Check out the updated Honda CR-V’s variants

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) launched the updated version of the CR-V midsize crossover last month. 

As previously reported by Zigwheels Philippines, the model has undergone extensive changes to its three-piece variant lineup. Sure, these still carry the familiar RS, VX, and V trim names, but they were provided with a slew of mechanical upgrades that could make the CR-V more competitive, more versatile, and arguably more attractive to prospective buyers. 

So, how are the three variants of the 2026 model year Honda CR-V different from each other? Also, which one should buyers get? Let’s find out here. 

Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD

The top-spec trim of the updated Honda CR-V is the RS e:hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) all-wheel-drive (AWD). Per its name, this trim retains an electrified powertrain but was given an all-wheel-drive system for the 2026 model year. 

Under the hood of the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD is a 2.0-liter inline-four, dual-overhead cam (DOHC) Atkinson gasoline engine that is able to produce up to 145 horsepower (hp) and 183 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Its duo of electric motors further adds 181 hp and 335 Nm of torque. 

In addition, the top-spec model comes with a lithium-ion battery and a 57-liter fuel tank. It also has an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), as well as a drive mode selector with a dedicated deceleration mode, economy mode, and sport mode. 

Ride quality for this CR-V trim is handled by a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension system. Stopping power, meanwhile, is dealt by front and rear 17-inch disc brakes and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. 

Here is a summary of the mechanical specs of the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD: 

Internal combustion engine (ICE)	2.0-liter inline-four gasoline
Electric motor setup	Dual motor
Drivetrain	AWD
Transmission	E-CVT
Horsepower and torque (ICE)	145 hp and 183 Nm of torque
Horsepower and torque (electric motors)	181 hp and 335 Nm of torque

As standard, the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD’s exterior is fitted with LED lighting fixtures, auto-levelling headlamps with automatic on/off, active cornering lamps, front and rear fog lamps, a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate with walk-away closing, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, and a set of 18-inch piano black aluminum alloy wheels. 

Being an RS trim, it also gets piano-black door handles, mudguards, lower door and fender garnishes, and a honeycomb-pattern grille. 

Size-wise, the top-spec CR-V variant is 4,691 millimeters (mm) long, 1,866 mm wide, and 1,691 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,700 mm, and a ground clearance of 208 mm.

Inside the top-spec CR-V RS e:HEV AWD is a five-seater layout and a very roomy trunk with a default capacity of 581 liters. 

The said interior layout also comes with automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, leather upholstery, an ambient lighting system, a 60:40 split-folding second row seat, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and active noise control. 

For the one piloting the Honda-made crossover, the model provides the following amenities:

• 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster
• Head-up display
• Push-to-start button
• Automatic dimming rear-view mirror
• Sport pedals
• Smart entry (Smart key card)
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Leather multi-function steering wheel

Dominating the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD’s dash is a nine-inch central touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

For the 2026 model year, the CR-V RS comes from the factory with Google Maps, the Google Assistance Service, and many other built-in applications from Google. For quality sound, the said screen is linked to a 12-piece Bose speaker set. 

Topping up devices inside the vehicle is done via USB Type-C ports in the front and rear cabins, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and a 15-watt (W) wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Safety-wise, the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD’s standard kit includes anti-lock braking, vehicle stability assist, dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, a knee airbag, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, eight parking sensors, a 360-degree view camera, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX, and a security system. 

Additionally, the model also comes with advanced safety equipment such as the Honda Agile Handling Assist, driver attention monitor, blind spot monitor, cross traffic monitor, adaptive driving beams, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lead car departure notification, and adaptive high beams. 

Currently, the top-spec Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD retails at P2.838 million. 

Honda CR-V VX e:HEV 

The mid-spec variant of the updated 2026 Honda CR-V is the VX e:HEV. It is the second electrified trim in the crossover model’s variant lineup, although it doesn’t have the AWD system that is present on the top-spec RS. 

On the other hand, the VX e:HEV still has the same maximum outputs, the same dual motor package, a similar suspension setup, and an identical set of braking components as the top-spec RS. For reference, here is a summary of the Honda CR-V VX e:HEV’s performance specs:

Internal combustion engine	2.0-liter inline-four gasoline
Electric motor setup	Dual motor
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	E-CVT
Horsepower	145 hp and 183 Nm of torque
Torque	181 hp and 335 Nm of torque

Appearance-wise, the Honda CR-V VX e:HEV was clearly positioned as the “elegant” option, as compared to the sportier RS and the seven-seater V HuNT. 

It largely comes with the same exterior features, though it has fewer glossy black parts, and it doesn’t come with a power tailgate or a panoramic sunroof. 

The interior of the mid-spec CR-V can also accommodate up to five (including the driver), but it comes with a more basic eight-piece speaker set. Also absent from its interior are the RS logos and red stitching patterns found inside the top-spec RS trim. 

For the most part, the VX trim gets the same active and passive safety suites. What’s absent on this version, however, is the adaptive driving beam that’s found on the RS. Plus, it has only four rear parking sensors, compared to the top-of-the-line CR-V's eight total sensors. 

When it comes to size, the VX e:HEV is 10-mm shorter in height compared to the RS. It also has less ground clearance at 198 mm. On the one hand, this version boasts the largest trunk among the 2026 CR-V trims, with up to 589 liters of space to work with. 

Price-wise, the Honda CR-V VX e:HEV retails at P2.488 million.

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Honda CR-V V Turbo HuNT

The 2026 model year Honda CR-V’s entry-level trim is the V Turbo HuNT. Currently, it is priced at P2.358 million. 

Contrary to the RS and VX, the V HuNT is a gasoline-only model that uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC inline-four mill. Power is sent to its front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

At maximum, this model can produce up to 187 hp and 240 Nm of torque. It is also an FWD model with the same suspension and brake setup as its high-spec VX sibling. 

Other mechanical bits present on the RS and VX but missing on the V HuNT include Sport mode and, obviously, a lithium-ion battery. On this note, it is the lightest CR-V trim with a curb weight of 1,671 kilograms (kg). In comparison, the VX weighs 1,728 kg, while the RS tips the scale at 1,809 kg. 

Here is a summary of the Honda CR-V V HuNT’s performance figures and basic mechanical specs:

Internal combustion engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline
Electric motor setup	N/A
Drivetrain	FWD
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	187
Torque	240 Nm

For its exterior, the entry-level trim comes with the HuNT package, which definitely sets it apart from its two other siblings. This package includes the HuNT front garnish featuring brass-colored decorative bits, silver-colored running boards, a distinctive wheel arch design, and numerous HuNT emblems. 

Per Honda, this appearance package provides the entry-level with a robust design that makes it ready for urban sojourns and out-of-town journeys. Moreover, the HuNT package comes with silver-colored 18-inch wheels, LED lighting fixtures, and black exterior parts. 

The model’s window line and grille surround, however, have a chrome finish, which is absent on other trims. Like its two more expensive siblings, the V HuNT also gets power-fold/adjustable side mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. On the one hand, it doesn’t have a sunroof, rear fog lamps, active cornering lamps, or automatic headlamp levelling. 

For the most part, the interior of the Honda CR-V V HuNT comes with the same feature set as the mid-spec VX. Then again, it is the only CR-V trim with a three-row, seven-seater layout, making it ideal for those looking for a family-friendly ride. 

Moreover, it is the only model with triple-zone automatic air-conditioning, for the benefit of those occupying its 50:50 split-folding third row. The model, however, lacks active noise control and an ambient lighting system. Also, it sports the smallest default cargo space with a capacity of just 150 liters. 

Safety-wise, the Honda CR-V V HuNT carries over the same active and passive features that are found on the mid-spec VX. The sole exception to this is its lack of a 360-degree view camera, although it does come with a “multiview” reverse camera. 

Final thoughts

Although priced on the higher end within the midsize crossover segment, the updated Honda CR-V does offer plenty to a variety of prospective buyers. 

People looking for a roomy, practical drive with a bit of sport appeal can turn to the RS e:HEV AWD. At the same time, this trim offers some assurance to travellers who regularly navigate slippery terrain and unpaved roads. 

On the one hand, car buyers who want to comfortably accommodate the most people can go towards the Honda CR-V V HuNT. Plus, it stands out from the model’s trim lineup, thanks to the addition of the HuNT package. 

The mid-spec CR-V VX e:HEV, meanwhile, effectively fills the role of the pre-updated RS: a cushy daily-driver contender with oodles of performance. 

So, which one’s your pick? To find out, do visit your nearest Honda dealership to learn a little more about the updated CR-V. 

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