2026 Honda CR-V Trim Guide: Which Is the Best?
The 2026 Honda CR-V is available in seven trim levels, ranging from the entry-level LX with fewer features to the fully equipped Sport Touring Hybrid. As expected, the more features a trim offers, the higher its price.
If you’re already decide to get CR-V for your next SUV, but still unsure which trim suits your needs—or which one offers the best value for your money—this guide is here to help.
Below, I’ll walk you through the specs and features of each 2026 Honda CR-V trim level. I’ll also share my recommendations on which trim has the most good value for money and worth buying based on different scenarios.
2026 Honda CR-V Basic Specs Overview
Well, you can divided Honda CR-V lineup into two groups: the CR-V Gasoline and the CR-V Hybrid.
The gasoline model, including LX, EX, and EX-L, is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing up to 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque.
On the other hand, the hybrid model, like Sport Hybrid, TrailSport, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid, features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. Together, they deliver up to 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.
All-wheel drive is available across all trim levels, and on the Sport Touring and TrailSport trim, AWD comes standard—fitting for a model designed with off-road capabilities in mind.
Of course, no engine discussion is complete without mentioning fuel efficiency.
The Honda CR-V remains one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.
Gasoline models earn an EPA rating of 28 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive versions. All-wheel-drive models are slightly lower at 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
The hybrid models truly shine in this area, with front-wheel-drive versions rated at 43 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive hybrids achieve 40 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined.
In addition to sharing the same engine, each Honda CR-V trim also shares several features and specifications.
Here are some of the features that come standard across all trim levels.
- Honda Sensing
- 9-Inch Color Touch-Screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless Phone Charger
- HondaLink
- LED Headlight with Auto-On/off
- Remote Entry System
- Cruise Control
- Push Button Start
- Power Door and Tailgate Locks
The 2026 model year is the most complete CR-V ever. It is equipped with a variety of the latest features, not only on the highest trim, but on almost all trim levels.
My biggest complaint about the previous model year was that wireless Apple CarPlay was not available on some trim levels. You had to upgrade to a higher trim level to include this latest technology feature.
But on the 2026 CR-V, Honda has decided to make it standard, even on the lowest trim level, so you still get wireless Apple CarPlay. Nice one, Honda!
2026 Honda CR-V Trim Levels
As I mentioned earlier, the 2026 Honda CR-V is available in seven trim levels. You can see the details in the chart below.
| Trims | Price |
|---|---|
| LX | $30,290 |
| EX | $33,150 |
| Sport Hybrid | $35,630 |
| EX-L | $35,400 |
| TrailSport | $38,800 |
| Sport-L Hybrid | $38,752 |
| Sport Touring Hybrid | $42,250 |
Let’s take a closer look at each model.
2026 Honda CR-V LX
Let’s start with the LX, the entry-level variant of the CR-V, which actually comes with features that are not so basic.
Well, it doesn’t have remote start, a moonroof/sunroof, or heated seats, but it still has many features, such as comprehensive safety systems, a 9-inch color touchscreen, and HondaLink.
And as I mentioned earlier, besides having the same powertrain as other trims, it also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—something that is usually not found in basic models.
The Honda CR-V LX also only comes with 17-inch steel wheels, unlike the others with 18-inch alloy wheels. The driver’s seat is still manually adjustable, and the driving modes are limited to Normal, Eco, and Snow.
The CR-V LX is suitable for those seeking a basic vehicle without excessive features that may not be necessary. Additionally, for individuals considering modifications to suit their preferences, such as installing aftermarket parts, the CR-V LX is well-suited for such scenarios.
2026 Honda CR-V EX
We move on to the CR-V EX, one trim level higher than the base trim.
The EX has all the features and equipment found in the LX model, with the same engine, transmission, performance, and driving feel as the CR-V LX.
The EX offers several upgrades over the LX, such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof/sunroof, Blind Spot Alert, heated seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, an improved audio system, USB-C charging ports for the rear seats, and many more.
However, for me, the most significant upgrades from the LX are the Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System, heated seats, and One-Touch Power Moonroof, as these features are quite difficult to add as aftermarket options.
2026 Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid
One trim above the EX is the Sport Hybrid, which we can call the entry-level variant of the CR-V hybrid.
The CR-V Sport Hybrid has similar features and specifications to the EX trim, except for the engine.
It shares the same wheel size—albeit in a different color—the same infotainment system, and the same safety features. So, in other words, you could call the Sport Hybrid the hybrid variant of the Honda CR-V EX.
However, this variant still includes a few additional features compared to the trim below it, such as HondaLink Subscription Services, Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, black roof rails, and dual chrome exhaust finishers.
Additionally, there is a slight difference in the spare tire. While the CR-V EX has a spare tire compatible with T155/90 D17 112M, the Sport Hybrid does not have a spare tire at all. Instead, it is equipped with a tire repair kit with 24-hour assistance.
The difference in spare tire availability is not limited to the EX and Sport Hybrid models; it also applies to both gasoline and hybrid models.
In the CR-V Hybrid, the high-voltage battery is located under the rear seats and cargo area, beneath the trunk floor. Because of this, Honda is unable to provide a spare tire for the CR-V Hybrid.
2026 Honda CR-V EX-L
The EX-L is the most complete trim of the CR-V gasoline model. This trim includes all the features of the EX trim, along with several additional features and upgraded equipment.
Some of the additional features on the EX-L include a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the EX trim is only equipped with a 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster. Additionally, the audio system is upgraded to a 320-watt 8-speaker setup, compared to the 240-watt 6-speaker system in the EX trim.
Furthermore, the interior of this trim comes with leather-trimmed seats, whereas the EX trim only offers cloth seats—an upgrade that I really appreciate.
Other upgrades include a front passenger seat with power adjustment, two-position driver’s seat memory, and a power tailgate with programmable height.
2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport
This is a special trim that Honda has added to the 2026 Honda CR-V lineup. The CR-V TrailSport is an off-road-oriented variant.
The TrailSport comes with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain (AT) tires, and this trim is only available with all-wheel drive.
In terms of features and equipment, it’s not much different from the Sport Hybrid. However, there are still some upgrades in several areas.
These upgrades include a more powerful 320-watt 8-speaker audio system, a large 10.2-inch digital speedometer, a heated steering wheel, and a power tailgate with programmable height.
But one thing I regret is that the TrailSport still uses fabric for the seats. Since it’s intended for outdoor use, dust, mud, and other debris are more likely to stain the upholstery. Leather-trimmed seats would make cleaning much easier.
2026 CR-V Sport-L Hybrid
This is the second most complete trim after the CR-V ST. The difference is that it lacks some of the exclusive features found in the CR-V ST, but it is still one of the most well-equipped.
It can be said that the Sport-L Hybrid is essentially the same as the EX-L, except that it features a more powerful and efficient hybrid engine.
It shares nearly identical features and specifications with the EX-L, including the infotainment system, safety features, exterior details, seating, and more. It is also equipped with leather-trimmed seats—something not available on the TrailSport.
2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
Let’s start with the 2026 CR-V ST, the most complete model of all CR-Vs ever made.
It comes with almost all the latest features and technologies in its class, including several premium features such as HD Radio, a Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers and a subwoofer, built-in Google, heated steering wheel, and many more.
The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid also comes with 19-inch wheels, 1 inch larger than those on other trims.
The CR-V ST also comes with all-wheel drive as standard, with no front-wheel drive option for this trim. In addition, specifically for the Sport Touring, drivers can choose from five driving modes: Individual, Sport, Normal, Econ, and Snow.
Which Should You Buy?
So, which CR-V is the most worth buying?
To answer that question, there are two things you need to consider first.
First, do you want a gasoline or hybrid CR-V?
Second, do you have flexibility in your budget, or are you looking to save money and get the most out of what you have?
If you decide to get a CR-V with a hybrid engine, your options include the Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, TrailSport, and Sport Touring Hybrid.
If you have an unlimited budget, I would definitely recommend the Sport Touring Hybrid, which costs $42,250 MSRP. It’s not cheap for a Honda CR-V, but it gives you the most complete CR-V ever.
However, if you’re looking for the best value for money, I think the Sport-L Hybrid is the way to go. With an MSRP of $38,725, it’s very well-equipped, and you likely won’t have any complaints. But this only applies if you don’t need AWD, you’ll need to pay an additional $1,500 to add AWD to the Sport-L Hybrid.
What about the TrailSport? With an MSRP of $38,800, AWD is already included.
The TrailSport does come standard with AWD, and it’s equipped with superior all-terrain wheels and tires for off-road use. But keep in mind, it still comes with fabric seats—and personally, I’m not a fan of fabric seats.
Since reupholstering them in leather isn’t cheap, I’d still go with the Sport-L Hybrid AWD variant. If you feel you need all-wheel drive, then the AWD-equipped Sport-L Hybrid is the one to choose.
What about the gasoline CR-V?
If you decide to go for the CR-V with a gasoline engine, then I would highly recommend the EX trim. Why?
It offers features that are not much different from the EX-L, with a price difference of nearly $2,500.
That means I can save money and allocate it for aftermarket upgrades—such as upgrading the seat material to leather, enhancing the audio system, or replacing the stock wheels with cooler aftermarket rims.
Since key features like wireless Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, smart entry, remote start, and heated front seats are already standard, I would definitely choose the EX trim.