If there is one thing the internet loves to do, it’s to speculate on things that don’t exist or haven’t happened yet. In the automotive world, that means speculating about models that aren’t yet available on the market…but definitely should be. One such model is the Honda CR-V TrailSport. Though a CR-V TrailSport is not among the available options if you are looking for a Honda CR-V for sale today, Honda has announced that this off-road version of the CR-V is coming for the 2026 model year.
On paper, it makes perfect sense. Combine the sensibility of a zippy and reliable compact SUV like the Honda CR-V with the good looks and sophisticated capability of the Honda TrailSport nameplate, and you’ve got a vehicle that would be hard for drivers to resist. Join us as we take a look at what we think the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport should look like—just in case Honda is reading this and needs some ideas.
Introducing the 2025 Honda CR-V
The first element of a Honda CR-V TrailSport is, of course, the CR-V. Available in three traditional gasoline-powered trims and three hybrid trims, the 2025 Honda CR-V is an ideal compact SUV for drivers who appreciate versatility and variety. For many, that means all-weather assistance, like available all-wheel drive. From day to day and season to season, drivers can enjoy a little extra peace of mind with extra torque control.
For 2025, the LX, EX, and EX-L trims are all powered by a turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy in these models is 30 MPG combined, which makes the commute to and from work far less formidable. The Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid trims are even more economical with a fuel economy of 40 MPG combined. This is thanks to a two-motor hybrid system, which provides an even peppier 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system doesn’t require charging, providing a good economical and environmental choice without requiring additional work.
The LX, EX, and Sport trims include a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the EX-L, Sport-L, and Sport Touring trims step up to a nine-inch version. All but the LX are also equipped with some higher-end standard features, such as a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. Depending on the trim you select, you can listen to your tunes on a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. Put all of these things together, and you have a small yet peppy SUV that’s perfect for driving in the city or exploring backroads.
What Makes the TrailSport Name So Special?
The recent introduction of the TrailSport name has brought excitement and exploration to the Honda lineup. Initially introduced as a trim for the Passport and Pilot in 2022, the Ridgeline TrailSport appeared in 2024. Each model has been designed and engineered to provide adventurous drivers with more capability where the pavement ends.
The Passport TrailSport has evolved significantly in a short time. The first version had very few genuine off-road features, but the new 2026 Passport is ready to hit the trails. It sports increased ground clearance and track width for greater stability, along with custom front and rear bumpers and skid plates.
The Pilot TrailSport features an off-road-tuned suspension with a one-inch factory lift and custom spring rates, damper valve tuning, and stabilizer bars to improve articulation, approach, departure, and break-over angles when navigating tricky surfaces. Tough steel skid plates protect the underside, while a pair of recovery points could save the day.
The Ridgeline TrailSport is the most recent addition to the family. Like the other TrailSport models, it’s outfitted with body protection, exclusive off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires, along with an aggressive grille and roof rails.
Perhaps the most compelling feature of Honda TrailSport models is the i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel drive system, which is not currently available on the CR-V. This system uses an electronically controlled rear differential to send torque exactly where it’s needed, stopping wheelspin and using the wheels with the most traction to keep things moving forward.
Along with some sharp design details and a cabin full of comfort and convenience goodies, Honda models wearing the TrailSport badge are capable of handling plenty of outdoor adventure.
The Ideal Honda CR-V TrailSport
Since the debut of the TrailSport series, Honda drivers have been clamoring for a CR-V TrailSport, so we’re not alone in our anticipation of the upcoming 2026 model. But what sort of features would be found on our dream CR-V TrailSport? Honda hasn’t given us any official details, so we’re free to speculate.
First, a CR-V with a factory suspension lift and revised bumpers would be a great start. Currently, all-wheel drive models have a ground clearance of 8.2 inches. It might be a greedy ask, but giving this compact SUV just a little more clearance could be the start of the most nimble off-roading vehicle yet.
Adding i-VTM4 all-wheel drive is also a given, along with Intelligent Traction Management drive modes, including Snow, Trail, Sand, and Mud modes. Not all TrailSport models have all four of these modes, but given the more compact design of the CR-V, the temptation to take it absolutely everywhere is a little stronger. That means the CR-V TrailSport will need all-terrain tires and skid plates, too, of course.
The new TrailWatch exterior camera system would be a nice touch if Trail mode is on the table. This system automatically activates and turns off when driving at low speeds in Trail mode, providing a variety of views that would typically be out of sight for drivers.
We’d also like some of the human-oriented touches that are found on other TrailSport models, such as roof rails with cross rails, all-season floor mats and easy-clean upholstery in the cabin, and the heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windshield wiper base. After a full day of hiking, biking, boating, or enjoying the beach, a cozy commute is always appreciated.
If it’s not too much to ask, we’d really like the CR-V TrailSport to include the Bose sound system option, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and fold-flat rear seats that can extend the CR-V’s cargo space into a campsite or storage for adventure toys. It might seem like a lot, but this combination of CR-V and TrailSport features is pretty reasonable on the whole and would create a formidable trail beast.
Keep Your Fingers Crossed…
The announcement of the 2026 CR-V TrailSport has excited a lot of drivers. When the TrailSport badge was revealed in 2022, Honda very specifically noted that this package was designed for light trucks and SUVs. It confirmed that the number of TrailSport models would increase over time, as well, so bringing it to the CR-V just makes sense.
The Honda CR-V is an ideal candidate for a TrailSport makeover thanks to its size and performance. Given the popularity of compact off-roading models across other brands, such as the Subaru Forester Wilderness and Ford Bronco Sport, along with the wild success of Honda Motorsports in general, it seems obvious that a CR-V TrailSport should be in the future. Now, we just need to see how close the actual product will be to our wishlist.
