The Honda CR-V gets new variants and more in PH for 2026

The Honda CR-V has been a staple of our roads since it first came out in 1998. One of the pioneering crossovers on the market, it has truly won the hearts of car buyers globally.

Now in its sixth generation, which was launched locally in 2023, it gets a mid-cycle refresh, officially introduced today by Honda Cars Philippines. And while it may not seem all that different at first glance, it’s a fairly significant update.

The biggest change for this update is the CR-V’s variant lineup, which has been completely revamped, now starting with the new entry-level 1.5 V Turbo HuNT CVT, followed by a new mid-grade 2.0 VX e:HEV E-CVT, and topped off by a new 2.0 RS e:HEV AWD E-CVT. These replace the current 1.5 V Turbo CVT, 1.5 VX Turbo AWD CVT, and 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variants.

So what sets these new variants apart from each other?

For starters, the new 1.5 V Turbo HuNT CVT, as its name suggests, gets a HuNT package, consisting of unique copper-colored garnishes on the front grille and around the front fog lights, a silver front bumper garnish, and running boards. Wheels are the same silver-painted 18-inch alloys as before, and this is now the only seven-seater in the lineup left.

Just like the variant it replaces, it’s powered by the brand’s familiar 1.5-liter four-cylinder VTEC turbo engine that produces 190 horsepower and 240Nm of torque, mated to an Earth Dreams CVT.

Meanwhile, the new mid-grade 2.0 VX e:HEV E-CVT variant remains similar to the previous 1.5 VX AWD CVT variant, but now gets blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, similar to the RS, along with gloss-black finishes on the tailgate spoiler and side mirrors. It also gets rear fog lights, and wooden trim and ambient lighting on the interior to differentiate it from the V.

As its name suggests, the VX e:HEV is now also a hybrid, getting the brand’s R20 engine-based 2.0-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine that runs the Atkinson Cycle, making 148 horsepower and 183Nm, paired to dual electric motors making 184 horsepower and 335Nm (207 horsepower combined), and a lithium-ion battery. The system is mated to an E-CVT.

Finally, the RS e:HEV E-CVT, on top of its hybrid powertrain, now gets Honda’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which was heavily requested by customers when the current generation was released. Also added for this update is RS logo embroidery on the front seats, while body-colored body cladding has been replaced with a gloss-black finish.

Both VX and RS e:HEV variants also come with an Individual drive mode. This allows the driver to customize some of the vehicle’s driving parameters, such as steering weight, exhaust sound, and performance, among others.

All variants lose their LaneWatch cameras in favor of a Blind Spot Information System on the side mirrors. Its nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been updated to include Google Built-In functionality on top of existing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A heads-up display (HUD) is also now included on the VX.

Other standard features will remain the same, such as the RS package for the RS e:HEV, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker audio system (12-speaker Bose for RS), and leather seat upholstery, among others.

Most exterior color options are carried over from the pre-facelift model. These are Platinum White Pearl (+Php 20,000), Meteoroid Gray Pearl, and Canyon River Blue Metallic. Newly added in this update is Crystal Black Pearl while Lunar Silver Metallic and Ignite Red Metallic are no longer offered.

As for pricing, this is now how it looks like:

• 1.5 V Turbo HuNT CVT – Php 2,358,000
• 2.0 VX e:HEV E-CVT – Php 2,488,000
• 2.0 RS e:HEV AWD E-CVT – Php 2,838,000

Customers who purchase a VX or RS e:HEV will be able to take advantage of an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty, whichever comes first, on top of the standard three-year or 100,000km vehicle warranty.

What do you think of the updates done to the Honda CR-V, and will these be enough to keep it competitive against its rivals, especially with the upcoming launch of the all-new generation Toyota RAV4?

By the way, if you want to see it in the metal, you can check it out at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City, until February 10, 2026 (Tuesday).

^{Photos by Sam Surla and Julian Panlilio}