Last month, Honda Malaysia announced that the sixth-generation Honda CR-V had been updated for 2026. The changes caused by the local refresh are minor, consisting of some extra kit and a revision of the line-up to a few variants, reduced from the 4 when the model was launched here in December 2023.
As highlighted previously, the bottom turbocharged S is gone, and the turbo E has been replaced by an e:HEV hybrid for a similar grade, making the CR-V the primary Honda vehicle to feature two hybrid variants in a single model range locally. The e:HEV E, which is priced at RM178,200, is the brand new entry point for the SUV, with the turbocharged V AWD (RM181,900) sitting above it, and the e:HEV RS (RM195,900) remaining the range topper.
Except for a brand new color option called Blazing Red Pearl, the outside has been untouched by the update. As before, the RS continues to feature a black-coloured shark fin antenna and side mirror covers, roof rails in addition to body-coloured RS styling elements and RS badging to distinguish it from the opposite variants, as could be seen within the side-by-side comparison of it and the E within the photos here.
Inside, the one cosmetic enhancements are to be found on the RS, and these are minor, consisting of a darker hairline film finish for the dashboard trim in addition to an embossed RS logo on the front seat backs. With the S not in the sport, because of this the CR-V ditches bits like fabric seats, urethane steering wheel, 7.0-inch Display Audio centre touchscreen and using 17-inch rollers.
All CR-V variants now feature a 9.0-inch Advanced Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Because it was with the previous line-up, the E and V feature an eight-speaker audio system, while the RS has a 12-speaker Bose Premium set-up.
As for the instrument cluster, the hybrid E features the 7.0-inch TFT instrument display with analogue speedometer from before, however the turbo V AWD, which also previously got here equipped with the identical combination display, now moves as much as the ten.2-inch TFT full-digital instrument display like that on the RS.
Recent to the automobile across the range is Google Audio Services, which is now integrated into the infotainment system, and this offers hands-free Google Assistant and real-time navigation through Google Maps in addition to access to quite a lot of applications via Google Play. There’s no built-in connectivity though, so owners may have to make use of their mobile device as a hotspot for the crucial.
The CR-V also gets a brand new Digital Key feature, which through Bluetooth allows owners to make use of their mobile device as a primary key for the automobile. Moreover, the Honda Connect mobile application allows window and power tailgate operation to be achieved remotely.
Elsewhere, the Honda Sensing driving assistance suite adds on a rear cross traffic alert function, which the automaker calls Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), and the much-maligned LaneWatch side camera system has now been replaced by Blind Spot Information (BSI). Also, all CR-V variants now come fitted with Honda Authorised Solar and Security tint film by Ecotint fitted as standard.
No mechanical changes, and so the hybrid and petrol powertrains proceed as they were from before. The e:HEV RS and e:HEV E are powered by an Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system, which mixes the workings of an electrical motor and petrol engine, with outputs unchanged from before.
The system consists of a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-pot that acts primarily as a generator, delivering 148 PS (146 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 190 Nm at 4,500 rpm, while an e-motor delivers 184 PS (181 hp, or 135 kW) from 5,000-8,000 rpm and 335 Nm from 0-2,000 rpm.
As for the only real petrol version, the V AWD, it continues to be powered by the familiar L15BE 1.5 litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder, which retains the 193 PS (190 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 243 Nm from 1,700 to five,000 rpm output figures seen previously.
GALLERY: 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS and e:HEV E side-by-side view
GALLERY: 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
GALLERY: 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV E
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This Article First Appeared At paultan.org
