A new challenger to the Chevy Equinox Activ and the GMC Terrain AT4 off-road-styled crossovers will appear at dealerships this spring as the TrailSport variant of the 2026 Honda CR-V joins the lineup.
The TrailSport, joining half a dozen other trims of the Honda CR-V, is the seventh variant of the model and features a dual-motor hybrid drivetrain.
The new trim level appears to be the highlight of the 2026 Honda CR-V and gets boosted traction management at speeds below 9 miles per hour. This feature improves off-road capability and is also being added to other CR-V variants configured with all-wheel drive. The TrailSport also gets all-terrain tires to give it better mobility on unpaved surfaces.
The arrival of this variant increases the number of hybrid Honda CR-V variants to four. The three existing hybrids already accounted for about 50 percent of the crossover’s sales according to Honda. “The combination of rugged design elements and capabilities, incredible on-road dynamics and hybrid powertrain makes the Honda CR-V a more compelling SUV than ever before,” claims the assistant Honda sales VP for North America, Jessika Laudermilk.
The powertrain for the 2026 Honda CR-V remains the same as that offered on the 2023 model year, which launched the nameplate’s current sixth generation, and develops 204 horsepower as well as 247 pound-feet of torque. The crossover receives mild revisions, including polished stainless steel exhaust tips, and fresh 18-inch and 19-inch wheel designs. The TrailSport also debuts a new paint color that is exclusive to the trim: Ash Green Metallic.
The interior gets a larger touchscreen display, measuring 9 inches in diameter instead of the previous 7 inches and equipped as standard on all trim levels. The higher trims also get a 10.2-inch digital driver instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless phone charging are all now standard. Google built-in is integrated on the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid.
Another Honda sales VP for America, Mike Kistemaker, says of the 2026 Honda CR-V that it is “more stylish, more rugged, more tech and more fun-to-drive,” adding that “this 6th generation CR-V will be best in class in a large segment where that really matters.”
Comments
It’s a joke. CR-Vs are so overpriced and underequipped, sooner or later customers will figure it out.
A mediocre mid-cycle refresh.
It’s literally a few thousand dollars more than your beloved Encore GX, and significantly larger than your car. An EX-L trim level is 36k, on par with an Equinox RS with similar equipment. I’m not seeing your logic here, but then again nobody usually does.
What’s actually mediocre is the more expensive Nox/Terrian that can’t get out of its own way and gets garbo MPG.
These things have 204hp/240+ torque, and they get to 60 in the mid 7s. The Nox could only ever dream of that. They’re gutless. I had a new one as a courtesy car and getting on the freeway was one of the biggest disappoints I’ve ever had in a GM car.
This thing blows GMs twins out of the water, even if the styling is somewhat more sedate.
the equinox activ is an embarrassment. granted i know its more of an asthetics package but manufacturing overheating awd systems the minute the wheels start spinning isn’t a good look.
If Chevy have the equinox hybrid right now I would’ve buy it in a heartbeat. Yes I know there’s the Blazer and equinox EV but going on holiday vacation is gonna be a pain in the ass and I also have EV too.
I doubt that anyone who buys this Honda cross shopped the Equinox or Terrain for “off road” use. Doubt any of the three can perform off a well maintained gravel road.