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Can the 2026 Honda CR-V handle winter driving near Iowa City, IA?
By Brad Deery Honda | Posted in Honda CR-V on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 at 5:28 pm
Brad Deery Honda – Can the 2026 Honda CR-V handle winter driving near Iowa City, IA?
Iowa’s mix of lake-effect gusts, slick mornings, and quick temperature swings calls for a crossover that feels natural in the elements. The 2026 Honda CR-V brings the confident traction, cabin comforts, and intuitive tech that make winter driving near Iowa City, IA feel less like a chore and more like a routine. At Brad Deery Honda, we help shoppers from decide whether the available Real Time AWD™ and key trim features are the right fit for your daily routes through Coralville, North Liberty, and beyond.
Real Time AWD™ is available across the CR-V lineup and adds sure-footed confidence when the forecast is uncertain. The system is designed to respond seamlessly as conditions change, distributing torque to help maintain traction without asking you to fiddle with buttons. On packed snow, slush, or wet leaves, that instant support can help the CR-V feel settled and predictable, especially when merging, taking on curved on-ramps, or pulling away from a slick stoplight around town.
If you are prioritizing winter-readiness out of the box, the AWD configuration is standard on TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims, and available on the rest of the lineup. Hybrid trims pair that traction advantage with a responsive, 204-horsepower powertrain, while LX, EX, and EX-L feature the refined 1.5L turbocharged engine. Every 2026 CR-V also includes Honda Sensing® to support awareness during dark commutes and changing road conditions.
Here is a quick look at how the trims align with winter-driving priorities near Iowa City, IA.
- TrailSport Hybrid: AWD standard; adventurous character with the hybrid powertrain for confident traction and response.
- Sport Touring Hybrid: AWD standard; Google built-in standard to help with navigation, voice assistance, and winter route planning.
- Sport-L Hybrid: Hybrid powertrain; Real Time AWD™ available; heated front seats standard for cold-morning comfort.
- EX-L: 1.5L turbocharged engine; Real Time AWD™ available; leather-trimmed seats standard for upscale, easy-to-clean surfaces.
- EX: 1.5L turbocharged engine; Real Time AWD™ available; heated front seats standard for added winter warmth.
- LX: 1.5L turbocharged engine; Real Time AWD™ available; a capable starting point that benefits from Honda Sensing®.
Tech confidence matters on icy mornings and late-night drives. CR-V makes it simple with a standard 9-inch color touch-screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility, Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility, and a standard wireless phone charger on every trim. If you want integrated navigation and hands-free help with traffic or weather, Sport Touring Hybrid adds Google built-in. Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® is standard on EX and above, which is great when your hands are full of gloves and de-icer.
Cabin comfort also plays a big role in winter readiness. Heated front seats are standard on EX and above, and leather-trimmed seats are standard on EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid. A one-touch power moonroof is standard on EX and above—helpful for quick cabin defogging. Whether you prefer the energetic 1.5L turbocharged engine or the efficient, 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain, the CR-V provides confident response for passing and merging on cold road surfaces.
If you are deciding between engines for winter driving, consider your mix of city streets and open highways. The hybrid’s smooth low-speed response can feel particularly reassuring on slick surfaces around town, while the 1.5L turbocharged engine remains a refined, efficient choice for daily commuting. Either way, pairing your preferred powertrain with Real Time AWD™ gives you added peace of mind when snow piles up along neighborhood curbs or bridges ice over.
Use these simple steps to narrow your choice for winter driving near Iowa City, IA:
- Decide if you want AWD standard or available—TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid make it standard.
- List the cold-weather comforts you value most (heated front seats, leather-trimmed seats, integrated navigation) and match them to trims.
- Schedule a local test drive from Brad Deery Honda that includes a mix of city streets and open roadway to feel traction and steering feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is AWD standard on any 2026 CR-V trims?
Yes. AWD is standard on TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, and Real Time AWD™ is available on all other trims.
Do I need the hybrid to get AWD?
No. Real Time AWD™ is available with the 1.5L turbocharged LX, EX, and EX-L as well. Choose the engine that fits your driving style, then add AWD for extra confidence.
How does Honda Sensing® help in winter?
Honda Sensing® is standard on every CR-V and is designed to support awareness and driver confidence. Features work together to help you stay centered and alert, which is especially helpful in low-visibility, slick-weather scenarios.
Which tech helps with winter navigation?
All CR-V trims include a 9-inch color touch-screen with Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility and Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility. The Sport Touring Hybrid adds Google built-in for native navigation, voice assistance, and helpful updates on traffic and weather.
Are heated seats widely available?
Heated front seats are standard on EX and above. Leather-trimmed seats are standard on EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid.
When winter questions drive your research, a tailored test drive is the fastest way to get answers. Our team at Brad Deery Honda can set up back-to-back drives in AWD and two-wheel-drive configurations, walk you through hybrid and 1.5L turbocharged options, and help you compare trims for features like heated front seats, leather-trimmed seating, and Google built-in. Visit us in West Burlington—an easy trip from Iowa City—to experience the 2026 Honda CR-V in real winter conditions and find your ideal fit.