2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Honda CR-V in Fort Smith, AR

Drivers in Fort Smith and throughout the River Valley often compare two of the most popular compact SUVs on the road: the 2026 Hyundai Tucson and the 2026 Honda CR-V. Both are known for everyday comfort, modern safety features, and smooth drivability, making them strong choices for commuting, family life, and weekend travel across western Arkansas.

The Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V are also offered with hybrid options, giving Fort Smith drivers more flexibility depending on how and where they drive. Still, many shoppers continue to focus on the traditional gas-powered models for their balance of performance, efficiency, and long-term value. 

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, we compared these two SUVs side by side to see how they perform in real-world River Valley driving.

TL;DR: Quick Comparison for Fort Smith Drivers

The Honda CR-V remains a familiar and capable compact SUV with solid safety technology and good fuel economy. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson, however, offers more standard technology, available all-wheel drive across the lineup, added capability, and stronger ownership benefits. For many Fort Smith drivers who split time between city streets and highway miles, the Tucson checks more boxes.

Exterior Design: Modern Presence vs Familiar Styling

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson features a bold, modern design with sharp lines, a distinctive grille, and sleek lighting elements. Its updated look stands out on Fort Smith roads, whether you’re heading across town or cruising along I-540.

The 2026 Honda CR-V offers a clean, straightforward design that focuses on simplicity and practicality. It’s a familiar look that appeals to drivers who prefer a more traditional SUV appearance.

Edge: Hyundai Tucson for its modern styling and confident road presence.

Interior Comfort and Everyday Space

Inside, the 2026 Tucson delivers a quiet, spacious cabin with generous rear-seat legroom and an open, well-designed layout. Premium materials and thoughtful touches give it a refined feel that works well for families, commuters, and longer drives across the River Valley.

The 2026 CR-V also provides a comfortable interior with good visibility and functional seating. Its layout is simple and easy to use for everyday driving.

Edge: Hyundai Tucson for its roomy cabin and upscale interior feel.

Performance and Fuel Economy (Gas Models)

The gas-powered 2026 Hyundai Tucson comes equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive models earn up to 28 combined mpg, while available HTRAC all-wheel drive delivers up to 26 combined mpg.

The gas-powered 2026 Honda CR-V uses a turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and achieves up to 30 combined mpg, with available all-wheel drive.

Both SUVs provide smooth acceleration and comfortable handling, making them well-suited for daily driving, elevation changes, and longer highway trips around Fort Smith and western Arkansas.

Result: Close comparison, with both delivering solid performance and efficiency.

All-Wheel Drive and Capability

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson offers HTRAC all-wheel drive on every trim, giving Fort Smith drivers flexibility when choosing their setup. When properly equipped, the Tucson can tow up to 2,750 pounds, adding versatility for small trailers, outdoor gear, or weekend projects.

The 2026 Honda CR-V offers Real Time AWD, providing added traction when road conditions change.

Edge: Hyundai Tucson for wider AWD availability and added capability.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology is a major advantage for the Tucson. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available digital instrument cluster, and Bluelink+ connected services. Higher trims add features like a head-up display and Digital Key compatibility.

The 2026 Honda CR-V includes a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and driver-assist displays, offering a clean and user-friendly experience.

Edge: Hyundai Tucson for its larger standard screen and more advanced available technology.

Safety Features

Safety remains a priority for both SUVs. Every 2026 Tucson includes Hyundai SmartSense, featuring Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Driver Attention Warning.

The 2026 CR-V includes Honda Sensing, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, along with strong safety ratings.

Result: Both vehicles perform well in safety, offering comprehensive driver-assist systems.

Ownership Value and Warranty

Long-term ownership is an important consideration for Fort Smith drivers. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is backed by Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

The 2026 Honda CR-V includes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 1 year or 12,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

For drivers planning to keep their SUV for years to come, the Tucson delivers added confidence and value.

Edge: Hyundai Tucson for warranty coverage and ownership benefits.

Our Choice: Why We Recommend the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

The Honda CR-V remains a capable and well-known compact SUV. However, when comparing gas-powered models, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson feels like the better match for how many Fort Smith drivers actually use their vehicles.

We recommend the Tucson because it offers:

• More standard technology for the price
• Available all-wheel drive across the lineup
• Added versatility with towing capability
• A refined, spacious interior
• Industry-leading warranty coverage

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, we see why so many local drivers choose the Tucson for everyday driving and long-term peace of mind.

FAQs: 2026 Tucson vs CR-V

Is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson available near me?
Yes. The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is available at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, serving drivers throughout Fort Smith and the River Valley.

Does the Tucson offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on every gas-powered Tucson trim.

Which SUV offers better warranty coverage?
The Hyundai Tucson offers longer powertrain coverage and more complimentary maintenance than the Honda CR-V.

Visit Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith

If you’re comparing the 2026 Hyundai Tucson vs Honda CR-V in Fort Smith, AR, the best way to decide is to see the Tucson in person. Visit Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith to explore available trims, schedule a test drive, and experience why the Tucson continues to be a top choice for River Valley drivers.

Check out how the Tucson compares to the Toyota RAV-4.

Tags: Compact SUVs, Family SUVs, Fort Smith AR, Hyundai Safety, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai warranty, New Hyundai Models, River Valley Arkansas, SUV Comparison, Vehicle Comparisons
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