Last month, Honda Malaysia announced that the sixth-generation Honda CR-V had been updated for 2026. The changes brought about by the local refresh are minor, consisting of some extra kit and a revision of the line-up to three variants, reduced from the four when the model was launched here in December 2023.
As highlighted previously, the base turbocharged S is gone, and the turbo E has been replaced by an e:HEV hybrid for the same grade, making the CR-V the first Honda vehicle to feature two hybrid variants in a single model range locally. The e:HEV E, which is priced at RM178,200, is the new entry point for the SUV, with the turbocharged V AWD (RM181,900) sitting above it, and the e:HEV RS (RM195,900) remaining the range topper.
Aside from a new colour option called Blazing Red Pearl, the exterior has been untouched by the update. As before, the RS continues to feature a black-coloured shark fin antenna and side mirror covers, roof rails as well as body-coloured RS styling elements and RS badging to differentiate it from the other variants, as can be seen in the side-by-side comparison of it and the E in the photos here.
Inside, the only cosmetic enhancements are to be found on the RS, and these are minor, consisting of a darker hairline film finish for the dashboard trim as well as an embossed RS logo on the front seat backs. With the S no longer in the game, this means that the CR-V ditches bits like fabric seats, urethane steering wheel, 7.0-inch Display Audio centre touchscreen and the use of 17-inch rollers.
All CR-V variants now feature a 9.0-inch Advanced Display Audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As it was with the previous line-up, the E and V feature an eight-speaker audio system, while the RS has a 12-speaker Bose Premium set-up.
As for the instrument cluster, the hybrid E features the 7.0-inch TFT instrument display with analogue speedometer from before, but the turbo V AWD, which also previously came equipped with the same combination display, now moves up to the 10.2-inch TFT full-digital instrument display like that on the RS.
New to the car across the range is Google Audio Services, which is now integrated into the infotainment system, and this offers hands-free Google Assistant and real-time navigation through Google Maps as well as access to a variety of applications via Google Play. There’s no built-in connectivity though, so owners will have to use their mobile device as a hotspot for the necessary.
The CR-V also gets a new Digital Key feature, which through Bluetooth allows owners to use their mobile device as a primary key for the car. Additionally, the Honda Connect mobile application allows window and power tailgate operation to be accomplished remotely.
Elsewhere, the Honda Sensing driving assistance suite adds on a rear cross traffic alert function, which the automaker calls Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), and the much-maligned LaneWatch side camera system has now been replaced by Blind Spot Information (BSI). Also, all CR-V variants now come fitted with Honda Authorised Solar and Security tint film by Ecotint fitted as standard.
No mechanical changes, and so the hybrid and petrol powertrains continue as they were from before. The e:HEV RS and e:HEV E are powered by an Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system, which combines the workings of an electric motor and petrol engine, with outputs unchanged from before.
The system consists of a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-pot that acts primarily as a generator, delivering 148 PS (146 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 190 Nm at 4,500 rpm, while an e-motor delivers 184 PS (181 hp, or 135 kW) from 5,000-8,000 rpm and 335 Nm from 0-2,000 rpm.
As for the sole petrol version, the V AWD, it continues to be powered by the familiar L15BE 1.5 litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder, which retains the 193 PS (190 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 243 Nm from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm output figures seen previously.
GALLERY: 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS and e:HEV E side-by-side view
GALLERY: 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
GALLERY: 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV E
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