There are vehicles that shout for your attention with wild styling, oversized screens, and more LED lighting than a downtown condo tower. And then there are vehicles like the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which calmly taps you on the shoulder and says, “Relax — I’ve got this.”
Chantale and I spent quality time with a 2026 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid AWD, the top-trim version of Honda’s best-selling crossover, courtesy of our friends at Honda Canada. And here’s the short version before we dive deep: the CR-V Hybrid is no longer a “small SUV.” It’s a genuinely useful, grown-up, do-everything family vehicle that deserves a permanent spot on your new-car shortlist.
How Honda’s Hybrid System Actually Works (No Engineering Degree Required)
Before we go any further, let’s talk about the heart of the CR-V Hybrid — because Honda’s hybrid system works a little differently than some competitors, and it’s actually pretty brilliant.
Under the hood is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a compact lithium-ion battery. One electric motor drives the wheels, while the other acts as a generator. The gas engine’s primary job isn’t always to power the wheels directly — it often generates electricity instead.
Honda uses three power modes, all managed automatically:
- EV Drive Mode
At low speeds and in light-load situations, the CR-V runs purely on electric power. It’s quiet, smooth, and feels very much like a full EV creeping through city traffic. - Hybrid Drive Mode
This is the sweet spot. The gas engine powers the generator, which sends electricity to the drive motor. The wheels are still driven electrically, giving instant torque and smooth acceleration. - Engine Drive Mode
At steady highway speeds, the gas engine connects directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch. This improves efficiency when cruising and avoids unnecessary energy conversions.
The result? Smooth, responsive acceleration with none of the “rubber-band” feel people sometimes complain about in hybrids. It just works — seamlessly.
CR-V Hybrid Lineup and Pricing (Canada)
As confirmed through CarCostCanada, all CR-V Hybrid models in Canada are AWD, and Honda keeps things refreshingly simple with four trim levels:
- Sport AWD — $45,900
The value play. Sporty exterior touches, heated front seats, a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Honda Sensing safety tech. No fluff — all the essentials. - TrailSport AWD — $47,300
Adds a tougher aesthetic, unique wheels, TrailSport badging, and a more rugged vibe. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but it looks the part for cottage country runs. - EX-L AWD — $48,700
The comfort upgrade. Leather seating, power tailgate, upgraded interior materials, and extra convenience features. This is the “I want nice things but not everything” trim. - Touring AWD — $51,200
The fully loaded experience. Bose premium audio, built-in navigation, heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate, larger wheels, and every tech feature Honda offers.
What’s refreshing here is how tight the pricing spread is. You’re not staring at a $15,000 gap wondering what on earth you’re missing.
Why the CR-V Hybrid Feels Bigger Than It Is
One of the first things you notice when stepping into the CR-V Hybrid is how big it feels. Honda has made excellent use of the CR-V’s wider footprint, creating a front cockpit that feels closer to a midsize SUV than a compact crossover.
The rear seats are genuinely adult-friendly, and the cargo area is more than capable of swallowing hockey bags, goalie pads, groceries, strollers, a full Costco run or a Beer Store haul without negotiation. This is a vehicle that doesn’t force compromises on space — and that matters to Canadian families.
Tech That Works (Instead of Annoying You)
Honda deserves serious credit here. The infotainment system is simple, intuitive, and functional — which, frankly, is what most people actually want.
Yes, it may look a little “basic” compared to competitors with glowing panels and chrome buttons everywhere. But here’s the reality: people want to set the climate to 21.5°C, turn on heated or ventilated seats, find a comfortable driving position, load Google Maps or Waze, and get through miserable GTA traffic without swearing at the screen.
Mission accomplished.
Performance and Fuel Economy That Actually Makes Sense
The hybrid system delivers plenty of get-up-and-go, especially around town, where the electric motor shines. It’s quiet, smooth, and feels more EV-like than you might expect.
Fuel economy is rated at:
- 6.0 L/100 km city (≈ 39 mpg US)
- 6.9 L/100 km highway (≈ 34 mpg US)
Like most effective hybrids, the CR-V Hybrid excels in city driving — the exact opposite of traditional gas vehicles.
Leasing, Resale, and the LeaseBusters Advantage
My colleagues at LeaseBusters consistently confirm that the Honda CR-V (ICE or Hybrid) is one of the strongest movers in the lease-take-over marketplace. That’s huge if you lease and need flexibility.
If life changes and you need out early, there will be no shortage of buyers willing to take over a CR-V lease.
That said, I do think Honda could be more aggressive with lease rates. Given the brand’s resale strength and popularity in the used market, there’s room for Honda Canada to sharpen the pencil.
The Competition (And Why the CR-V Still Wins)
The CR-V Hybrid’s main rivals are:
All are excellent vehicles. But if you want more interior space, simpler tech, and a Canadian-built vehicle, the CR-V Hybrid checks those boxes convincingly.
And the Survey Says!
The 2026 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid AWD doesn’t try to impress you with gimmicks. It wins you over with space, efficiency, smooth performance, intuitive tech, and long-term peace of mind.
If you’re shopping for a compact crossover that feels anything but compact — and you value practicality over flash — the CR-V Hybrid isn’t just a smart choice. It might be the smartest one on your shortlist.
James Matthews is the President, General Manager and Co-Founder of LeaseBusters. James launched LeaseBusters in 1990 and is considered one of Canada’s leading experts on new vehicle leases, lease-take-overs and vehicle lease (re)marketing. James can be reached directly at jmatthews at leasebusters.com
