Lexus NX Hybrid vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the sixth-generation lineup that debuted in 2023, received a subtle refresh for 2026. The most notable update was the introduction of the TrailSport trim level. This new trim added distinctive features such as orange badges, grey 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged appeal. The TrailSport also featured a silver skid-plate-style trim piece below the front fascia, although it was more for aesthetics than functionality. The CR-V's exterior design remained largely unchanged from the previous year, 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 of them being hybrids, and offered eight colour options, including the TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was characterized by its bold and intricate design. The front showcased a large, dark spindle grille flanked by squinting LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes, giving it an aggressive look. The profile was sporty yet less extroverted, with smooth lines and body-coloured fender flares. F Sport elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, while the fastback roof shape added a coupe-like aesthetic. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted sporty touches like dark graphite aluminum trim and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its upscale feel.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This setup replaced the traditional transmission with a clever two-motor system, providing seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The CR-V Hybrid offered multiple regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal driving option, enhancing its efficiency. It achieved a fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim slightly less efficient at 6.7 L/100 km due to its all-terrain tires. The CR-V's AWD system was enhanced for 2026, allowing up to 50 percent of torque to be sent to the rear axle. While the hybrid CR-V could tow up to 453 kg, it wasn't designed for heavy towing.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, providing standard AWD and a total output of 240 horsepower. Despite its sporty name, the NX 350h wasn't particularly agile, with a firmer suspension and adaptive dampers that offered Normal and Sport settings. It had a ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres, which contributed to some body lean in corners. The hybrid powertrain delivered a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, but power delivery felt less exhilarating, with the engine droning under hard acceleration. The NX 350h offered steering wheel paddles for simulated downshifts, but they didn't replicate the feel of a traditional automatic transmission.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a spacious and functional interior, with 1,028 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,030 litres with the rear seats folded. It provided ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, ensuring comfort for passengers. The CR-V Hybrid came with standard features like heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power tailgate. The interior was equipped with a small centre console featuring physical controls for climate and drive modes, as well as USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's interior was designed for comfort and style, with well-bolstered front seats and ample room for tall adults. The F Sport 3 model included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seats offered enough space for average-sized adults, though legroom could be tight for taller passengers. The NX's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The coupe-like roof design limited cargo capacity compared to competitors.

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

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, both standard. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility. Optional features included a head-up display, a wireless phone charger, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for convenience.

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 high safety ratings. It came with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors were standard on higher trims, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines was included.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received high marks in crash tests. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, which included blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems performed well during testing, though the adaptive cruise control was slightly complex to operate.