2018 Honda CR-V Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Honda redesigned its compact CR-V crossover in 2017 to critical acclaim, earning it a case-full of industry awards. Fresh off of that successful launch, it slides into 2018 with no major updates.

The latest CR-V wears a design that is at once an evolution of the older models and something new. The tall bumpers, vertical taillights, and prominent window kink are all hereditary, but the new CR-V appears both muscular and substantial. That carries over to the interior, with its broad seats, logical dashboard, and masculine shapes. Despite its compact footprint, the CR-V has nearly the same amount of usable space as many midsize vehicles. The low rear floor, also a CR-V trait, makes easy work of loading and unloading cargo.

The base engine for the CR-V is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder good for 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque with 26 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined. Optionally, buyers can upgrade to a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, and 28, 34, and 30 mpg. Both engines are mated to a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT), and come with either front or all-wheel drive; fuel economy ratings drop by 1 mpg across the board for the latter.

All four of the CR-V’s previous trims return for 2018. LX, the base trim, gets the 2.4-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lamps, a 5-inch color infotainment system, single-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.

EX gets the more powerful turbocharged engine, keyless entry and start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote engine start, a power moonroof, heated front seats, a 12-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and automatic high beams.

EX-L tacks on leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, mirror turn indicators, a two-person memory setting for the driver, a power passenger seat, a garage door opener, and a 180-watt premium sound system with 8 speakers.

Lastly, the Touring tops the range with additional chrome appliques on the sides and exhaust tips, full LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free power tailgate, navigation, and a 330-watt sound system with 9 speakers.

Safety is yet another of the CR-V’s strong suits. A reversing camera is standard, as are six airbags. In addition, EX and above trims come with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic detection and the Honda Sensing group of active safety technologies, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Honda’s CR-V continues its tenure as the best value proposition in its segment, with a combination of comfort, technology and safety features, not to mention levels of interior room that punch it into the next size class. It deserves the attention of anyone shopping for a new compact crossover.