Honda Australia has officially detailed the updated 2026 Honda CR-V lineup, introducing wider availability of its e:HEV hybrid system and a range of new technology upgrades. The refreshed SUV line-up now starts from $49,990 for the hybrid powertrain (down $7000 from 2025). The entry-level petrol grade is available at $44,900 (driveaway).
Pricing and variants
| Variant | Pricing (drive-away) | Change vs. outgoing |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi X | $44,900 | Up $3,000 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV X | $49,900 | New |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV L | $53,900 | New |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi L7 (7-seat) | $54,900 | Up $1,500 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV LX AWD | $58,900 | New |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS AWD | $64,400 | Adds AWD drive |
The biggest update for the 2026 CR-V line-up is the broader rollout of Honda’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain. Previously limited to top-spec models, the hybrid system is now more accessible to CR-V buyers. Customers can now step into a hybrid CR-V for around $7,000 less than in 2025. The introduction of a hybrid AWD CR-V grade is a first in Australia.
Honda has simplified the CR-V petrol line-up for 2026 by dropping the petrol VTi L 5-seat (FWD and AWD) and VTi LX AWD 5-seat trims. That leaves only two petrol-only options in the range: an entry-level VTi X trim and the mid-spec VTi L7 seven-seat model.
Engine and powertrain options
| Specification | Petrol option | Hybrid option (e:HEV) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L VTEC 4-cylinder turbocharged | 2L 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle |
| Electric motors | None | Dual-motor system |
| Combined power | 140kW | 135kW |
| Combined torque | 240Nm | 335Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | e-CVT |
| Drive type | FWD/AWD | FWD/AWD |
Updated technology, comfort, and exterior features
The 2026 Honda CR-V refresh also brings several new technologies and comfort upgrades across the range. Key additions include:
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- Driveaway auto door lock
- Keyless entry and start
- Heated rear seats
- Ventilated front seats
- 9.0-inch screen with native Google integration, including Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster (in e:HEV grades)
- 360 degree surround-view camera (e:HEV L and above)
Flagship e:HEV RS AWD gets major upgrades
The top-spec e:HEV RS AWD receives the most significant equipment boost for 2026. New features include:
- Surround-view camera
- Head-up display
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Black wheel-arch cladding
- Black door handles instead of body-colour ones
Safety features
The 2026 CR-V lineup continues to include several key safety systems as standard, such as Rear cross-traffic alert and Blind-spot monitoring.
Also read: Honda Aston Martin Aramco partnership reveals AMR26 F1 car
Honda CR-V’s market in Australia
The Honda CR-V remains one of the most successful SUVs globally since its launch in 1995. It has sold over 13.5 million units worldwide and over 244,000 in Australia since its 1997 launch.
With the demand for the hybrids increasing locally, this Honda e:HEV CR-V lineup comes at the right time. The company is also electrifying its ZR-V, HR-V and Civic hatch models in 2026.
The 2026 Honda CR-V competes in the highly contested medium SUV segment in Australia, facing off against established Japanese and Korean favourites as well as emerging Chinese brands. Its key rivals are Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, BYD Sealion 6, and GWM Haval H6.
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