DecodedCars2018 Honda CR-V
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 190 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,311–3,483 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2018 small SUV (24.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints2,161 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 352 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Honda CR-V is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 34 highway), 20% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2161 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 CR-V — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 CR-V →
Trims, performance & features
Engine190 hp1.5L turbo 4-cyl
TransmissionCVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
EXEX-L/EX-L Navi
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Greensburg, Indiana · Alliston, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 CR-V configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,483 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 180.7 in | 72.8 in | 66.1 in | 104.7 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,311 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 292 |
| CR-V AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +25% | $2,300 | 303 |
| CR-V FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 312 |
| CR-V AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | +16% | $2,500 | 327 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Honda CR-V SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.2% |
| 2018 Honda CR-V SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.3% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Honda CR-V (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Dec 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V858000 · 2,490,460 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly · Mar 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V158000 · 448,613 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
- Risk
- An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Mar 25, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V215000 · 624,552 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Sep 27, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V663000 · 54 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.
- Risk
- The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.
Not every 2018 Honda CR-V is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
2,161Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
46Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
47Injuries reported
3,820 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Honda CR-V buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 530 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 376 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Steering — 328 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,820 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Honda CR-V. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CR-V years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 CR-V | 40 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 177 |
| 2025 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 290 |
| 2024 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 481 |
| 2023 CR-V | 40 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 633 |
| 2022 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 348 |
| 2021 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 444 |
| 2020 CR-V | 38 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 444 |
| 2019 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 1,107 |
| 2017 CR-V | 30 | 180.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 1,777 |
| 2016 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 394 |
| 2015 CR-V | 29 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 670 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →