Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the sixth-generation lineup, received a subtle refresh, with the introduction of the new TrailSport trim being the highlight. The TrailSport trim added distinctive features such as orange badges, grey 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged appeal. The exterior design largely carried over from the previous year, with minor updates to the interior, including orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in the TrailSport models. The CR-V Hybrid was available in six trim levels in Canada, with four hybrid options, and offered eight colour choices, including the TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, with its conservative styling reminiscent of the RAV4, offered a spacious and functional interior. The Platinum trim, evaluated in this review, featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The Grand Highlander provided seating for up to eight and boasted impressive cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially contributing to noise and vibration. The vehicle's design emphasized functionality, with logically laid-out controls and a simple climate system, although the infotainment interface had room for improvement.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power, with low-speed acceleration feeling effortless. The CR-V Hybrid offered multiple regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal driving option, enhancing its efficiency. Fuel economy was impressive, with most models achieving 6.4 L/100 km in combined driving, while the TrailSport Hybrid, with its all-terrain tires, managed 6.7 L/100 km. The CR-V Hybrid's AWD system was enhanced for 2026, allowing up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle, improving traction on steep or slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD with two electric motors, producing 362 horsepower. This powertrain provided quick acceleration and a satisfying driving experience. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max achieved a combined fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a mixed driving route and 10.1 L/100 km on mountainous terrain. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, with the electric motors eliminating turbo lag, while the ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a modest point.

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. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo capacity to 2,030 litres. The CR-V Hybrid provided ample headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows, with comfortable seats and a range of standard features, including heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The centre console housed physical controls for climate and drive modes, along with a wireless phone charging pad and USB-C ports.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating in all three rows and a maximum cargo capacity of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. The Grand Highlander provided 586 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,640 litres with the third-row seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, and the vehicle's design emphasized practicality, though some storage areas were unlined.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a standard 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, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, and the CR-V offered a range of audio systems, from a base four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system in the Touring Hybrid trim.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard across all trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services offered a range of features, including automatic collision notification and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The Platinum trim included additional features like a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system.

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 Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors were standard on higher trims, though the TrailSport lacked additional cameras for off-road navigation.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. The system included lane keep assist and Proactive Driving Assist, though the latter was found to be irritating in some situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.