The 2018 Honda CR-V lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor engine software and battery drain issues. At $20,500 to $26,150, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a dependable compact SUV.
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Honda CR-V since it offers advanced safety technology paired with decent reliability ratings, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, efficient engines, as well as the technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are decent for a compact SUV, the seats are comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also larger than the competition.
- Reliability 8/10 – Reliability ratings are good, however, there are some software issues owners should update. Avoid models from 2015–2016 which have transmission problems while 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both of the 4-cylinder engine options, although neither are as quick as some competitors.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 CR-V is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Honda Sensing is optional which includes lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, as well as automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 30 MPG, giving 420 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $70 cheaper than average at $172 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Honda CR-V is slightly more expensive than other small SUVs, yet slow depreciation paired with low ownership costs makes it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda CR-V?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Honda CR-V offers improved safety and sharper handling with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the CR-V at 4.2/5, praising the peppy turbo engine, but doesn’t like the finicky touchscreen.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the CR-V a 4.1/5, enjoying the Honda Sensing safety software, but owners don’t like the low towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Honda CR-V Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Honda CR-V include some engine software issues, excessive battery drain, along with some stereo system glitches. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs, with lower repair bills as the CR-V ages.
Engine software issues are the most widespread complaint from 2018 Honda CR-V owners at around 10,000 miles. There’s a software update available for the CR-V which improves the engine’s performance and reliability. Most dealers will install the update for free, while some may charge around $50.
Excessive battery drain shows up on some Honda CR-V models in the first 3,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories found in the CR-V which may drain the battery while the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the battery drain costs around $150, and fixing the issue is usually under $100 as well.
Stereo system glitches have also been reported by CR-V owners at roughly 20,000 miles. There are some stereo system software updates available which can improve the reliability and stop the system from freezing. Many dealers will update the software for free, while others may charge roughly $50.
There are 2 recalls on the 2018 Honda CR-V, which is better than many other compact SUVs. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump, which can fail. Honda will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free. The second recall covers the steering system, yet it only affects 54 models, so it isn’t a widespread issue.
How Long Will the 2018 Honda CR-V Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Honda CR-V can last around 250,000 miles, which is only around 50,000 miles less than the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are much lower than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $251 per year.
As a used 2018 Honda CR-V reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the blower motor for $250, the voltage regulator costing $500, as well as the drive belt tensioner, which costs around $400.
Yes it is. I have owned it for almost 18 months and have not had any problems with it. Based on previous CR-V's, I do not anticipate any problems.
It is reliable. We haven't had any problems thus far. Nothing has gone wrong and we are happy about that.
So far it has been very reliable. I have never had a problem in the past year and a half of owning the vehicle.
Very reliable, I have no issues with it. The headlights are very bright. I simply dislike the speed settings on the windshield wipers.
So far it is been very reliable, and I have had no problems with it. I am pleased with the safety tools it has.
Yes!! Have never had a problem or broken down or gotten stuck. Even when I go beyond dates for scheduled routine maintenance - the car still runs great.
Yes this 2018 Honda is very reliable. I have had this car for over a year and there have been no issues.
No we do not have any problems with it but we wouldn't expect it to have any issues when it only has 16,000 miles on it!!
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the 2018 Honda CR-V with a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a larger 7-inch touchscreen available as an optional upgrade.
Safety technology is great for a compact SUV. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, along with adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2018 Honda CR-V a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Honda CR-V is a good value since it offers decent reliability as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,500 to $26,150, making it more expensive than a Kia Soul or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $24,250 to $34,150. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda CR-V?
There are four models of the 2018 Honda CR-V, from the base LX all the way up to the luxurious Touring. The 2018 CR-V also comes standard with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive on all models.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- LED running Lights
- Cruise Control
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Bluetooth and USB Connectivity
- 5-Inch Color LCD Display
- Four-Speaker Audio System
EX is a step up, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Entry and Start
- Remote Start
- Foglights
- Heated Mirrors
- Body-Colored Door Handles
- Retractable Cargo Cover
- Sunroof
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
EX-L has other features such as:
- Power Liftgate
- Leather Seats
- Power Passenger Set
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Eight-Speaker Audio System
- Navigation System
Touring is the flagship model which offers:
- LED Headlights
- Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips
- Roof Rails
- Automatic Wipers
- Hands-Free Power Liftgate
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Subwoofer For The Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Honda CR-V?
- The base engine is an average 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 184 horsepower while getting up to 27 MPG. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the more efficient 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo, which produces 190 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. It comes with a CVT transmission as well. Performance is okay, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Honda CR-V Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda CR-V?
The 2018 Honda CR-V is a very comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice, offering excellent support paired with high quality materials throughout the lineup.
Passenger room is very good, offering enough legroom for taller adults in the rear seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Honda CR-V Have?
Cargo space is excellent for a compact SUV, offering enough space for 6-7 suitcases behind the rear seats, and over 10 with the second row folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Honda CR-V was launched in 2017.
2015: New 4-cylinder engine and CVT transmission, as well as a new 7-inch touchscreen.
2016: New SE model introduced, security system added to LX model.
2017: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new engines, styling, and technology offered.
2018: Unchanged from the previous year.
2019: No major changes.
2020: Standard 1.5L turbocharged engine, advanced safety features on all models, minor exterior styling changes.
2021: No major changes from earlier years.
How Does the Honda CR-V Compare to the Competition?
The Honda CR-V is an excellent compact SUV offering a lot of reliability paired with good technology for the price, making it a nice choice for shoppers.
The Subaru Forester is another small SUV which costs around $1,000 less. Where the Subaru Forester stands out is with standard all-wheel drive while the Honda CR-V has a more comfortable interior. We recommend the Honda CR-V since it offers better practicality, although both are very good choices.
The Toyota RAV4 is a competitor available for roughly $1,000 more. Standard safety technology is better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Honda CR-V offers a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s more reliable, yet both are extremely good compact SUVs worth taking a look at.
Do Owners Recommend the Honda CR-V?
Yes. It is a very well-made, reliable vehicle with excellent innovative safety features and good gas mileage.
Yes. Comfortable and good ride. I feel that it is safe for my family and has room to grow. I would recommend it.
Yes, it is reliable and has the best value on the market. I enjoy the size of the CR-V since I have a lot of space.
Yes, it is a good car. All around good on looks, storage, gas mileage, and drive. It is not a mom car but it gives you everything you need.
Yes, I love it! I have had no problems with it so far! I feel very safe driving it. I have had no problems at all.
Yes! It is extremely reliable and dependable. Have never been stuck and little maintenance beyond regular upkeep. Great in all weather, especially snow.
Yes this car is a good vehicle. I have not had any problems with it thus far. This is also my second Honda and my other Honda was great too.
Yes it has been our favorite SUV lease so far. We love the way it drives and it is very comfortable. It gets great gas mileage.