carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $20,131–$25,775 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $25,286 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $25,286 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $24,550 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $23,813 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $23,077 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $22,340 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $21,604 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $20,867 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $20,131 | |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $19,394 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $18,658 | Read review → |
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 by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| 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… |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 28/05/2020 · 20V314000 | 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… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 18/12/2023 · 23V858000 | 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.
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.