The Honda CR-V, one of the best-selling cars in America, is finally getting a feature so many buyers want—standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It comes as part of a refresh for the 2026 model year, which sees all CR-V models, including the lower-spec LX and EX, get the 9-inch infotainment system standard. Honda also has a new TrailSport model, offered exclusively with the CR-V’s excellent hybrid drivetrain and made for light-duty off-roading.
All CR-V models also get a wireless phone charger, and the EX-L, TrailSport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring now get a larger, 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The top-trim Sport Touring also gets the Google-enhanced infotainment system available on other higher-spec Honda models. Most models get new 18-inch wheels, with an exclusive new design for the Trailsport, and 19s for the Sport Touring.
Photo by: Honda
The TrailSport gets 235/60R18 Continental all-terrain tires and unique styling elements inside and out. Honda tweaked the all-wheel drive system in all hybrid models to boost off-road performance that simulates the effect of having a locking differential. At speeds below 9 MPH, if the car sees that the two wheels across an axle are rotating at vastly different speeds, it changes torque output and uses the brakes to balance the speed between the sides of the car.
Honda’s decision to bring the TrailSport trim to the CR-V was an obvious one. Light-duty off-roaders are more popular than ever, and Honda says that TrailSport trims account for more than 20 percent of all Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline sales at the moment.
Also remarkable is that over 50 percent of CR-V sales are hybrids, making it Honda’s most popular electrified model. Honda says 30 percent of its total brand sales are hybrids now, thanks in large part to the CR-V.
There’s hardly anything earth-shattering here with the 2026 CR-V, but it appears Honda has done enough to maintain the appeal of this uber-popular model.
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