2018 Honda CR-V SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Honda CR-V crossover has two engine choices. The base trim features a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine with an output of 184 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. The higher trim levels get a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with an output of 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. A continuous variable automatic transmission comes as standard and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive can be configured for all trims. With the turbocharged power plant under the hood, the acceleration was immediate. There is a wide power band and turbo lag was negligible. This compact SUV never struggled in pulling off of slower traffic. The handling was very capable in twisted roads because of the remarkable grip on the pavement. Body roll was ever-so-slightly present but overall stability was maintained. The steering had a progressive feel and the vehicle turned at will. Feedback was strong and this allowed for a more composed cornering ability. Like its handling and engine, the brakes also performed well. It took 116 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is commendable in the compact SUV category. The delivery of the bite was predictable and the pedal was responsive in light or hard applications.

Technology

The base LX trim comes standard with an electronic parking brake, LED running lights, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB ports, a 5-inch display and a four-speaker sound system. The EX trim now adds the turbocharged engine, remote start, fog lights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, additional USB ports and an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display. The EX-L trim steps it up with a power liftgate, driver seat memory settings, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HD radio and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. Navigation is available as a standalone option. The cream-of-the-crop Touring trim now includes LED headlights, automatic wipers, hands-free power liftgate, ambient interior lights, navigation and a subwoofer for the sound system.

Safety

The 2018 model was tested by the NHTSA and it earned five stars in the frontal crash test, five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the rollover test. Overall, it achieved a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It was tested by the IIHS, too, and it scored the highest marks for crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. Thus, it earned a 2018 Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS. Advanced safety and driver aids begin with the midrange trim and they include a rearview camera, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Appearance

The 2018 CR-V has a length of 180.6 inches, a width of 73 inches, a height of 66.5 inches and a wheelbase of 104.7 inches. The 2018 model carries over the styling from the vehicle's redesign back in 2017. The CR-V has a futuristic yet muscular aesthetic, following a trend that has been prevalent among Japanese manufacturers lately. The base trim only comes with 17-inch wheels while higher trim levels start with 18-inch wheels. 19-inch wheels only become available with the EX trim and higher. The sunroof and the spoiler are only added when opting for the EX trim. Roof rails are only available for the Touring trim.

Comfort

The current generation of the CR-V is slightly larger, but entering the cabin was just as simple. The doors open wide and stepping inside wasn’t a stretch. There are enough headroom and legroom for both rows of seats and there is plenty of room for movement. Five people can fit inside the two rows of seats. The cushion of the seats provided all-day comfort and the leather quality is good considering the price range of the CR-V. Sadly, the said comfort features are not available as options for the LX and EX trims. Meanwhile, the power-adjustable driver seat has a good range of customizations to fit most body types. With a balanced setup for its suspension, the ride quality of the crossover remained comfortable even with sporty handling traits. Bumps and cracks were absorbed well and the smaller wheel size was more compliant. Road and wind noise, as well as the engine note, was still perceptible but they didn’t detract from the reasonably peaceful interior.

Cargo

There is 39.2 cu-ft of space behind the second row of seats. Folding those seats down now opens up 75.8 cu-ft of space for loading cargo.