CR-V EX-L — 1.5L Turbo Gas

Sport Touring Hybrid — Two-Motor System

The most significant distinction between these two trims lies in the mechanical architecture hidden beneath the sheet metal. The EX-L utilizes a 1.5L I4 turbocharged engine that delivers a responsive 190 hp. This engine is paired with an Automatic transmission specifically tuned to maximize the torque curve of the turbocharger. In contrast, the Sport Touring Hybrid employs a 2.0L I4 engine mated to a two-motor hybrid system, producing a combined 204 hp. This hybrid setup uses a CVT (specifically an e-CVT) that provides an instantaneous electric-feeling shove when pulling away from a stoplight.

Drivetrain configuration is another area where the two models diverge. The EX-L is built as a FWD vehicle as standard, though it can be equipped with the Real Time AWD system for those who frequently navigate the snowy winters of Orland Township. The Sport Touring Hybrid, however, comes exclusively with 4WD, making it the go-to choice for drivers who want maximum traction without checking extra option boxes. When you browse our full vehicle lineup, you will notice that this standard all-wheel-drive capability is a hallmark of the Sport Touring's flagship status.

On the road, these two systems feel remarkably different. The EX-L offers a traditional internal combustion experience with a light, agile front end. The Sport Touring Hybrid feels more planted and substantial, partly due to the weight of the battery pack and the standard 4WD system. It also features a "Power Meter" in the digital display, which replaces the traditional tachometer found in the gas-only model, allowing you to monitor the energy flow between the engine and the electric motors in real time.

Steering into the digital age, both the EX-L and the Sport Touring Hybrid benefit from the 2026 model year's tech-forward upgrades. Both trims now feature the new 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, which provides a crisp, customizable interface for navigation, safety alerts, and vehicle status. This is a significant step up from the smaller displays found in lower trims and brings a modern, high-tech feel to the driver's seat.

Connectivity is seamless in both vehicles thanks to the inclusion of standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. This allows you to tuck your phone onto the standard wireless charging pad and have your maps and media appear instantly on the 9-inch color touchscreen. While both vehicles share this intuitive interface, the Sport Touring Hybrid pulls ahead with the inclusion of Google built-in. This integration allows for native use of Google Maps and Google Assistant directly through the vehicle's hardware, reducing the reliance on a tethered smartphone for advanced navigation.

Sport Touring Hybrid — Exclusive

Bose Premium Sound System — 12 Speakers & a Subwoofer

Audio enthusiasts will find a clear winner in the flagship hybrid model. While the EX-L provides a high-quality eight-speaker system that satisfies most listeners, the Sport Touring Hybrid is equipped with a Bose Premium Sound System featuring 12 speakers and a subwoofer. This system is specifically engineered for the CR-V's cabin acoustics, providing a much deeper and more immersive listening experience during long commutes through Oak Forest.

When you step inside these cabins, the level of craftsmanship is immediately apparent, yet the Sport Touring Hybrid adds specific aesthetic flourishes that the EX-L does not. Both vehicles feature leather-trimmed seating, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and driver's seat memory functions. However, the Sport Touring Hybrid distinguishes itself with high-contrast orange stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, creating a more athletic and energetic atmosphere compared to the more conservative, monochromatic look of the EX-L.

The exterior styling follows a similar pattern of differentiation. The EX-L rides on 18-inch silver alloy wheels and features body-colored side mirrors for a sophisticated, understated appearance. The Sport Touring Hybrid adopts a much bolder stance with Sport Styling, which includes gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black roof rails, and platinum-accented lower bumpers. It also features dual chrome exhaust finishers, giving it a more performance-oriented look from the rear.

Sport Touring Hybrid — Orange Accent Stitching

Sport Styling — Gloss-Black 19-Inch Alloy Wheels

• Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate (Sport Touring Hybrid only) — Convenience features also see a slight bump in the hybrid flagship. While both trims include a power tailgate with programmable height, the Sport Touring Hybrid upgrades this to a Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate. This allows you to open the rear hatch with a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper—a feature our customers often tell us is a lifesaver when their hands are full of groceries or sports gear.
• Heated Steering Wheel (Sport Touring Hybrid standard) — Additionally, the Sport Touring Hybrid includes a heated steering wheel as standard equipment, a luxury that remains an optional add-on for the EX-L.

Analyzing the value proposition of these two trims requires looking at both the upfront cost and the efficiency gains over time. The EX-L carries a Starting MSRP of $38,350, making it a highly attractive option for buyers who want luxury features without crossing the forty-thousand-dollar threshold. On the other hand, the Sport Touring Hybrid sits at the top of the price bracket with a Starting MSRP of $44,002. This price gap of roughly $5,652 accounts for the hybrid powertrain, standard all-wheel drive, the Bose audio system, and the hands-free tailgate.

Fuel economy is where the Sport Touring Hybrid begins to claw back that initial investment. The hybrid system is rated at 40 city / 34 hwy mpg, which is a massive jump in efficiency over the EX-L's 28 city / 34 hwy mpg. You will notice that the highway figures are identical, but the city efficiency of the hybrid is nearly 43% better than the gas-only model. For drivers who spend most of their time in stop-and-go traffic or running errands around town, the fuel savings will accumulate rapidly.

Long-term value is bolstered by Honda's strong warranty program, which applies equally to both vehicles. You receive a basic 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty and a powertrain 5 years / 60,000 miles warranty. Hybrid owners get the added peace of mind of specific high-voltage battery coverage. Furthermore, both models are protected by a corrosion 5-year / no mileage limit warranty, which is particularly relevant for vehicles operating in the salt-belt conditions of the Chicago suburbs.

Choosing between the EX-L and the Sport Touring Hybrid ultimately depends on your daily driving environment and your appetite for the latest automotive technology. If your commute involves heavy highway miles and you prefer a traditional turbocharged engine, the EX-L offers an incredible balance of leather-trimmed luxury and value. However, if you do a significant amount of city driving and want the absolute best features Honda offers—including the Bose audio system and Google built-in—the Sport Touring Hybrid is well worth the step up.

Our team is here to help you compare these two top-tier trims side by side so you can feel the difference in power delivery and see the interior finishes in person. We can walk you through our current new vehicle inventory and help you determine which configuration best fits your budget and lifestyle. Whether you are coming from Orland Hills or elsewhere in the southwest suburbs, we are dedicated to making your purchase experience straightforward and rewarding.

When you are ready to get behind the wheel, we invite you to visit our showroom for a test drive. You can also give us a quick call to check the availability of specific colors or to ask about the latest arrivals. We look forward to helping you drive home in the perfect Honda CR-V.