The refreshed 2025 Ford Bronco Sport just began landing on dealer lots this past January, marking that model’s very first mid-cycle action. Though it received some updated styling, the new Sasquatch Package, and other tweaks, the 2025 Bronco Sport is still lacking a hybrid powertrain option, though one is expected to arrive at some point in the coming years – perhaps as part of its rumored redesign for 2027. In the meantime, one of the Bronco Sport’s rivals – the 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport – has now debuted with an electrified powertrain of its own.
As one might imagine, the new 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport is a more rugged, off-road-capable version of the popular crossover, but it doesn’t quite contain as much additional hardware as some other Trailsport models in the lineup. What it does get are a set of unique 18-inch wheels with recessed valve stems, Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, and some visual elements including orange badging, black trim, and a faux chin guard up front, plus Ash Green Metallic paint as an option.
Under the hood, the 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport is the first such model from that brand to offer a hybrid powertrain, which consists of a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-four cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to generate a combined 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Honda has tweaked the crossover’s all-wheel drive system to provide more grip at slower speeds, too.
Inside the cabin, one will find cloth seats with Trailsport logos embroidered in the front headrests, standard all-weather floor mats, amber ambient lighting, a 320-watt sound system with eight speakers, and a new 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Pricing for the 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport has yet to be announced, and the automaker hasn’t yet revealed when deliveries will begin, either, but we should know more as we get closer to the new model’s launch.
Comment
This is EXACTLY what I have been wanting to see. I currently have a 2022 Badlands Bronco Sport but have been eyeing closely the CR-V. It has a longer back which I like because I car camp in my sport and it’s a hybrid which we still haven’t seen.
This more “rugged” CR-V doesn’t do enough though to justify the badge. Adding some faux trim and adding all terrain tires doesn’t really do much. It needs more clearance and off road goodies. And give it some real color choices.
I am glad to see Honda improve in this area because maybe Ford will step up on the Bronco Sport. It’s sad when the Honda is bigger, higher MPG’s, more safety features for less price than the Sport.