2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

A hybrid compact SUV is one of those rare vehicles that let you have your cake and eat it, too. They give you all the benefits of a traditional compact SUV — loads of practicality, easy driving manners, and good value — then add high fuel efficiency on top of that. What’s not to love? And two of the most admired among these vehicles are the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.

Here’s how these two compare.

2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Honda CR-V has long been a benchmark and top seller among compact SUVs for decades, and is our reigning Best Buy Award winner for its class. The 2026 CR-V Hybrid is the cherry on top, being both the most fuel-efficient and the most powerful of CR-V models. For 2026, the CR-V Hybrid gets even better in the tech department, gaining a 9-inch touchscreen as standard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless phone charger — you can now leave those cables at home. This year also marks the introduction of a more ruggedized trim; see more on that below.

Honda CR-V Hybrid Highlights 

TrailSport model: Buyers seeking a more rugged-looking CR-V can now choose the TrailSport trim, the first such model for a CR-V. It comes standard with chunkier tires, black-cladded looks, and trim-specific TrailSport badging.

Fuel efficient: This is the reason most of us buy a hybrid, and the CR-V Hybrid delivers. Specifically, it delivers up to 40 mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 37 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). For those who can do without all-wheel drive, that 40 mpg number is especially enticing.

Cargo space galore: The CR-V Hybrid has one of the roomiest cargo bays in its class, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 with them down. That total number just edges the Tucson Hybrid, and in our testing, we also appreciated the CR-V’s low load floor.

Read our Honda CR-V Expert Review or see 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid models for sale near you.

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The Tucson is Hyundai’s answer to the CR-V, and it’s a smart one. It matches and in some cases outshines what its Honda rival brings to the table. As with the CR-V, the Tucson is available with a standard gasoline engine, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. For the Tucson Hybrid we are comparing here, it makes a highly tempting case for itself, bringing stylish looks, a tech-rich cabin, an unbeatable warranty, and innovative features.

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Highlights

Standard all-wheel drive: While this is optional and costs extra on the CR-V, it’s standard here, making the Tucson Hybrid’s offer a strong value proposition. Moreover, with all-wheel drive, it still earns 38 mpg or 35 mpg combined, depending on trim.

Traditional transmission: Most hybrid vehicles — including the CR-V Hybrid — use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can tend to drone and feel unnatural. The Tucson Hybrid does not, employing a traditional 6-speed automatic that makes driving even more enjoyable.

Tech-rich interior: The Tucson Hybrid’s cabin looks a step or two richer than the Honda when it comes to tech. It boasts a sleek 12.3-inch touchscreen (compared to 9 inches for the CR-V), and all but the base model get a twin 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It combines to create a sleek and sophisticated look.

Read our Hyundai Tucson Expert Review or see 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid models for sale near you.

Similarities

The Honda CR-V Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid deliver 5-passenger compact SUV practicality with excellent fuel economy.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles and New 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Conclusion

With this match, you’re choosing between two winners. The Honda CR-V Hybrid is easygoing, roomy, and has a hard-earned reputation for reliability and high resale value. The new TrailSport trim introduced this year adds a tougher appeal. The Tucson Hybrid counters with better tech, a far longer warranty that includes 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage, a lower starting price, and nearly as much cargo space. This is the kind of matchup that truly calls for test drives of both to see which speaks to your heart.