Honda CR-V trim comparison
2026 Honda CR-V EX-L vs Sport Touring Hybrid
The CR-V EX-L starts at $35,400 while the Sport Touring Hybrid is $42,250. That $6,850 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The Sport Touring Hybrid gets the 2.0L I4 hybrid and AWD, so the $6,850 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the EX-L if the 1.5L I4 Turbo with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the Sport Touring Hybrid only when the 2.0L I4 hybrid and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the EX-L to the Sport Touring Hybrid is about $121/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $7,260 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,850 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,370 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | EX-L | Sport Touring Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $35,400 | $42,250 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | No published data |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 40 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 37 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.0 gal | 14.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,525 lbs | 3,926 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 106.3" |
| Length | 184.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 73.5" | 73.5" |
| Height | 66.2" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Honda CR-V EX-L vs Sport Touring Hybrid Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Honda CR-V lineup, the Honda brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid cost than the EX-L?
The Sport Touring Hybrid starts at $42,250 compared to $35,400 for the EX-L. That is a $6,850 difference, or approximately $121/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Honda CR-V EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid have the same engine?
No. The EX-L uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo (190 hp, 179 lb-ft), while the Sport Touring Hybrid has the 2.0L I4 hybrid (204 hp). That is 14 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Does the 2026 CR-V EX-L come with AWD?
No. The EX-L comes standard with FWD while the Sport Touring Hybrid has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 CR-V EX-L or Sport Touring Hybrid safer?
Both share the same Honda CR-V platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Honda CR-V come with?
All 2026 Honda CR-V trims, including both the EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid, come with Honda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid worth $6,850 more than the EX-L?
The Sport Touring Hybrid changes both the engine and drivetrain for $6,850 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 Honda CR-V trim gets better fuel economy, the EX-L or the Sport Touring Hybrid?
The Sport Touring Hybrid is the more efficient of the two at 37 combined MPG, versus 30 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $6,850 Gets You
The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid is a clear upgrade over the EX-L. The $6,850 price increase gets you the 2.0L I4 hybrid engine (+14 hp) and AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
EX-L vs. Sport Touring Hybrid: Day-to-Day
The Sport Touring Hybrid comes with the 2.0L I4 hybrid instead of the EX-L's 1.5L I4 Turbo. The Sport Touring Hybrid includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid gets 7 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $265 per year or $1,325 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$6,850 more for the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid gets you 5 real differences. At $121/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Honda CR-V EX-L
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the EX-L best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Sport Touring Hybrid when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.