By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Introduced over three decades ago, it has been the best-selling crossover for the last 28 years as well as the top Honda seller since 2017. The Comfortable Runabout Vehicle or CR-V, as everyone knows it, gets an all-new TrailSport edition. After creating a record with over 400,000 sales in 2024 and last year, we would not be surprised if that number increases drastically again.

Under the hood of the sixth-gen CR-V hybrid sits a 2.0-liter direct-injection, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that puts out a healthy 204 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque. It is paired with dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack for substantial fuel savings. A continuous variable transmission shifts effortlessly and quietly. Suspension handled by a MacPherson strut front and multilink rear does an admirable job of soaking up potholes and other road unevenness. Conveying tremendous on-center feel and effective feedback is an electric-power rack-and-pinion steering. Enhanced low-speed traction management serves to aid in navigating bumpy terrain. Drive modes include normal, eco, sport and snow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gi7V4NJJrA

The CR-V gains a pleasing and attractive all-new Ash Green metallic exterior color. Horizontal LED headlights flank a mesh black grille with a silver skid garnish. TrailSport badges can be found in the SUV’s front and rear, on the front seat backrests and floor mats. Step inside the cozy and roomy cabin (103.5 cubic feet of passenger space) and the driver will face a bigger 10.2-inch digital cluster and a 9-inch infotainment screen. Standard for 2026 are a phone charger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all wireless. Extending across the dashboard is a honeycomb mesh with disguised silver air vents. Looking to haul cargo? Just fold the 60/40 seat down with levers in the tailgate. Orange ambient lights throughout and orange stitching on the black seats are a fine touch. Ten-way heated driver and four-way front-passenger power seats, 320-watt audio with eight speakers, push-button start, dual auto a/c, tilt/telescopic steering column, hands-free power lift gate/moonroof, and sunglass holder come at no extra cost.

Standard safety features include dual front, side and knee airbags, side curtain airbag with rollover system, vehicle stability assist, traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, three-point seatbelts, front/rear crumple zones, front-seat active head restraints, tire pressure monitor system and daytime running lights, as well as Honda Sensing – adaptive cruise control, blind spot/cross traffic monitor, collision mitigation brakes, lane keep assist and forward collision and lane departure warnings, traffic jam assist, and front/rear park sensors.

If you are looking to traverse rough ground in a compact SUV, then the TrailSport model is a smart and right pick. It is roomy, comfortable, good-looking, practical, fuel efficient (we earned over 38 combined mpg) and now snazzy with this all-new trim added to the CR-V lineup.      

CR-V AWD (TRAILSPORT)

Tires: 235/60R18

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Length: 184.8 inches

Width: 73.5 inches

Height: 66.5 inches

Weight: 3,900 pounds

Fuel capacity: 14 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 38/33/35 mpg

Base price: $40,250

Web site: www.honda.co