Back and Better Than Ever: Discover the Refreshed 2026 Honda CR-V

Are you a fan of the compact and energetic CR-V? This small SUV is making big waves thanks to some exciting updates for the 2026 model year! As a Honda dealer near Wheaton, we’re ready to answer all of your questions about this popular vehicle. We’re rolling this new model onto our lot and having a lot of fun exploring its new features and new trim. 

The CR-V has long appealed to drivers who want something with a thrilling blend of fuel efficiency and peppy performance. For 2026, Honda has made some fun updates that make the CR-V more dynamic, more efficient, and more modern. We can’t wait to take you for a spin in it! There is a brand-new hybrid trim that’s adventure-ready. Plus, several features that were once only available on upper trims are now standard across the lineup. There’s even a new drive mode that lets you enjoy your CR-V your way. Here’s a look at the buzz-worthy changes to the model. 

Take a Look at the New TrailSport Hybrid Trim

Wheaton drivers looking to explore beyond the boundaries of DuPage County will be delighted by the newest trim for the 2026 Honda CR-V. The TrailSport Hybrid has everyone who loves long days on hiking trails talking (and shopping).

This thrilling new trim combines rugged capabilities with a hybrid powertrain—the perfect marriage of features for anyone looking to increase adventure in their lives. The hybrid powertrain means you can reach more remote destinations on less fuel. Meanwhile, the rugged abilities mean you can explore just about any destination that catches your attention. 

For those keeping score, the hybrid trims now outnumber the traditional gas engine options. The 2026 CR-V has three gas engine trims (the LX, EX, and EX-L) and four hybrid trims (the Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid). This is a nod to Honda’s overall progression toward a more electrified lineup.

So, what are the rugged features of the new TrailSport Hybrid? First, there are the trail-ready, all-terrain tires. These tires somehow manage to boost traction on dirt trails while remaining comfortable and quiet on regular roads. So this trim can adapt to daily life around your neighborhood but is ready for more action when you are.

All-wheel drive comes standard on this trim, so slippery terrain won’t stand a chance against you. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are perfect for keeping extremities warm and toasty on cold days. Plus, a moonroof will let the outside in, so you can connect with your surroundings more closely.

The TrailSport Hybrid trim has some eye-catching style details, inside and out. On the outside, a silver skid garnish on the fascia and lower bumper will turn heads. A black rear spoiler, window surrounds, and door handles create a more rugged look. Plus, orange TrailSport badges on the grille and tailgate add a lively, youthful touch.

Inside, you’ll find the TrailSport logo on the front seat headrests, as well as on the standard all-season rubber floor mats. Those floor mats should come in handy when muddy boots (or paws) crawl into your car after a day on the trails. Rinse them off, and you’re ready for your next excursion. Out later than planned? Amber ambient lighting will illuminate your footwells, overhead console, cupholders, and door handles at night. 

If you have a penchant for a rare color option, you might also be interested in the new Ash Green Metallic exterior paint job. It’s exclusive to the TrailSport trim and perfectly emanates the outdoorsy but chic spirit of the model. 

Tech That Was Once Optional Is Now Standard

Honda has decided to unleash upper-trim technology perks onto all its CR-V trims for the 2026 model year. Wheaton drivers of every budget and lifestyle can now access popular features once reserved for pricier models.

The nine-inch color screen of last year’s upper trims is now standard across all trims. That’s a two-inch increase from the previously-standard seven-inch touchscreen. The digital instrument display of upper trims (including the EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid) sees the biggest size increase. The previously seven-inch screen is now 10.2 inches, making important information like the driver-assist features, vehicle data, and journey stats easier to see.

Previously, smartphone compatibility was standard across the trims, but you’d have to spring for upper levels to have it wireless. Now, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup. That means you can still connect your device to your (bigger and better) touchscreen, even if you forget your USB cord at home.

You can charge your device without a USB cord, too. That’s because wireless charging is now standard across all trims. If you can’t stand the look of cords dangling over your gear shift, or you simply forget to pack them, you’ll love these enhancements. 

A New Drive Mode That Adapts to Your Preferences

The top-end Sport Touring Hybrid gets a new drive mode, too. It’s called Individual mode, and it lets you customize your experience with a variety of settings. You can adjust the throttle response, steering assist, engine sounds, and gauges. You can ultimately “mix and match” the dynamics of the pre-existing modes (Normal, ECON, Sport, and Snow) to create your ideal experience. 

Customization is what drivers look for in upper trims. Being able to combine the best of the various drive modes means you don’t need to sacrifice fuel efficiency because you enjoy thrilling handling or need to give up a comfortable ride to enjoy an exhilarating engine sound.

Cruise Toward More Fun and Efficiency in the 2026 CR-V

Honda made some really fun upgrades to the CR-V this year! We’re so happy to see that Honda decided to give wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless charging to all shoppers for the 2026 model. The market is trending toward this change and many drivers no longer like feeling forced to buy a higher trim to experience a cord-free drive. 

The bigger standard touchscreen makes navigation, phone calls, weather, and other information so much easier to see. And that bigger digital driver display on upper trims greatly increases visibility for important vehicle and journey stats. 

The TrailSport Hybrid trim is, naturally, the most noteworthy upgrade. By blending a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with off-road-ready features, it draws in even more adventurous drivers than previously flocked to the CR-V. The new Individual mode on the Sport Touring Hybrid should attract drivers who genuinely love driving. It lets you pick and choose your favorite parts of the other drive modes for a customized behind-the-wheel feel.

If you’re ready to take the 2026 CR-V for a spin, visit us at Schaumburg Honda! We’re happy to welcome Wheaton drivers to our friendly dealership. Here, you can find the newest CR-V models and a team with insights into what they offer. We’d love to learn about your daily drives and planned adventures so we can point you toward your perfect model. 

With competitive pricing and an in-house finance team, we are confident you can afford the brand-new, bold, and modern CR-V. Let’s send you home in this beloved compact SUV today!

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