With more than 400,000 units sold last year, the Honda CR-V is among America’s most-popular compact SUVs. Of course, a true off-road enthusiast will wince upon hearing the CR-V called an SUV. This is more the suburban family-friendly wagon that overcomes inclement weather than a true boulder basher.

Yet Honda’s announcement of a TrailSport version of the CR-V, it’s most-popular car in America, is newsworthy. Honda’s long history of building trail bikes and all-terrain vehicles should give it a leg up in building TrailSport SUVs that are engineered as true off-road warriors. But that’s not the case.

Honda recently released the Honda Passport TrailSport, a midsize SUV with some of the equipment you’d want for off-road, such as all-terrain tires, a specially tuned suspension, recovery hooks, skid plates, roof rails, and an integrated Class III trailer hitch and harness with a 5,000-pound towing rating. But it lacks some of the engineering features you’d expect, such as the ability to lock it into four-wheel-drive low. Why Honda doesn’t go all-in is mystifying. And unfortunately, that doesn’t end with the introduction of the compact CR-V TrailSport.

But first, a word about the revised 2026 Honda CR-V lineup. All models now boast an optional 10.2-inch infotainment screen, 46% larger than before, while the standard touchscreen measures 9 inches, 2 inches larger than before. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, as is a wireless smartphone charger. There are new wheel designs, and hybrid models are now finished with blackout trim around the windows. Low-speed traction control has been improved.

Among the trim levels, the CR-V TrailSport comes in below only the Sport Touring in the lineup. Yet it’s basically a trim package, not a meaningful upgrade. Changes include mildly changed front and rear fascias, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, exclusive ash green paint, numerous badges, orange interior accents, TrailSport floor mats, some driveline software changes at speeds below 12 mph, standard hill descent control and all-wheel drive. Notice the lack of gear you might expect? But in this regard, it’s no worse than its main competitors, the Toyota RAV4 Woodlands Edition or Nissan Roque Rock Creek Edition.

Otherwise, this is a standard Honda CR-V Hybrid, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine aided and abetted by two electric motors that generate 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. You may also opt for a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of engine, a continuously variable transmission is standard. All models come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive except for the TrailSport and Sport Touring, which get standard all-wheel drive.

Despite being called a TrailSport, the vehicle is suitable for very modest off-roading at best. Nevertheless, on-road performance is unaffected, despite having off-road tires. Its cornering ability is better than expected, although you can feel the rubber working hard to maintain grip. Steering is nicely weighted with a surprising amount of road feel. The transmission proves more responsive than many of its ilk. It’s surprisingly adept, not losing any athleticism from other CR-Vs. Best of all, it’s an easy to drive smoothly. Engine noise is surprisingly well-muted. Only when the Sport driving mode is engaged does the driveline become truly vocal, although it’s more about sound and fury than enhanced performance. Fuel economy proves decent considering the flogging the vehicle took at 32 mpg, notably below the EPA’s 35 mpg.

The ride can be a bit firm, particularly on rutted pavement, but it’s well insulated without being floaty. Seats are comfortable and the ride height seems ideal. The doors open to 90 degrees, making egress and ingress easy.

Otherwise, this is a standard CR-V Hybrid, a model chosen by most of its buyers. As for the TrailSport, it’s basically an off-road model for those who don’t attempt or know anything about off-roading. Frankly, any CR-V with an all-terrain tire upgrade should be as capable as a TrailSport. None of them boast skid plates or front tow hooks, let alone the driveline upgrades you’d expect. So, make sure any trail you sport is a fairly civilized one. This otherwise fine Honda values fashion over function, rendering the TrailSport a negligible value but a fine lifestyle bauble.

2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport

Base price: $40,195 (including destination charge)

Powertrain: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors

Horsepower/Torque: 204/247 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 35 mpg

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 185/74/66 inches

Ground clearance: 8.2 inches

Payload: 850 pounds

Cargo capacity: 39-76 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

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