The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, priced at ~$38,700–$40,650 in the U.S., brings a rugged twist to America’s best-selling SUV, which sold over 400,000 units in 2024. Launched in July 2025, this 6th-generation CR-V introduces the TrailSport badge to the compact SUV lineup, blending hybrid efficiency with off-road-inspired styling.
From my experience, after analyzing its specs and test-driving it, the TrailSport offers a spacious interior, solid fuel economy (est. 35 MPG combined), and a comfy ride, but its off-road upgrades are modest compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Woodland or Subaru Forester Wilderness. With a 204-hp hybrid powertrain and standard AWD, it targets families wanting a versatile SUV with a dash of adventure. Is it the right pick for you? Let’s dive into this review to find out.
Design and Build
From my experience, the CR-V TrailSport’s design leans into rugged aesthetics without reinventing the wheel. Its Ash Green Metallic paint (exclusive to TrailSport) and blacked-out trim give it a tougher vibe than the standard CR-V, while 18-inch Shark Gray wheels with Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires add trail-ready flair.
The front fascia sports a silver “skid garnish” mimicking underbody protection, but there’s no actual skid plate. Inside, orange stitching, TrailSport-embroidered headrests, and amber ambient lighting create a “glamping” feel, paired with durable cloth seats and rubber floor mats. The cabin is spacious, offering 41 inches of rear legroom and 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, but lacks premium touches like leather or a panoramic sunroof found in rivals like the Mazda CX-50.
- Exterior Highlights: Ash Green Metallic paint, 18-inch wheels, faux skid garnish, black door handles.
- Interior Comfort: Cloth seats with orange stitching, 10.2-inch digital cluster, amber lighting.
- Build Quality: Solid Honda engineering, but no underbody protection or suspension lift.
Performance
The TrailSport’s 204-hp hybrid powertrain (2.0L 4-cylinder + two electric motors) delivers 247 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard Real Time AWD and a CVT. From my experience, it’s smooth and efficient, hitting 0–60 mph in ~7.9 seconds, but feels sluggish compared to the RAV4 Woodland’s 236-hp hybrid (6.8 seconds).
The all-terrain tires and retuned traction control (brake-based torque vectoring below 9 mph) handle light trails well, as shown in the YouTube test, but the lack of skid plates or increased ground clearance (8.2 inches) limits hardcore off-roading. Hill Descent Control aids on steep slopes, but towing is capped at 1,000 lbs, lagging behind the RAV4’s 3,500 lbs. Fuel economy is strong at ~35 MPG combined, though slightly lower than the Sport Hybrid’s 37 MPG due to the tires.
- Power: 204 hp, 247 lb-ft, 7.9-second 0–60 mph.
- Off-Road: All-terrain tires, retuned AWD, Hill Descent Control, but no skid plates.
- Efficiency: ~35 MPG combined, per estimated figures.
Features
The TrailSport steps up tech over the base CR-V but trails competitors, from my experience. A 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a wireless charger are standard, but there’s no embedded GPS, SiriusXM, or 360 camera (unlike the RAV4 Woodland’s 12-inch display).
The 10.2-inch digital cluster is sharp, and the 8-speaker audio is decent, but the Sport Touring’s Bose system and Google built-in are absent. Comfort features include heated seats/steering wheel, a power liftgate, and a moonroof. The Honda Sensing suite (collision mitigation, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping) earns a 5-star NHTSA rating. However, the lack of a front camera or off-road-specific drive mode disappoints for a “TrailSport.”
- Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, no GPS or SiriusXM.
- Safety: Honda Sensing, 5-star NHTSA rating, no 360 camera.
- Comfort: Heated seats/steering, moonroof, power liftgate, 8-speaker audio.
Pricing and Value
Starting at ~$38,700 (MSRP, excl. $1,395 destination), the TrailSport slots between the Sport Hybrid (~$36,000) and Sport Touring (~$43,000). From my experience, its value is questionable: the $2,700 premium over the Sport Hybrid adds all-terrain tires, styling, and minor traction tweaks, but skips premium tech or robust off-road gear.
Competitors like the Subaru Forester Wilderness (~$37,000) offer skid plates and higher ground clearance (9.2 inches) for less, while the Mazda CX-50 (~$39,000) brings a 256-hp turbo option. The TrailSport’s efficiency and reliability are strong, but its price feels steep for what’s essentially a style package, especially with no spare tire (just a fix-a-flat kit).
- Price Range: ~$38,700–$40,650 with options (e.g., Utility Package).
- Value Proposition: Strong efficiency, but lacks off-road hardware or premium tech for the price.
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles limited, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Spacious interior (41 inches rear legroom), ~35 MPG combined, rugged styling, reliable Honda build, heated seats/steering, from my experience.
- Cons: Limited off-road upgrades (no skid plates, 8.2-inch clearance), no spare tire, outdated tech (no GPS, 360 camera), sluggish performance, steep price.
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport
Comparison to Competitors
| Feature | Honda CR-V TrailSport | Toyota RAV4 Woodland | Subaru Forester Wilderness | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | ~$38,700–$40,650 | ~$38,000 | ~$37,000 | ~$39,000 |
| Powertrain | 204-hp hybrid, AWD | 236-hp hybrid, AWD | 182-hp gas, AWD | 256-hp turbo, AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 8.2 inches | 8.6 inches | 9.2 inches | 8.6 inches |
| Off-Road Features | All-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control | Skid plates, recovery hooks | Skid plates, X-Mode, spare tire | Turbo power, off-road mode |
| Infotainment | 9-inch, wireless CarPlay | 12-inch (2026 refresh), CarPlay | 8-inch, Starlink, CarPlay | 10.25-inch, CarPlay |
Buyer’s Guide
- Who It’s For: Families wanting a reliable, efficient SUV with light off-road capability and rugged looks. Ideal for suburban commuters or weekend campers tackling gravel or snow.
- Who Should Look Elsewhere: Hardcore off-roaders needing skid plates or higher clearance (try Forester Wilderness), performance enthusiasts wanting speed (Mazda CX-50), or tech lovers seeking advanced infotainment (RAV4 Woodland).
- Tips: Opt for the Utility Package (roof rails, crossbars) for extra versatility. Add an aftermarket spare tire for off-road trips. Check Honda dealers for spring 2026 discounts, from my experience.
It handles light trails (gravel, snow) with all-terrain tires and retuned AWD but lacks skid plates or extra clearance, limiting serious off-roading, from my experience.
At ~$38,700, it’s ~$2,700 more than the Sport Hybrid but adds minimal upgrades. Rivals offer better value for off-road or tech, per web reviews.
About the Author
Redline Reviews, formally known as 2theRedline, produces detailed and honest videos on all things automotive with special attention placed toward actual in-market consumers looking to purchase their next new vehicle.
What’s your take on the CR-V TrailSport? Drop your thoughts below!
Sources
- YouTube: Redline Reviews (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVJEeDLSl9I)
- Car and Driver
- MotorTrend
- Kelley Blue Book
- Edmunds
- X Posts: @HondaFanatic, @AutoInsiderX, @CarGeek22
[…] and rugged styling. From my experience, after diving into its specs and test-driving it, the CR-V TrailSport offers a comfy ride, cavernous interior, and solid fuel economy, but it falls short for adventure […]
[…] like the Toyota RAV4 Woodland or Subaru Forester Wilderness. Here are the top 10 reasons to buy the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport to help you decide if it’s your next […]