Built right here in our own backyard, the Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid adds a welcome dose of ruggedness to one of Canada’s best-selling SUVs. The familiar CR-V formula remains intact, with handsome styling, a spacious and ergonomically sound cabin, and now a more adventurous persona courtesy of the new TrailSport package.
As buyers increasingly gravitate toward SUVs that look ready to venture beyond the pavement, Honda has answered with 18-inch wheels wrapped in Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, standard all-wheel drive, and an exclusive Ash Green paint colour. Honda is hardly alone in chasing this trend, either. Subaru has its Wilderness lineup, Toyota has TRD Sport, and Ford offers the Tremor treatment, proving that a little off-road attitude can go a long way in the family SUV segment.
Surprisingly, the TrailSport’s knobbier tires do little to compromise the CR-V’s ride quality. It glides comfortably over rough pavement without the rumbling, tramlining, or wandering front end that often accompanies all-terrain rubber. If anything, the TrailSport’s tires merely complement the CR-V’s already impressive ride comfort, while the hybrid powertrain augments its efficiency. It consists of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Base CR-V models remain front-wheel drive, while mid- and higher-level trims offer all-wheel drive, and all versions use a continuously variable transmission.
The hybrid system itself is hardly inspiring. Its transitions between gasoline and electric propulsion are smooth and polished, as expected from Honda, but acceleration is decidedly mediocre and becomes particularly lethargic when accelerating at triple-digit speeds. Its tepid performance can leave you feeling vulnerable in faster-moving traffic, turning passing maneuvers into something of a pre-planned event rather than a spur-of-the-moment decision. At least, it isn’t quite as glacial as the underpowered Mazda CX-5. Climbing steep grades exposes another weakness, as the engine audibly whines and strains under load, a familiar characteristic of small-displacement engines, and one that’s similarly evident in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The trade-off, however, is undeniable efficiency. We averaged 6.5 L/100 km over a mix of equal city and highway driving, giving our green conscience a sigh of relief and our wallets a modest break.
The CR-V’s road manners are far from exhilarating, but Honda has managed to inject a hint of sporting character into the experience. The steering doesn’t offer much in the way of road detail, yet there’s something immensely satisfying about turning into a corner, thanks to its well-judged resistance, weighting, and sense of connection to the front wheels. The Hybrid’s true strengths, however, emerge when you dial things back and settle into a moderate pace. The ride feels grounded and composed, becoming increasingly fluid as speed builds while effectively suppressing the small, fidgety suspension movements that can plague softer SUVs.
Four years into its sixth-generation model, the CR-V has aged remarkably well. Inside, the Honda remains a masterclass in ergonomics and functionality, with a cavernous centre console, generous storage space, and controls that fall naturally to hand. A small-diameter steering wheel adds to the sense of intimacy, while the familiar honeycomb-patterned dashboard cleverly conceals the air vents. The 9.0-inch touchscreen operates smoothly, supplemented by satisfying haptic clicks and a proper volume dial, small details that make the Honda feel refreshingly intuitive.
The CR-V may no longer feel as fresh as the latest Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, but Honda knows where its strengths lie. Excellent ergonomics, genuinely impressive hybrid efficiency, and a comfortable ride remain the CR-V’s calling cards, while the TrailSport package adds some visual and all-terrain credibility without compromising the everyday usability that has made this SUV such a dependable family favourite.
Specifications:
Model: 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD
Paint Type: Ash Green Metallic
Base Price: $47,400
Price as Tested: $47,950
Wheelbase(mm): 2,700
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,695 / 2,150 / 1,690
Curb weight (kg): 1,785
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, electric motor
Horsepower: 204 combined hp
Torque: 247 combined lb-ft
Transmission: Electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 6.5
Tires: 235/60R18; Continental CrossContact ATR
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