Used 2018 Honda CR-V

Fresh from its complete overhaul last year, the 2018 Honda CR-V compact-crossover SUV continues to offer the size, features, fuel economy and excellent reliability buyers have come to expect from Honda. In a market where small SUVs are now crushing sales of small and midsize sedans, the CR-V offers 5-passenger seating, a roomy and versatile cargo bay plus more ground clearance than the average car with the option of all-wheel drive. While not as off-road-ready as a Jeep Cherokee or Subaru Forester, the CR-V nevertheless can be somewhat adventurous. It has more interior room than a Toyota RAV4, more power than the Nissan Rogue and better resale value than a Ford Escape.

Honda now offers two engine options for the 2018 CR-V. The 2.4-liter engine continues to be offered in the base LX trim, while all others now feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Before you get all excited by the “turbo” word, this isn’t a high-performance engine like the one found in the Ford Escape. Instead, the CR-V’s turbocharged engine delivers better low-end torque for quicker passing and merging maneuvers, while improving fuel economy by a few mpg. The turbo delivers a smooth, linear performance that belies its diminutive displacement, with no lag or sudden rush of power when you hammer the accelerator. Both engines are mated to one of the best CVT automatics in the industry, one that even simulates traditional gear changes when pressed hard. The CR-V’s handling is good but not exceptional, the ride comfortable without being too soft and the interior devoid of obnoxious exterior noise or maddening squeaks and rattles.

As noted, the 2018 CR-V’s 2-row, 5-passenger interior space has only improved — an impressive feat given that the previous generation was already among the most spacious in its class. In addition to its growth, this Honda SUV’s space is easier to utilize. The 60/40-split rear seats fold with a simple pull of a lever, and the rear cargo area has a 2-tier setup in which the floor can be flat or set lower to keep objects secure. EX and above models have a pair of useful rear USB ports to keep mobile devices juiced. Up front is the CR-V’s familiar and enviable seating position that is comfortable and provides a good view out.

Though still unmistakably a CR-V, the latest version of Honda’s small SUV looks like it has hit the gym, with a long, wide stance and more aggressive wheel designs. Ground clearance is a respectable 7.8 inches for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 8.2 inches for all-wheel drive (AWD). This is especially good news for CR-V owners who will contend with snow and other foul weather. To our eyes, the latest design is just what the CR-V needed, making it appear less bulbous in the rear, and more substantial and slightly tougher in general.

HONDA SENSING SAFETY SUITE
Standard on EX and higher trims, the CR-V’s suite of standard driver-assist and safety features includes such vital accident-avoidance systems as collision-mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist.

INTERIOR SPACE
Although the latest CR-V isn’t all that much bigger than the generation it replaced, interior space is noticeably improved. With 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, the CR-V trumps the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. Rear legroom is equally impressive at a whopping 40.4 inches.

The 2018 Honda CR-V comes in four flavors: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The least expensive Honda CR-V LX includes single-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, cruise control, and a 4-speaker, 160-watt audio system with 5-inch color screen and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The LX is the only CR-V with the carryover 2.4-liter engine. Most buyers will (and should) opt for the EX, which includes the turbo engine, power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, moonroof, push-button start, heated front seats and 7-inch-display audio/infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible. Significantly, EX models include the Honda Sensing safety suite (see Favorite Features).

Major options come by climbing trims. Step up to the EX-L and you gain leather seating, a power tailgate, 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, HomeLink universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror and 8-speaker audio system. Top-line Touring models add a hands-free tailgate, navigation (optional in EX-L models), LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails, dual chrome exhaust outlets, and a 330-watt/9-speaker premium audio system. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims of the 2018 CR-V.

The 2018 Honda CR-V offers two engine choices, though both are tied to trim level. The well-regarded 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that powered the last-gen CR-V carries over, but only in LX models. All other CR-Vs get a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both have nearly the same power output, but the turbo has a few more horsepower and earns higher fuel economy. Unlike some turbo engines, this one is happy drinking regular unleaded gasoline. Both engines are tied to a CVT automatic transmission that has a Sport mode for added responsiveness. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup, with all-wheel drive optional on both. Both engines in the CR-V are rated to tow 1,500 pounds — on the low end of the SUV spectrum.

2.4-liter inline-4
184 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/32 mpg (FWD), 25/31 mpg (AWD)

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
190 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
179 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/34 mpg (FWD), 27/33 mpg (AWD)