2026 Vs 2025 Honda CR-V: Key Differences Explained

Honda has officially unveiled the 2026 CR-V, and it appears to bring some noteworthy updates to the brand’s best-selling SUV.

As a shopper, you might be wondering which model year is the better buy. Is the 2026 version worth the extra cost, or should you stick with the 2025 model?

In this guide, I’ll explain the key differences between the 2025 and 2026 Honda CR-V and share my thoughts on which one offers the better value.

Key Differences

Unlike the 2024 and 2025 CR-V models, which are nearly identical in every way, the 2026 CR-V offers some notable updates, especially in the equipment sector.

Here are some of the key differences between the 2025 and 2026 Honda CR-V:

• Starting price
• Trim levels
• Infotainment features
• Wireless remote compatibility
• Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility
• Wireless Android Auto compatibility
• Wi-Fi Hotspot capability
• Wireless phone charger capability
• Driving Mode
• Exterior color options

Keep reading for a closer look at the detailed specs and what sets the 2026 model apart from the 2025 version.

Pricing & Trim Levels

The most noticeable and talked-about addition for 2026 is the new TrailSport Hybrid trim, which debuted in the Honda CR-V lineup for the first time.

The TrailSport is a rugged, adventure-ready version of the CR-V, built with off-road capability in mind. It features bold 18-inch wheels and Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, making it better suited for trails and rougher roads.

With the TrailSport hybrid now part of the lineup, the 2026 CR-V offers seven trims, up from six in the 2025 model year.

In addition to the new trim, the base price of the 2026 model has seen a slight increase compared to the 2025 version. You can find the details in the chart below.

The chart above shows that the 2026 CR-V has a higher starting MSRP across the lineup than the 2025 model. The two top trims have the most significant price jumps—the Sport Touring Hybrid is up by $1,150, while the Sport-L Hybrid has increased by $1,075 over the previous year’s starting MSRP.

Features

The equipment is one of the most significant areas of improvement in the refreshed 2026 CR-V.

The 2026 Honda CR-V is the most well-equipped version yet, with at least six upgraded or newly standard features across all trim levels:

Larger 9-inch HD touchscreen

One of the most noticeable upgrades in the 2026 CR-V is the standard inclusion of a 9-inch color touchscreen across all trim levels.

In the 2025 model and earlier, this larger screen was only offered on the top three trims—EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. The other three trims, including the LX, EX, and Sport Hybrid, came with a smaller 7-inch screen.

Similarly, features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were previously limited to the higher trims. For 2026, those features are also available on every trim level. We’ll go over these updates in more detail next.

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility

As mentioned earlier, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto—once exclusive to the top trims—are now standard across all CR-V models, including the base trim.

If you want to learn more about these two connectivity features, I’ve put together dedicated articles: [Wireless Apple CarPlay Guide] and [Wireless Android Auto Guide].

10.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster

The instrument cluster is a screen behind the steering wheel, where you can find a speedometer displaying speed, a fuel gauge, engine RPM, a warning light, and so on.

In the CR-V model year 2025 or earlier, Honda embedded a Digital Instrument Cluster with a 7-inch screen. An upgrade is given for the 2026 model year, where the EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, TrailSport, and Sport Touring Hybrid models are equipped with a 10-inch Digital Instrument Cluster Screen. 3 inches larger than the previous model year.

With the larger Digital Instrument Cluster Screen, the driver will more easily see the information displayed by the vehicle, which is suitable for driving safety.

Wireless Phone Charger

The 2025 Honda CR-V offers a wireless phone charger with Qi-standard charging, but it’s only available on select trims, such as the EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid.

The good news is that for the 2026 model year, Honda has made this convenient feature standard across all trim levels, so every CR-V now comes equipped with wireless phone charging.

Individual Drive Mode

The Honda CR-V has several driving modes, including ECON, Snow, Sport, and Normal.

For the 2026 model year, Honda has added a new mode—Individual Driving Mode—exclusively to the Sport Touring Hybrid trim.

This new mode lets drivers customize their experience by mixing and matching settings for the powertrain, steering, engine sound, and more. It allows you to create a driving setup that suits your preferences, giving the CR-V a more tailored and engaging feel.

(hondainfocenter)

Google Built-in

The 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid is equipped with Google-built-in technology. This allows you to access Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other apps directly from the vehicle.

It works like Android Auto, but the system is already integrated into the car, so you don’t need to connect your phone.

As a bonus, Honda includes a 3-year unlimited data plan for in-vehicle apps with the 2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, making it even easier to stay connected on the road.

(automobiles.honda)

Wi-Fi® Hotspot Capability

In the 2025 CR-V, Wi-Fi® hotspot capability was only available on the Sport Touring Hybrid trim. For the 2026 model year, Honda has expanded this feature to more trims, including the Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid.

Wireless Remote Engine Start Via Smartphone

Between the 2023 and 2025 model years, the Honda CR-V included the HondaLink feature, which let you start the engine remotely using your smartphone. However, this feature was only available on the Sport Touring Hybrid trim.

For the 2026 model year, Honda has expanded the wireless remote engine start feature to more trims. Now, it’s available on all hybrid models.

If you’re looking for more details about the wireless remote engine start feature, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know. You can check it out in the Honda CR-V Remote Start Guide.

Traction Management 

Honda has updated the enhanced traction management system for CR-V models equipped with all-wheel drive to improve off-road performance at low speeds, specifically below 9 mph.

The system works by detecting differences in wheel rotation speed. When a difference is detected, it automatically directs power to the wheels with the most traction. At the same time, it applies braking force to the slipping wheel, helping the CR-V navigate muddy roads and other challenging terrain more effectively.

Exterior

Honda has not updated the exterior of the 2026 CR-V, which is understandable because the current model has only been on the market for three years and is still receiving a tremendous response from the public.

Despite not getting any updates, I appreciate the design and look of the 2026 Honda CR-V’s exterior. It still looks very modern and elegant.

The exterior of the CR-V is not completely untouched. In fact, Honda released a new variant, the CR-V TrailSport, with a bold off-road style. It comes with a distinctive new color option called Ash Green Metallic and a special emblem on the front grille.

Honda also decided to make updates to the color options provided. I have made a more detailed article about the Honda CR-V exterior colors for the 2026 model year. You can check it out in the 2026 Honda CR-V Color Overview.

In addition to the new color options, Honda provides a new rugged-style 18-inch alloy wheel option on all trim levels.

Interior

Like the exterior, the interior of the 2026 Honda CR-V does not get any updates. It remains the same as the previous model year.

The Honda CR-V offers a spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Headroom and legroom are generous in both rows, although the second row may slightly lack flexibility.

The trunk capacity remains the same. There is still a very generous space behind the second-row seats, with 39.2 cubic feet.

Which Should You Buy, 2025 or 2026 Model Year?

So, which model year should you buy?

After looking at the updates made to the 2026 Honda CR-V, it is clear that this latest model comes with some updates that are worth considering.

The 2026 Honda CR-V receives quite a few updates, especially in the features and equipment sector.

This increase in equipment is also followed by an increase in the starting MSRP. All trim levels see an increase in starting MSRP ranging from $600 to $1,100.

However, when looking at the standard equipment brought by the 2026 Honda CR-V, the price hike is still very reasonable and even makes some models very value for money.

For example, in the 2025 model year, to get the larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger, you’d need to go for at least the EX-L trim, which costs around $35,000. In the 2026 model year, you can get all of these features even on the base model, which starts at just $30,920.

I would confidently recommend going for the 2026 model year, as it comes with more standard features across the board.

While it’s true that the price of the 2026 model year is higher than the 2025 model year, by paying a little more, you get a CR-V that’s packed with more equipment compared to the previous year.

However, the 2026 model year CR-V may not be available in all dealerships yet; you may need to wait a few months before it becomes widely accessible.

My advice is to visit your nearest Honda car dealer and get information about availability there. You may also find discounts on the 2025 or even 2024 model year.

If the discount makes a significant price drop, the 2025 might be worth it, even if it doesn’t have as many features as the 2026.

So, what do you think about the 2026 Honda CR-V? Do the updates meet your expectations, or is there something else you wish Honda had improved? Share your thoughts in the comments below!