2026 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a shining example of what happens when an already excellent vehicle only strives to improve upon itself. Year after year, decade after decade, Honda’s best-selling model has done just that. The result is the golden retriever of compact SUVs, one that can satisfy just about any buyer thanks to its usefulness and ready-for-anything persona.

As our top-rated compact SUV and prevailing Best Buy Award winner in the segment, there wasn’t much the Honda CR-V could do to better itself. Yet for 2026 it comes updated in the aspect where it was falling behind — in the tech department — all while retaining the value, friendly manners, and comfortable accommodations its loyalists love.

The Honda CR-V is also available as a hybrid, which we review separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Honda CR-V.

All 2026 Honda CR-V models now come standard with a 9-inch touchscreen display, which was previously reserved for higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto also become standard, as does a wireless phone charger. The top EX-L trim gets a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and Honda says it has improved the off-road traction management for all-wheel-drive models.

The Honda CR-V faces roughly a dozen rivals in the compact SUV segment, the most popular — and crowded — field of vehicles. Unsurprisingly, such fierce competition means prices don’t fluctuate drastically between the top players in this category. The CR-V has traditionally been close in pricing to its archrival, the Toyota RAV4, but we’re still awaiting word on how much the 2026 RAV4 will cost as it enters an all-new generation and becomes hybrid only. Rivals like the Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson will likely continue to slot in a bit below the CR-V in pricing.

Before buying a new CR-V compact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The CR-V’s resale values are comfortably above average, with the hybrid version faring a little better. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Remember how we compared the Honda CR-V to a golden retriever? That carries over to its driving experience. To break down the furry analogy, we mean that the Honda CR-V simply pleases no matter the situation. Yes, there are other SUVs that are faster, more engaging, and more off-road-worthy. But few — perhaps none, even — just do the everyday stuff as well, as easily, and as courteously as the CR-V.

We’ve found the CR-V’s powertrain is responsive, its steering and braking inputs natural, and its overall driving manners are comfortable and easygoing. Visibility is good, power is adequate, and even its continuously variable automatic transmission is near the top in not feeling like the droning CVTs of yore.

Fuel Economy

A 2026 Honda CR-V with front-wheel drive achieves 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Opting for all-wheel drive hardly makes a dent, costing just one mpg for 29 combined. For those seeking even higher fuel efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid can manage an impressive 40 mpg combined (and it’s quicker).

The Honda CR-V treats the driver and passenger to what it calls Body Stabilizing Seats, designed to promote ideal posture and reduce fatigue. We’ve found that they do indeed feel comfortable, supportive, and fine for long stints. The rear seats have seat belt reminders, and their occupants enjoy an expansive 41 inches of legroom.

We’re happy to see a bigger touchscreen standard as part of the CR-V’s 2026 freshening. The 9-inch touchscreen keeps the CR-V competitive, but still can’t match the standard 12.3-inch displays of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, or the available 12.9-inch in the 2026 RAV4. The CR-V also has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster on LX and EX trims, with the EX-L getting a new 10.2-inch unit.

The L of EX-L signifies leather seating surfaces, and that top model is also blessed with a power tailgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and upgraded 8-speaker audio system.

Behind the rear seats is a substantial 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space — visibly more than, say, the Mazda CX-50. Our backs have also appreciated how the cargo floor is set conveniently low. With the rear seats folded down, maximum volume is 76.5 cubic feet, as good as this compact SUV class gets.

There’s a maturity to the exterior design of this latest-gen CR-V. As there should be, considering this is the sixth iteration of it. But where previous models tried to be the most anonymous thing in the parking lot, there’s now a greater presence — in a tasteful way. Some of the subtler touches include a wide and upright windshield, contributing to excellent outward vision. The base LX comes with 17-inch steel wheels; 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the rest of the range. Running boards, fender flares, and a tailgate spoiler are all optional.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Phone integration is rather ubiquitous at this point, but that hasn’t dulled its appeal. For 2026, we appreciate that it’s now wireless across the board.

Wireless charging
Another feature that is now standard on all 2026 CR-V models. You won’t believe how convenient this is until you use it — especially those instances when your phone is low on juice.

Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
Fitted to the one-up-from-base EX trim and beyond, we’ve found this self-locking/unlocking function both convenient and comforting.

All-wheel drive
For buyers living in areas where the weather gets rough, we’d say it’s worth the extra money for the added reassurance of all-wheel drive. It’s optional in each of the three CR-V trims.

Digital instrument cluster
The new 10.2-inch digital instrument display in the EX-L brings a welcome dash of innovation to the CR-V’s cabin and makes it easy to see a lot of information at once. The two lower trims have a 7-inch unit.

Parking sensors
We always think that extra help when parking is handy. These come in at the EX-L level, with four at each end.

Turbocharging has evolved to such sophisticated heights that it can perform the neat trick of maximizing power output while still achieving decent fuel economy. The CR-V’s output is 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. An automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels in standard form. All-wheel drive is optional. For reference, the CR-V Hybrid comes with 204 hp. A maximum tow rating of 1,500 pounds is on the weak side, but people rarely use a compact SUV for towing.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The basic new-vehicle warranty for the CR-V compact SUV is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain’s warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles. These terms are typical for the class. Honda also adds complimentary maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The Honda CR-V is rated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the agency’s second-highest accolade. It also received a maximum 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, plus road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with a low-speed-follow function.