​​What’s The Most Efficient CR-V Value Available Today?​

A funny thing happened when CarBuzz.com recently reviewed the 2026 Honda CR-V model lineup. Instead of discussing the CR-V’s driving behaviors, its generous interior space, advanced available technologies, or even its appearance, they instead honed in on fuel efficiency and operating costs across the entire CR-V model line, including both hybrid and non-hybrid CR-V models. Michael Hohl Honda follows along. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website lists vehicles by fuel efficiency from highest to lowest, but CarBuzz reverses this order within its story. No surprises: FWD models are more fuel-efficient than AWD, and hybrids outperform non-hybrids. This info helps balance purchase and operating costs, even if prices fluctuate. 

Non-Hybrid models with AWD

Trim Levels: LX, EX, and EX-L 

If you want all-wheel drive while on a strict budget, these non-hybrid models provide a solid choice. These CR-V models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing a healthy 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, with torque peaking between 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. Power is routed through a CVT before being distributed to all four wheels. Each of these trim levels offer a selector for Normal, ECON, and Snow drive modes. MSRP starts at $32,420* for an LX, and the EPA estimates city / highway / combined fuel mileage at 27 / 31 / 29.** That isn’t bad for a spacious cargo hauler that can optimize traction on wet or unpaved surfaces.  

Non-Hybrid models with FWD

Trim Levels: LX, EX, and EX-L 

Next up the efficiency ladder are models with the same engine, but send power only to the front wheels. Nixing AWD not only cuts $1,500 from the purchase price, making the $30,920 CR-V LX FWD* the least-expensive CR-V available today, but doing so also sheds weight and reduces driveline drag, providing a slight bump in fuel economy. The EPA rates the CR-V Sport FWD – along with the more upscale EX and EX-L – at 28/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined,** respectively.  

CR-V TrailSport (Hybrid AWD) 

The TrailSport is the CR-V’s most off-road-focused model and is powered by a hybrid drivetrain. The gasoline engine’s displacement increases to 2.0 liters, but sheds its turbocharger. The engine is then paired to Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, which acts primarily as series hybrid – wherein the engine serves primarily as a generator, with an electric motor tasked with driving the wheels – except during high-speed cruising, wherein the engine directly drives the wheels. The complete system is rated at 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The TrailSport’s knobby all-terrain tires may slightly ding fuel efficiency, but the TrailSport still gets an EPA-estimated 38 / 33 / 35 mpg,** adding six combined MPG to non-Hybrid AWD CR-V models.  

Hybrid with AWD 

Trim levels: Sport, Sport-L, Sport Touring 

Keeping the AWD and hybrid system while running on all-season tires adds about two mpg in the city and one on the highway compared to the TrailSport, for an EPA estimate of 40 / 34 / 37.** The starting MSRP for this popular combination on a CR-V Sport Hybrid AWD is $37,130.*  

 The range-topping CR-V Sport Touring model is only available in hybrid AWD form. The Sport Touring Hybrid, which starts at $42,550,* adds premium features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, an upgraded infotainment operating system, and a 5th drive mode, which can be tailored to your driving preferences.  

Hybrid with FWD

Trim levels: Sport, and Sport-L 

The most efficient CR-V drivetrain keeps you comfortably in the 40s for all but steady highway operation, with an EPA-estimated rating of 43 / 36 / 40 mpg.** Again, the MSRP drops by $1,500 when driving only the front wheels, bringing the starting MSRP for a hybrid CR-V to $35,630* for the 2WD Sport Hybrid trim.  

There is an approximately $4,710 difference between the least expensive hybrid and non-hybrid models. But the difference offers more than simply greater power and efficiency, because the Sport Hybrid includes additional features over the LX. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, a power tailgate, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, keyless entry, a blind spot information system and rear cross-traffic monitor, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.  

In any CR-V configuration, you get an impeccably well-engineered compact crossover that is spacious for the category and is generally regarded by reviewers as doing everything well. Visit Michael Hohl Honda to check out the CR-V of your choice, or all of them if you are still deciding. You simply can’t go wrong with a CR-V. 

* MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,450 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors. 

**Fuel-Economy Ratings: 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 27 city/31 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX & EX-L trims. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for the 2WD Sport & Sport-L Hybrid trims. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L & Sport Touring Hybrid trims. 38 city/33 highway/35 combined mpg rating for TrailSport Hybrid AWD trim. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.