The CR-V has been the best-selling SUV for the Japanese automaker ever since its inception. With over 379,000 units sold this year, the CR-V continues to be one of the most pragmatic and family-friendly SUVs on the market. The CR-V is also a highly versatile option for buyers as it comes with powerful yet efficient engines, spacious interiors, good looks, and impeccable safety and reliability.

This year, the CR-V comes with a starting price tag of $25,245 in four different trims. The base LX is powered by a 2.4L inline-4 engine while higher trims feature a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine. Both the engines are mated to a CVT transmission with either an FWD or AWD drivetrain. The 2018 Honda CR-V rivals the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Nissan Rogue.

2018 Honda CR-V Engine 

For 2018, Honda provides its customers with two engine choices. The base LX trim is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine while the costlier EX, EX-L, and Touring trims get the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine from the Honda Accord. Both the engines are mated to a CVT transmission.

The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 engine in the LX produces 184 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. The naturally aspirated engine feels smooth, but peak power comes only at higher revs. The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 on the other hand produces 190 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 179 foot-pounds of torque at just 2000 rpm.

The turbocharged engine feels more refined and peak power is achieved at 5600 rpm (800 rpm less than the naturally aspirated), thus, it feels more refined at higher speeds and is more efficient. The CVT further helps with better fuel economy.

Models	2018 Honda CR-V	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Mazda CX-5	2018 Nissan Rogue
MSRP	$25,245	$25,755	$25,145	$25,845
Engine	2.4-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4	2.5-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4	2.5-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4	2.5-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4
Transmission	CVT	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Power (hp @ rpm)	184 @ 6400	176 @ 6000	187 @ 6000	170 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	180 @ 3900	172 @ 4100	186 @ 4000	175 @ 4400

The Mazda CX-5 is the most powerful option here followed by the Honda CR-V, but since the CR-V sports a CVT transmission, the performance is quite smooth in comparison to the 6-speed automatic transmission of the CX-5. On the other hand, both the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 are the least powerful option here.

2018 Honda CR-V Acceleration

The 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine is the best performer in the segment, but being naturally aspirated, it produces less power than the turbocharged engine. With the 2.4-liter inline-four engine onboard, the CR-V is capable of accelerating to 60 MPH in 7.7 seconds and reaching a quarter-mile in 16 seconds.

Equipped with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, the CR-V can reach 60 MPH in 7.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds. Both engines have an electronically governed top speed of 130 MPH.

Models	2018 Honda CR-V	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Mazda CX-5	2018 Nissan Rogue
Engine	2.4-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4	2.5-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4	2.5-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4	2.5-L, naturally aspirated, inline-4
0-60 MPH (sec)	7.7	8.3	7.8	8.9
Quarter mile (sec)	16.0	16.6	16.2	17.0
Top Speed (MPH)	130	130	126	124

The Honda CR-V is the fastest in the segment since it's the lightest of all the SUVs listed above. In comparison, both the Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4 are heavier and less powerful, thus they are the slowest in terms of acceleration.

2018 Honda CR-V Brake Performance

The CR-V comes equipped with a capable braking system. The front wheels are paired with 11.1-inch ventilated disc brakes while the rear wheels get 10.2-inch solid disc brakes.

The brakes have a good initial bite and are pretty responsive to inputs. Once slammed, the CR-V comes to a stop within 118 feet, which is impressive, especially for an SUV.

Models	2018 Honda CR-V	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Mazda CX-5	2018 Nissan Rogue
Brake Front (in)	11.1	10.8	11.7	11.7
Brake Rear (in)	10.2	11.2	11.9	11.5
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,307	3,455	3,527	3,454
60-0 MPH (feet)	118	120	135	137

The CR-V has the smallest brakes in the group. However, its lighter curb weight and ventilated disc brakes up front help it achieve the shortest braking distance. The RAV4 falls in second with only a meager difference of 2 feet. Being significantly heavier, both the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue take the longest distance to stop.

2018 Honda CR-V Handling

The Honda CR-V boasts some of the best driving dynamics in its class. It is based on the all-new ACE platform shared with the Civic which has its advantages. Firstly, it is the lightest SUV in its class. Second, the curb weight of the CR-V is distributed 59% in the front and 41% in the back to reduce oversteer and improve handling. This helps with minimal body rolls and provides agility while driving through curvy roads.

Lastly, the power-assisted rack and pinion steering column feels light and responsive. Moreover, the CR-V features the most ground clearance in its class, with 7.8 inches for the FWD and 8.2 inches for the AWD model. 

2018 Honda CR-V MPG Figures

The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. With a 14-gallon fuel tank, the CR-V LX has a fuel range of 448 miles on the highway.

Higher trims powered by the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine have an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway with an estimated range of 476 miles.

Models	2018 Honda CR-V	2018 Toyota RAV4	2018 Mazda CX-5	2018 Nissan Rogue
MPG (City)	26	23	25	26
MPG (Highway)	32	30	31	33
MPG (Combined)	28	26	28	29
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	14	15.9	14.8	14.5
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)	364/448/392	365.7/477/413.4	370/458.8/414.4	377/478.5/420.5

The Nissan Rogue’s 2.5L inline-4 engine is the least powerful of all the SUVs in the group. That said, it helps it get the best fuel economy in the class. However, the CR-V provides the best fuel economy in the segment when equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Verdict

The Honda CR-V is one of the most user-friendly and practical SUVs currently available. Both the engine options are adequate in terms of power and performance but nothing even comes close to the CR-V when it comes to efficiency. Moreover, the CR-V has the best driving dynamics and braking performance in its segment. Overall, the 2018 Honda CR-V is a no-brainer when it comes to budget-friendly performance and practicality.

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