An everyday vehicle doesn't need to be ordinary, and the Honda CR-V is Exhibit A to that fact. This compact crossover rises above its weight class with engaging driving dynamics, excellent fuel efficiency, a roomy and functional interior, and practical technology. It's all built on the high-value, high-dependability foundation Honda made its name on, and the 2026 model saw several significant updates to keep it competitive while maintaining what people love about this small SUV.
Route 22 Honda is where drivers in Greater Newark can shop for the 2026 Honda CR-V. It's always been a great commuter vehicle, and now the CR-V has improved chops for weekend road trips, family outings, and even some off-road fun. Here's a closer look at the 2026 CR-V so you can see why it remains the vehicle of choice for many parents, professionals, retirees, and others.
Even More Standard Tech
The biggest overhaul on the 2026 Honda CR-V occurs on the tech side, with Honda enhancing the ways people can connect, interact, stay informed, and be protected from hazards. All Honda CR-V trim levels now have a nine-inch touchscreen, so even the entry-level trims offer plenty of screen space for their various apps and tools.
On this note, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard across the board, letting you link for music streaming or screen mirroring without a cord. A wireless phone charging pad is also now universal, further reducing cord clutter. Finally, all trims now have a digital gauge cluster, and the EX-L trim has been upgraded to a 10.2-inch display.
These new features build on an already impressive tech loadout. Other features you can count on include Bluetooth hands-free streaming, remote engine start, active noise cancellation, HondaLink mobile app control, and rear USB-C charging ports. Available premium features like Google Built-In, HD Radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose 12-speaker audio system do even more to elevate the 2026 CR-V.
Honda's tech dedication extends to safety, with the CR-V containing an abundance of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed following, lane-keeping assistance with lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, traffic jam assistance, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, driver attention monitoring, and rear seat reminders. Higher-end trims add even more safety tech with blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, low-speed braking control, and parking sensors.
Improved Traction Control
Do you regularly drive in rainy and snowy weather? The 2026 Honda CR-V is more adept on slippery roads than ever. The engineers at Honda revamped the traction management system on AWD models, helping it quickly recognize and react to different conditions. In particular, the new programming gives you major benefits at low speeds, which is ideal for traveling in a rush-hour rainstorm or going on dirt roads and trails.
Stability is further boosted with the introduction of 18-inch alloy wheels on most trim levels. These are more easily controlled, especially when cornering, than the previous 17-inch wheels. Bigger wheels also mean a larger contact patch for the tire and increased steering response, so you can sweep through tight turns with greater ease.
As with tech, these changes build on a strong base. Each 2026 CR-V has a MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and ventilated front brakes to help drivers hug the pavement. Active safety features like vehicle stability assistance and electronic brake distribution double as performance enhancers, and all CR-V trims have Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control to regulate speed on inclines. It's a well-driving crossover that can easily handle Northern New Jersey as well as a trip to the Big Apple.
Speed Meets Hybrid Efficiency
One feature people will be delighted to see return on the 2026 Honda CR-V is the hybrid powertrain option. This machine ups the horsepower and torque while being remarkably efficient—and you never need to plug in. Equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, it generates 204 hp and 247 lb-ft, using a clutch-lockup transmission to help you jump off the line. Fuel economy figures are expected to at least match those of the 2025 model, which saw an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined in FWD and 37 MPG combined in AWD.[a]
Hybrid powertrains also have a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs, letting you pull an ATV, a few dirt bikes, or a pop-up camper. The sway bars and front brakes are bigger on the hybrid model, too, to keep you more stable with that added power. If you're on a budget, the gas-powered Honda CR-V is no slouch, either, as it has a 1.5L turbo-four with a CVT, giving you 190 hp and highway efficiency figures that rival the hybrid setup. It's an excellent budget-conscious gas powertrain that you'll appreciate when cruising down the Jersey Turnpike.
Go Beyond in the TrailSport
There are many fun places to go off-roading around Hillside, and you'll need a vehicle that's up for it. Are you in the camp that thinks the Honda CR-V is for asphalt only? Think again. For the 2026 CR-V, Honda gifted the TrailSport, a trim level that has previously been applied to many other Honda SUVs. Blending practical performance mods and exterior style, it preps this compact crossover for a trip into the wilderness.
Available exclusively with the hybrid powertrain, the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid includes standard real-time AWD, giving you all the advantages of the revamped traction management. All-terrain tires increase grip on dirt and gravel, and you'll also get four dynamic driving modes: Normal, Econ, Sport, and Snow, tuning the ECU parameters to different terrain surfaces and driving needs.
As for aesthetics, the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid receives shark gray alloy wheels, gloss black door handles, chrome exhaust tips, amber ambient lighting, and special badging. There is also a heated steering wheel to keep your hands warm on the trails, a power tailgate to easily load your gear, and an eight-speaker sound system to enjoy your tunes.
A Capable Vehicle Inside and Out
Honda knows that, while certain features and capabilities get all the glory, the nuts and bolts are what make a vehicle great to drive over the long term. The 2026 CR-V leaves no stone unturned in its quest to be an incredible everyday vehicle.
All-LED headlights and taillights show you everything at night and keep you visible to other drivers. A heated rear window wiper zone and heated side mirrors help you see better on frosty mornings. Dual-zone automatic climate control with heated front seats regulates the temperature perfectly for the driver and copilot. Lastly, available features like black roof rails, driver's seat memory settings, and a hands-free tailgate add convenient functionality.
That's not to say this compact SUV can't step out, though. Higher trim levels use leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, making them suave and sophisticated. Along with the CR-V TrailSport Hybrid for outdoorsmen, the Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid burst with athleticism. The CR-V is as versatile as they come!
Do It All in the 2026 Honda CR-V
The latest 2026 CR-V is better than ever, and you'll find it at Route 22 Honda. We'll help you find a CR-V that is right for your driving needs, whether they mainly involve the highways, the byways, or remote paths. We've made it easy for Northern New Jersey drivers to select a vehicle, apply for financing, value their trade-in, and everything else that goes into buying a new ride. You can also count on our service center, our certified technicians, and our regular specials on genuine Honda parts!