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I Drove the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, Here's My Brutally Honest Review
I Drove the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, Here's My Brutally Honest Review

Auto Blog

time3 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Auto Blog

I Drove the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport, Here's My Brutally Honest Review

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The family SUV goes off the beaten path Simply put: the 2026 CR-V TrailSport Hybrid is mostly the same CR-V you already know, but with a few meaningful upgrades that go beyond just paint and tires. By making a few cosmetic changes, along with a touch of off-road utility, the Honda CR-V TrailSport will delight those seeking more swagger, with minimal loss in terms of efficiency compared to their CR-V hybrid. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen The top 10 best value used cars in 2025 Watch More The 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport finally brings some adventure to the table Honda is finally giving the CR-V a taste of off-road flair with the new 2026 CR-V TrailSport, and frankly, it looks pretty cool. While this trim may not turn the CR-V into a rock-crawler overnight, Honda claims meaningful improvements in off-road capability for all AWD models, including this new hybrid-exclusive TrailSport variant. With an MSRP starting at $38,800 (before fees), the TrailSport slots between the Sport L and Sport Turing. Torque, technology, and trail cred At the heart of these upgrades is what Honda calls Real Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control. This system improves on past AWD setups by reacting quicker and shoving more torque to the wheels with grip. So, even if two wheels are in the air, the system can effectively brake the free-spinning ones and route torque to the grounded pair. It's smart, reactive, and makes the new CR-V far more trail-worthy on paper. Honda recently shifted from a 60/40 traction split (front/rear) to a 50/50 split, allowing more usable power to be directed to the rear wheels. Yes, the CR-V TrailSport is only available with the hybrid powertrain for now, but if buyers bite, a non-hybrid version could very well follow. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. TrailSport tires, looks, and trail hints Rolling on Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires (235/60R18), the TrailSport should feel more at home off the pavement than any CR-V before it. I've tested similar tires on the Pilot TrailSport, and they handled soft sand, mud, and highway cruising with surprising ease. The TrailSport trim also gains a unique front fascia with a silver skid garnish, a black rear spoiler and door handles, Shark Gray 18-inch wheels, orange TrailSport badges, exclusive Ash Green Pearl paint, and blacked-out window trim for added edge. Orange is the new tough Inside, Honda leans into the TrailSport theme with bold orange contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard, and floor mats. The TrailSport logo is embroidered into the headrests, and even the seatbelts are orange, adding a subtle but fun visual pop. There's also amber ambient lighting throughout key touchpoints, including the footwells, center console, cupholders, and door pockets. The materials and seat upholstery are unique to the TrailSport trim, giving the cabin a more rugged, purpose-built feel without sacrificing Honda's typical refinement. Source: Honda Driving the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport I often say, 'New tires can wake up—or totally degrade—the performance of any vehicle,' and the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport is a textbook example of that statement. The result? Mostly good, with a touch of compromise. Let's start with the obvious: those Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires are thicker, wider, and noticeably heavier than the standard rubber Honda typically fits to the CR-V. They feature an aggressive tread pattern built for dirt, mud, and snow, and they absolutely improve grip off-road. But they also come at a cost. Source: Honda On pavement, expect a small dip in performance. I'd bet money that MPG and 0–60 times are slightly worse. There's also more interior noise and reduced cornering grip, thanks to the added mass and squirmier tread. Unless you drive like an ape (which I do), it's not glaring, but it's there. Since Honda didn't revise the CR-V's suspension for this TrailSport, some body roll and lateral motion feel a bit more pronounced during quick transitions. That said, off-road performance is noticeably improved. Honda set up a small off-road-style course—nothing extreme, but enough to highlight the TrailSport's upgrades. It included loose dirt, a few small drops, and some off-camber sections. You could probably complete it in most crossovers, but it was just tricky enough to challenge traction and suspension. Thanks to the 50/50 power distribution system, beefier tires, and an overall rugged setup, the TrailSport handled it with confidence. Traction was clearly stronger on dirt surfaces, and during the roller test—where one or more wheels are left spinning freely—the TrailSport was quicker to route torque where it mattered and pull itself free. It's not a rock-crawler, but it's far more trail-capable than your typical family SUV. Back on the street, it's still the CR-V Hybrid we know—just maybe a hair slower, like it's lugging around a gym bag full of rocks. It kind of is, but let's be real: this was never meant to be a race car. If the extra road noise gets on your nerves, the 8-speaker audio system does a fine job of drowning it out. In short: it's still an easy-to-drive, sweet-tempered CR-V—just now, it's wearing a sleeveless shirt and showing off some muscle. Final thoughts I'm genuinely curious if the CR-V TrailSport is more than just a trim package. It clearly won't match the capability of the Passport TrailSport, but it may end up being the most fun-to-drive CR-V to date. If Honda can deliver on both looks and function, it might finally inject the CR-V lineup with a little adventure.

2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Puts On Hiking Boots in New TrailSport Trim
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Puts On Hiking Boots in New TrailSport Trim

Car and Driver

time30-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Car and Driver

2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Puts On Hiking Boots in New TrailSport Trim

Like children on a family camping adventure, the Honda CR-V has finally put on its nubby-soled shoes and agreed to go for a hike—but only if it isn't too hard or too steep. Honda wants every possible compact-SUV shopper to consider the CR-V, and one place it hadn't ventured is off-pavement. Enter the hybrid-only CR-V TrailSport. TrailSport as a trim will be familiar to other Honda owners. The Ridgeline, the Passport, and the Pilot all offer the option of a TrailSport package, which brings a slightly more rugged aesthetic and some light off-road equipment. The 2026 CR-V TrailSport doesn't go as far on the equipment side, but it's not a purely cosmetic upgrade. Honda does want you to get it dirty. view exterior photos Honda The CR-V TrailSport is positioned between the all-wheel-drive Sport and Sport-L trims, with a $40,195 entry price. It uses the same powertrain as the other hybrid trims, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors for a total of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. It's not a rocket ship of a combo, and we don't expect the new TrailSport to beat the 7.9-second 60-mph time of the 2023 Hybrid Sport Touring we tested, but the powertrain is more than enough to propel the little SUV past big trucks on the highway or up and over rolling hills. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. While the CR-V isn't the quickest transportation on the market, it is a smooth-riding machine that handles more like an Accord sedan than a higher-riding SUV. It has a comfortable seating position, reasonably neutral handling, predictable brakes, and a firm but not overly stiff suspension that won't jostle groceries or sleeping babies yet still allows for an enthusiastic run on a nice stretch of pavement. view interior Photos Honda The CR-V has been Honda's bestselling vehicle since 2017, and it keeps finding new customers with more than 400,000 units moved in 2024. More than half of those buyers go for the hybrid. We can't blame them, as it comes in both front- and all-wheel-drive setups (TrailSports are all-wheel drive only) and offers excellent fuel economy (although the TrailSport's EPA combined rating of 35 mpg is 2 mpg less than that of other all-wheel-drive hybrid models). For 2026, changes to the CR-V lineup are minimal: a few cosmetic details like black window trim for hybrid models, some new wheel options, bigger screens, and more standard technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. view interior Photos Honda The TrailSport trim is new for 2026, and even that is more of a fine-tuning than a major overhaul. The biggest difference between TrailSport and other hybrid trims is the wheel-and-tire package. Instead of glossy black wheels wrapped in all-season rubber, the TrailSport comes on model-specific Shark Gray 18-inch rollers shod in Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, sized 235/60R-18. There's no additional ground clearance, so don't expect to pass over fallen trees or major rock obstacles, but you will get a little more grip in the dirt. The other feature that makes the TrailSport more than just looks is an updated traction-management system. Whereas previous all-wheel-drive CR-Vs could split the powertrain's torque up to 60/40 between front and rear wheels, the 2026 models can go Dutch, 50/50, which means more grunt can now help move the back end out of slippery situations. The CR-V can also better sense which wheels are slipping and send more drive force to the ones with grip while applying braking force to the spinning wheels. view exterior photos Honda Honda demonstrated this for us with a demo on metal rollers, which simulated the experience of having a vehicle with several wheels out of contact with the earth. The demonstration showed that the 2026 TrailSport was able to power out of a situation that had the 2025 CR-V stuck and spinning. This is not to say that you'll be trapped in quicksand in your 2025 CR-V, only that you might have to do more trailcraft to move out of a spot that the 2026 CR-V can now drive through without issue. The rest of the TrailSport's features are mostly for show, but they worth talking about. The TrailSport has its own model-specific color, Ash Green Metallic, a muted sage pearl likely to match well with Teva sandals and Yeti coolers. It does not have skid plates, but the lower fascia does get a silver trim piece that Honda calls a "skid garnish." Cute orange mountain badges call out the TrailSport moniker on the front and rear, as well as inside on the headrests. Sunset orange also accents the ambient lighting, seat stitching, and rubber floor mats. view exterior photos Honda Our on-road drive backed up all previous observations of the sixth-generation CR-V. The all-terrain tires don't add notable road noise or harshness to the ride, and the TrailSport still handles and stops well. The interior is roomy, storage and cargo space are excellent, and the reclining and folding rear seats are comfortable enough for kids and pets alike. It's still not fast, and it can be a tad loud inside when the engine is giving its all, but around town it quits its four-cylinder shouting and hums with electric pedestrian warning chimes. Our off-road time with the CR-V TrailSport was limited to a couple of laps around a motocross track, but traction was good and the TrailSport's hill-descent control allowed the CR-V to navigate the steeper sections without excessively riding the brakes. The CR-V TrailSport likely can't go much further into the wilderness than its non-TrailSport brethren, but its all-terrain tires and the new slip-managing software can make leaving the safety of pavement less stressful for those who like a weekend away from the city. view interior Photos Honda It's too bad Honda didn't give the CR-V a little more ride height and the trail camera from the Passport TrailSport to make it more of a true off-roader. But maybe we'll see that in 2027. Just like when adventuring with kids, sometimes you have to ease into it. Specifications Specifications 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base: $40,195 POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, 145 hp, 138 lb-ft + AC motor, 181 hp, 247 lb-ft (combined output: 204 hp, 247 lb-ft; lithium-ion battery pack) Transmission: direct-drive DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.3 in Length: 184.8 in Width: 73.5 in Height: 66.5 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/51 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 77/36 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3900 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 7.9 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.3 sec Top Speed: 112 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 35/38/33 mpg Reviewed by Elana Scherr Senior Editor, Features Like a sleeper agent activated late in the game, Elana Scherr didn't know her calling at a young age. Like many girls, she planned to be a vet-astronaut-artist, and came closest to that last one by attending UCLA art school. She painted images of cars, but did not own one. Elana reluctantly got a driver's license at age 21 and discovered that she not only loved cars and wanted to drive them, but that other people loved cars and wanted to read about them, which meant somebody had to write about them. Since receiving activation codes, Elana has written for numerous car magazines and websites, covering classics, car culture, technology, motorsports, and new-car reviews. In 2020, she received a Best Feature award from the Motor Press Guild for the C/D story "A Drive through Classic Americana in a Polestar 2." In 2023, her Car and Driver feature story "In Washington, D.C.'s Secret Carpool Cabal, It's a Daily Slug Fest" was awarded 1st place in the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards by the Los Angeles Press Club. Read full bio This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Honda's Pikes Peak Debut Hints at Hydrogen's Future in U.S. Defense Strategy
Honda's Pikes Peak Debut Hints at Hydrogen's Future in U.S. Defense Strategy

Auto Blog

time22-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Auto Blog

Honda's Pikes Peak Debut Hints at Hydrogen's Future in U.S. Defense Strategy

Honda CR-V e:FCEV proves hydrogen has a promising future Hydrogen hasn't quite caught on like automotive manufacturers hoped, with refueling stations largely limited to California. While many experts and consumers alike have written off hydrogen in favor of battery-electric vehicles, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV is out to prove that fuel cell modules have a future by taking a run at the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, better known as 'Race to the Clouds.' The 156-turn, 12.42-mile mountain climb will take place on June 22nd, and it's only possible because of Zero Emissions Industries' (ZEI) FTcase, a portable hydrogen refueling system. 0:00 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More ZEI FTcase, a portable hydrogen refueling solution — Source: ZEI Honda has a long history in zero-emission competition This isn't Honda's first rodeo when it comes to entering zero-emission vehicles in the intense mountain climb. The automaker's history of zero-emissions competition at Pikes Peak dates back to 1994, when Honda won the first-ever EV Class race with an electric Honda Civic wagon. In 1999, the manufacturer entered a race-ready EV Plus into the EV Class, taking home another win. 15 years later, in 2014, an electrified Honda Fit won the EV Class for a third time. The following year, Honda ventured into the Exhibition Class with an EV concept based on the CR-Z. In 2016, a four-motor EV with NSX styling completed the Pikes Peak run in just over nine minutes. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV will compete in the Exhibition Class on June 22nd, powered by a stock zero-emission powertrain on June 22nd. Other modifications include a one-inch lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, racing brake pads, racing seat, and safety cage. There's no hydrogen refueling infrastructure available at the local level, which means the CR-V e:FCEV is relying on ZEI's FTcase, a portable hydrogen fueling system, to stay in the race. The refueling system allows a single driver with no hydrogen expertise to refuel a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle safely. The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV utilizes the automaker's second-generation fuel cell system, which improves durability, increases efficiency, and lowers costs compared to the previous generation. The hydrogen-powered crossover features plug-in charging capability, offering up to 29 miles of electric-only driving and an EPA-estimated 270-mile driving range. The plug-in hybrid powertrain uses a single electric motor that produces 174 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda The CR-V e:FCEV is hand-built at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. It's the only fuel cell passenger vehicle made in the United States, and the first to combine hydrogen fuel cell technology with a plug-in hybrid system. Available in one trim level, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV starts at $50,000 and is only available for purchase in California. The hydrogen-powered CR-V acts as proof of concept for military use If anything, ZEI's FTcase proves that hydrogen can be a logistical solution in military applications, namely in sensor-heavy environments. Specifically, the U.S. Special Forces Operations Command has prioritized 'Reduced Signature' capabilities in its search for an alternative fuel source. Such a fuel source would need to have low thermal, visual, and audible signatures. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda The Army is also currently developing alternative power sources for unmanned vehicles, command equipment, and power generation. Hydrogen fits the bill to a T, with no greenhouse gas emissions and low thermal signatures that would help the alternative fuel source fly under the radar. Army researchers are taking hydrogen generation methods a step further, with a focus on improving the life of fuel cells, catalysts, and cleansing systems. Fuel cell power sources also need to be compact, easy to move, and relatively undetectable. Under the Obama administration, the Department of Defense put a heavy focus on solar power. More recently, however, the Pentagon has shifted to hydrogen fuel cell adoption. The Air Force, for example, deployed a 600-kW fuel cell microgrid at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii last year. While a single microgrid is a start, the hydrogen puzzle is still one that needs to be solved. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda Natural gas is the primary source of hydrogen, but coal also makes its own contribution. As a proposed alternative to fossil fuel dependency, hydrogen sourced from coal isn't exactly a solid game plan. Fortunately, new hydrogen sources are within reach, with electrolysis proving one of the most promising. Electrolysis is essentially a fuel cell in reverse – hydrogen is extracted from water via a membrane, a catalyst, and electricity. That's where the existing solar arrays from the Obama administration come into play. By using the solar arrays already available at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the military plans become self-sufficient in its hydrogen fuel production. 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV — Source: Honda Final thoughts The Honda CR-V e:FCEV's Pikes Peak run has essentially acted as a proof of concept for compact, portable hydrogen refueling stations. Without ZEI's FTcase, odds are the hydrogen-powered CR-V wouldn't be able to compete. Since hydrogen infrastructure hasn't exactly taken the nation by storm, the alternative fuel source has fallen by the wayside simply due to infrastructure and cost, but not everyone has written it off completely. Several automakers are still researching and developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Now, with the military dipping its toes into the water, it's only a matter of time before we see fuel cells fulfilling logistical needs where battery-electric power isn't feasible. About the Author Joseph Pudlewski View Profile

Honda Malaysia recalls 87,490 units of vehicles for fuel pump replacement
Honda Malaysia recalls 87,490 units of vehicles for fuel pump replacement

Malay Mail

time10-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Malay Mail

Honda Malaysia recalls 87,490 units of vehicles for fuel pump replacement

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — Honda Malaysia today announced a product recall involving 87,490 units of Honda vehicles to replace their fuel pump as a precautionary measure. The affected models include Accord (year of model: 2013 - 2017), BR-V (2017 - 2018), City (2014 - 2019), City (Hybrid) (2018, 2019), Civic (2017, 2018), CR-V (2018 - 2020), HR-V (2015 - 2018), Jazz (2015 - 2020), Jazz (Hybrid) (2018) and Odyssey (2017 - 2019). 'The fuel pump's impeller may swell after prolonged fuel immersion, potentially preventing the vehicle from starting or causing the engine to stall while driving,' the company said in a statement. A total of 84,073 units of the Jazz, City, Civic, Accord, BR-V, HR-V, CR-V and Odyssey are involved,. Meanwhile, a total of 3,417 units of the Civic and CR-V are affected by an issue with the high-pressure fuel pump, which may crack due to prolonged use and excessive stress, potentially leading to a fuel leak or giving rise to a fuel odor while driving or idling. The affected models involved in the product recall for high-pressure fuel pumps were Civic (2023, 2024) and CR-V (2024). Honda said all affected customers will be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the product recall. Customers can also check if their vehicle is affected in the recall via the Honda Touch application. Honda Malaysia urges all affected customers to contact any Honda authorised dealer to make an appointment upon receipt of the notification to replace the fuel pump, subject to parts availability. 'The replacement of the affected fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pump is free of charge and all cost related to this replacement activity will be borne by Honda Malaysia. The replacement stock will be available in stages,' it added. — Bernama

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