Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the sixth-generation lineup that debuted in 2023, received a subtle refresh for the model year. The most notable update was the introduction of the TrailSport trim level, which added a rugged flair to the CR-V's design. This trim featured distinctive orange badges, grey 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The TrailSport also included a silver skid-plate-style trim piece, although it was more for aesthetics than function. The CR-V's exterior design remained largely unchanged from 2025, but the interior saw updates like orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in the TrailSport models. The CR-V Hybrid was available in six trim levels in Canada, with four being hybrid variants. Colour options included the exclusive Ash Green for the TrailSport, alongside other hues like Radiant Red and Canyon River Blue.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the F Sport 3 package as an option. The TX's design featured a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior offered three colour options, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere in the cabin.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This setup replaced the traditional transmission with a clever two-motor system, allowing for seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The hybrid system offered multiple regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal driving option, enhancing efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid boasted a fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim slightly higher at 6.7 L/100 km due to its all-terrain tires. The AWD system was enhanced for 2026, allowing up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle. The CR-V Hybrid could tow up to 453 kg, while the gas-powered version could handle 680 kg.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid included a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h also featured adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a functional interior with 1,028 litres of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Subaru Forester and previous-generation Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expanded to 2,030 litres. The CR-V provided ample headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows, ensuring comfort for passengers. Standard features included heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power tailgate. The centre console housed physical controls for climate and drive modes, along with USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports for each seat. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seat, though folding the second row flat required multiple steps. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kg when properly equipped.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, replacing the previous seven-inch unit. The system featured wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a physical phone-projection button for easy access. Touring Hybrid models included Google built-in, offering Google Maps and Assistant for three months. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, and the audio system ranged from a 160-watt four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium system in the Touring Hybrid.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel housed multi-functional buttons, with their functions displayed on the gauge cluster or head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription services, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The back-up camera provided a clear view, with an available bird’s-eye view for added convenience. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid had not been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick designation and five stars for overall crashworthiness. The CR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Front and rear parking sensors were standard on higher trims, though the TrailSport lacked additional cameras for off-road navigation.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The NHTSA rated the TX five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and "Good" for the passenger’s side.