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 year. The standout addition was the new TrailSport trim level, which brought a rugged aesthetic to the CR-V. This trim featured distinctive orange badges, Shark Gray 18-inch wheels, and Continental CrossContact ATR tires for enhanced traction. The TrailSport also included a silver skid-plate-style trim piece below the front fascia, although it was more for show than function. The CR-V Hybrid was available in seven trim levels, with the Sport trims exclusively hybrid-powered. The exterior design remained largely unchanged from 2025, but the interior saw updates like orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in the TrailSport models.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels based on powertrain options, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint option. The TX retained its large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the rear featured LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided a choice of interior colors, with the PHEV adding a dark brown option called Peppercorn. The cabin featured ambient lighting and suede trim, but the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, though some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere in the cabin.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a choice between a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the lower trims and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors for the hybrid trims. The hybrid system delivered 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, providing a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The CR-V Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 40 mpg combined for FWD models and 37 mpg for AWD models. The TrailSport trim, with its all-terrain tires, managed 35 mpg combined. The CR-V Hybrid's AWD system received an upgrade, allowing up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle. The hybrid model could tow up to 1,500 pounds, making it a versatile choice for light towing needs.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid impressed with its 404 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. The 550h+ provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effortlessly. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's plug-in hybrid system allowed for electric-only driving, standard hybrid operation, or gasoline-only mode, making it adaptable to different driving scenarios. The 550h+ was well-suited for long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed ride.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid boasted a functional interior with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CR-V offered ample headroom and legroom, with 38.2 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom in the second row. The front seats provided up to 41.3 inches of legroom. The TrailSport trim featured cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered leather-trimmed seats. The CR-V came equipped with heated front seats, a moonroof, and dual-zone climate control on trims above the base EX. The center console housed physical controls for climate and drive modes, along with USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ featured luxury amenities like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row offered ample space and a recline function, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, though folding them flat required some effort. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing towing capability.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, replacing the previous 7-inch unit. The system featured wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a physical phone-projection button for easy access. The Sport Touring trim included Google built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store for three years. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, while the audio system ranged from a 160-watt four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system on the Sport Touring trim.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera provided a clear view, with an available bird’s-eye view for added convenience. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered on the go.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid had not yet been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, 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 advanced driver assistance systems, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on trims above the LX, while front and rear parking sensors were standard on trims above the EX.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with the Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Proactive Driving Assist feature applied brakes or steering if the vehicle got too close to another car or pedestrian. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" rating for the passenger’s side.