Choosing a Honda CR-V 2026 also means choosing between two very different powertrain options. Honda Canada currently offers seven configurations: LX 2WD, LX AWD, Sport, Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid. Three are powered exclusively by a gas engine, while four feature the two-motor hybrid system. For daily driving in Montreal, highway trips, and getaways elsewhere in Quebec, each configuration meets different priorities.
Honda CR-V 2026: Gas or hybrid, what are the differences?
The CR-V LX 2WD, LX AWD, and Sport are equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
The LX 2WD is front-wheel drive. The LX AWD and Sport are equipped with the Real Time AWD system.
The four hybrid versions — Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid — combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The system produces a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. All hybrid versions offered in Canada come with all-wheel drive.
Fuel economy also clearly distinguishes the two powertrains:
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LX 2WD gas: 7.8 L/100 km combined
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LX AWD and Sport gas: 8.4 L/100 km combined
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Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid: 6.4 L/100 km combined
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TrailSport Hybrid: 6.7 L/100 km combined
In the city, the difference is even more noticeable. The Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid have an official rating of 6.0 L/100 km, while gas-powered all-wheel-drive versions are rated at 9.1 L/100 km.
For someone who regularly drives through Montreal neighborhoods, with the stops, traffic lights, and heavy traffic that often come with urban driving, this difference is worth considering.
Gas-powered versions retain certain advantages
Lower fuel consumption is not the only factor to consider. Gas-powered CR-V models offer more cargo space.
They provide 1,113 liters behind the second row and up to 2,166 liters with the rear seats folded down. Hybrid versions offer 1,028 and 2,030 liters, respectively.
Available towing capacity also differs:
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up to 680 kg for gas-powered versions;
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up to 453 kg for hybrid versions.
For owners who regularly use all the available cargo space or want to maximize the CR-V’s towing capacity, the gas-powered versions therefore offer concrete advantages worth considering.
Which Honda CR-V 2026 version should you choose?
LX 2WD: A simple and efficient configuration
The LX 2WD is the starting point of the lineup. It combines the 190-horsepower turbocharged engine with front-wheel drive and has the best combined fuel economy rating among gas-powered CR-V models at 7.8 L/100 km.
It includes features such as a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, remote start, and several Honda Sensing technologies.
It is primarily suited to drivers who want the CR-V’s size and versatility without necessarily needing all-wheel drive.
LX AWD: All-wheel drive starting with the LX
The LX AWD retains most of the equipment and the same powertrain as the LX 2WD, while adding the Real Time AWD system.
Its combined fuel economy rating is 8.4 L/100 km.
For drivers who want a gas-powered CR-V with all-wheel drive while staying within the LX lineup, this is the configuration Honda provides.
Sport: More features with the turbocharged engine
The Sport keeps the 190-horsepower turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive while adding more equipment.
It notably adds:
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18-inch alloy wheels;
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a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel;
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a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support;
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a power moonroof.
It is therefore aimed at drivers who want to keep the gas powertrain while enjoying a higher level of equipment than the LX versions.
Sport Hybrid: Entry into the hybrid lineup
The Sport Hybrid is the first hybrid configuration in the Canadian lineup.
It combines the hybrid system’s 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive and achieves a combined rating of just 6.4 L/100 km.
It also includes several Sport features, including the heated steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, and power-adjustable driver’s seat.
For drivers who cover a lot of kilometers in the city and want both all-wheel drive and a lower official fuel consumption rating than the gas-powered AWD versions, the Sport Hybrid is particularly worth comparing with the Sport.
TrailSport Hybrid: A distinctive configuration
The TrailSport Hybrid also uses the 204-horsepower hybrid system and all-wheel drive.
It stands out with:
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P235/60 R18 all-terrain tires;
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18-inch gray wheels;
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TrailSport-specific design elements;
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cloth seats with an embossed TrailSport logo.
Its official combined fuel economy rating is 6.7 L/100 km.
It therefore offers something different within the lineup for buyers who appreciate its specific equipment and TrailSport styling.
EX-L Hybrid: More comfort inside
The EX-L Hybrid retains the 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive, and a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km.
It notably adds:
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perforated leather-trimmed seats;
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a power-adjustable front passenger seat;
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two-position memory for the driver’s seat;
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heated outboard rear seats.
For a family that places particular importance on passenger comfort, the EX-L provides a clear step up in equipment without giving up the efficiency of the hybrid powertrain.
Touring Hybrid: At the top of the CR-V lineup
The Touring Hybrid is the most fully equipped Honda CR-V 2026 configuration in Canada.
It notably adds:
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19-inch wheels;
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a 12-speaker BOSE audio system with subwoofer;
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Google built-in;
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rain-sensing windshield wipers;
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a hands-free power tailgate.
It retains a combined output of 204 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a combined fuel economy rating of 6.4 L/100 km.
It is designed for those who want to combine the hybrid powertrain with the most comprehensive level of equipment in the lineup.
Gas or hybrid: Four criteria to help you choose
Before choosing your CR-V, ask yourself a few simple questions:
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Do you drive a lot in Montreal? Official fuel economy ratings favor the hybrid versions.
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Is all-wheel drive a must? It is offered on the LX AWD and Sport and comes standard on all four hybrid versions.
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Do you need maximum cargo space or towing capacity? The gas-powered versions have the advantage in both areas.
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Are comfort and features your priorities? The Sport already adds more equipment, while the EX-L Hybrid and Touring Hybrid offer even more features.
The right choice therefore depends directly on how you plan to use your vehicle.
Lombardi Honda in Montreal: Compare your Honda CR-V 2026
Between a day of driving through the streets of Montreal, a family outing on the North Shore, or a few days away elsewhere in Quebec, your needs are not always the same.
At Lombardi Honda in Montreal, we can help you compare the different Honda CR-V 2026 versions based on your annual mileage, driving habits, space requirements, and desired level of equipment.
One of the best ways to choose between two configurations is also to experience them in person. Contact our team for personalized information, to check available models, and to schedule a test drive.
Honda CR-V 2026 FAQ
Is the Honda CR-V 2026 available as a hybrid?
Yes. Four hybrid versions are offered in Canada: Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid.
What is the fuel economy of the Honda CR-V 2026 Hybrid?
The Sport Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid have an official combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The TrailSport Hybrid is rated at 6.7 L/100 km.
Do all Honda CR-V 2026 hybrid models have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All four hybrid versions currently offered by Honda Canada are equipped with the Real Time AWD system.
Which gas-powered Honda CR-V 2026 has the lowest fuel consumption?
The LX 2WD has the lowest official combined fuel economy rating among the gas-powered versions at 7.8 L/100 km.
Which Honda CR-V 2026 is the most fully equipped?
The Touring Hybrid sits at the top of the Canadian lineup. It notably includes 19-inch wheels, a 12-speaker BOSE audio system, Google built-in, and a hands-free power tailgate.
