Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Honda HR-V
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2018 Honda HR-V earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.3/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 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. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 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. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $20,131–$25,775, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Honda HR-V sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. 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.
Bottom line: Think of the 2018 Honda HR-V as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology and performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 HR-V ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $20,131 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 44%.
$0 — 3 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 HR-V Year Should You Buy?
Across the HR-V model years we've scored, the 2018 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Honda HR-V (3 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Disc / Caliper 01/11/2018 · 18V777000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Acura MDX, 2017-2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda HR-V vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside…
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Honda HR-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 HR-V
Is the 2018 Honda HR-V reliable?
We rate the 2018 Honda HR-V's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 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 HR-V have?
3 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 HR-V worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Honda HR-V cost?
The 2018 Honda HR-V starts at $20,131 and ranges up to $25,775 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which HR-V years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest HR-V years we've rated are 2016 (7.3/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2018 Honda HR-V have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Honda HR-V are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Service brakes, hydraulic, Fuel system, gasoline (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 HR-V
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More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year