2018 Lotus Evora
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,075 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 13% below the 2018 minicompact car average of 22.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lotus Evora is a minicompact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,075 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 13% worse than the 2018 minicompact car average of 22.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Evora — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Evora →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 172.8 in | 72.8 in | 48.4 in | 101.6 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 3,075 lb |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | -13% | $4,100 | 451 |
| Evora | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -17% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lotus Evora.
Similar 2018 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lotus Evora (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Ferrari 488 GTB | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Ferrari California T | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Structure · Apr 2, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V263000 · 424 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Evora vehicles. The toe board in the passenger footwell lacks stiffness, allowing the knee of an unbelted occupant to contact the rigid structure of the vehicle, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the occupant's knee contacts the rigid structure, there may be an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the toe board with a new design to provide the appropriate stiffness, free of charge. The recall began May 27, 2019. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 2019/01R.
Steering · Nov 6, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V781000 · 36 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus Cars Limited (Lotus) is recalling certain 2018 Lotus Evora vehicles. Due to an assembly error, in the event of a frontal collision, the steering column may not properly collapse to absorb some of the impact energy.
- Risk
- If the steering column does not collapse as intended in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will correct the steering column assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2018. Owners may contact Lotus customer service at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 2018/01R.
Not every 2018 Lotus Evora is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lotus Evora buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lotus Evora. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Evora years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Evora | 20 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2014 Evora | 22 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 Evora | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2012 Evora | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 Evora | 23 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2010 Evora | 21 | 170.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lotus. How we calculate this →