield wipers, rear privacy glass, a USB port in the front console, and 17-inch steel wheels with covers.
The middle-ground EX is made more upscale with heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, two automatic climate control zones, a power moonroof, a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar controls, heated power-adjustable side-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators, illuminated vanity mirrors, two additional USB ports, LED ambient interior lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The EX-L gets a load of features, including leather upholstery, a power tailgate, a driver's-side memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Advanced Safety Technology
Honda Sensing is standard in the ’26 CR-V. This suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies brings together adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation. Traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition are also included, along with driver attention warning, rear seat reminder, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview monitor with dynamic guidelines. A blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert is found on the two higher trims: front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control appear only on the EX-L.
Staying Connected and Entertained
As we mentioned in the intro, all trims now get a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as part of this model year’s refresh. Also standard are Bluetooth, a text messaging assistant, and access to the HondaLink smartphone app for emergency help and other services. Audio is delivered through four speakers in the LX, six in the EX, and eight in the EX-L.
