Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Honda CR-V
Our scoring places the 2018 Honda CR-V at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.4/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.3/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $25,510–$32,623, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Honda CR-V sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.1/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Honda CR-V is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2018 Honda CR-V ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,510 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 29%.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which CR-V Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Honda CR-V scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Honda CR-V (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit,…
Steering / Electric power assist system 27/09/2018 · 18V663000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the
torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become…
Seat belts / Front / Buckle assembly 09/03/2023 · 23V158000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Honda CR-V that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Honda CR-V
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V reliable?
We rate the 2018 Honda CR-V's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Honda CR-V have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V worth buying?
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Honda CR-V cost?
The 2018 Honda CR-V starts at $25,510 and ranges up to $32,623 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which CR-V years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 CR-V model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.2/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2018 Honda CR-V have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Honda CR-V are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Steering, Seat belts, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda CR-V
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2018 model shown
