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Facelifted 2026 Honda CR-V on track for the US along with off-road capable TrailSport variant, but could the same follow for Australia's Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage SUV rival?

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Samuel Irvine
Cadet Journalist
16 Jan 2025
3 min read

Honda has announced a facelift for the CR-V will arrive in the US for the 2026 model year along with a more rugged TrailSport variant.

Looking to capitalise on the CR-V’s big 2024 in the US, where it clocked some 402,791 sales for the title of America’s fifth best-selling vehicle, US-based Car and Driver reports Honda is likely to add a suite of design, cabin and powertrain updates.

It is yet to be revealed and how exactly the updates take shape remains unclear for now, though some changes are likely to follow in Australia given how similarly both models are specced.

Most likely to land on the updated model is a larger 12.3-inch multimedia display equipped with Honda’s latest Google built-in system, as is offered on the Accord sedan. US and Australian CR-Vs currently utilise a 9.0-inch system.

There is also likely to be the addition of ventilated front seats across the range, along with heating functions for the rear outboard seats.

The CR-V also currently lacks a surround-view camera and a back-up spray nozzle for the parking camera.

Honda previously revealed it plans to add its new S+ Shift system to all future hybrid, or e:HEV, models from 2025 onwards, which currently optimise an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The system works by controlling engine revs when accelerating and decelerating to deliver improved engine responsiveness and simulated gear shifts.

2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV
2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV

When driving in pure-electric mode, it also works in a similar way to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s N Active Sound+ in that it delivers engine noises through the cabin speakers in accordance with the corresponding rpm.

A more rugged TrailSport variant, similar to what is offered on the Honda Passport, will also debut on the CR-V in the US, though it is no certainty for Australia.

The updated CR-V is likely to debut in the US before the end of the year where it is currently manufactured for the local market. Australia is expected to follow sometime thereafter with our version currently produced in Thailand.

Honda's local division didn't have any news to share for now regarding a CR-V facelift or new TrailSport variant.

Honda sold 5547 CR-V’s in Australia last year, 1.3 per cent of the volume sold in the US.

Samuel Irvine
Cadet Journalist
Since visiting car shows at Melbourne Exhibition Centre with his Dad and older brother as a little boy, Samuel knew that his love of cars would be unwavering. But it wasn’t until embarking on a journalism masters degree two years ago that he saw cars as a legitimate career path. Now, Samuel is CarsGuide’s first Cadet Journalist. He comes to CarsGuide with an eagerness to report on a rapidly advancing automotive industry, and a passion to communicate the stories car buyers need to know most.
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