Honda CR-V Review 2026: Tech Boosts & Practical Power

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Honda

CR-V

Enhanced | Honda | SUV

This Honda CR-V Review is made to explain why, if the small SUV market were a vending machine, this SUV would be the cold Coke can in spot A1. Even though the recipe isn’t kept hidden, the product is very popular and has a well-known name. All three trim levels of the CR-V feature a four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower, front – or all-wheel drive, and comfortable seating for five. The hybrid versions will be looked at individually. Even though the Ford Bronco Sport is better off-road and the Mazda CX-50 is nicer, the CR-V is a better choice because it is easier to drive, offers more storage, and is built to last.

What's New?

In 2026, the Honda CR-V will mostly get new software. Every trim level gets a new 9-inch center touchscreen, which is 2 inches larger than the one in the 2025 CR-V. The EX-L model gets a new 10.2-inch digital instrument display. Wireless charging pads for Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Better traction management programming in all-wheel-drive cars also makes them better off-road at low speeds. All trim levels now have 18-inch wheels.

Infotainment & Connectivity

The CR-V’s infotainment system is run by a 9.0-inch tablet. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both built into the system. Two USB-C ports in the back, wireless smartphone charging, and built-in navigation are also common features.

Engine and Performance

Under the CR-V’s vertical grille is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 190 horsepower. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can be used, as well as CVT. These settings are already set up for the LX, EX, and EX-L models. A new traction management code should improve off-road performance at low speeds. Every CR-V is equipped with hill-descent control, which helps maintain a steady speed on steep or slippery slopes. Most of the models come with 18-inch wheels. The new CR-V is comfortable to drive and has enough personality to keep things interesting, but it doesn’t have the thrilling handling of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-50.

Fuel Economy

It’s not official yet, but the EPA said the 2026 CR-V would get 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That was derived from the previous year’s front-wheel-drive CR-V. All-wheel drive models got only 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is worse gas mileage. An all-wheel-drive EX-L got 31 mpg on our real-world highway fuel-economy route at 75 mph in 2023.

Safety Features

There are many standard driver-assistance features in every Honda CR-V. This small SUV has automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, a rear-seat reminder, and a driver-attention monitor. The following are important safety features:

Automatic emergency braking and standard forward collision warnings.
A normal lane exit warning helps keep you in your lane.
It comes with adaptive speed control.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

The air vents are hidden behind a honeycomb-patterned panel that runs the length of the dashboard. This makes the CR-V’s beautiful internal design stand out. Most gauges in the LX and EX trims are digital, and the EX-L features a 10.2-inch digital cluster. The steering wheel frames these gauges. Honda says the front seats are designed to help drivers stay awake on long drives. In the back, there is a lot of space behind the back seats that can be reclined, and a large bin in the middle of the console between the front seats. There are 39 cubic feet of space available behind the second row of seats when the adjustable load floor is set to its lowest position. The Toyota RAV4 can fit only 12 carry-on bags behind the back seats, so this is too many.

Towing:

The Honda CR-V can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped with the appropriate tow hooks.

Price and How to Chose

The 2026 Honda CR-V should cost between $32,000 and $37,000, depending on the trim level and any extras. The LX, the EX, and the EX-L are all gas-only CR-Vs. The only models with a hybrid drivetrain are the Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring, which are also our top picks. The EX-L has more features than the other non-hybrid types, so we would choose it over them. It has many features, such as a large digital instrument display, a motorized tailgate, and leather seats.