There’s not a more competitive sector of the market than compact crossovers, but the 2018 Honda CR-V is ready for battle.
The Toyota RAV4 is another strong seller, but we’re not totally sure why.
It’s not that there’s anything bad about the RAV4, but it feels dated and lacks the refinement of some rivals.
The Mazda CX-5 is about the opposite, although its interior isn’t as well-packaged as the CR-V’s.
The Subaru Forester aces the packaging test, gets good fuel economy, and has an exceptional safety record, but it’s also due for replacement.
VW’s new Tiguan emulates the CR-V in many ways, albeit with an optional (and very confining) third row.
It’s certainly worth a look.
And don’t discount the fun Ford Escape, which is this segment’s driver’s choice.
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 2018 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Kia SportageBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Mazda CX-5Browse Used Listings |  2018 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Honda CR-V may be light on personality, but this compact crossover checks off every other box. It’s a very smart choice. |
The 2018 Ford Escape has the road manners of another kind of car—but don't worry, it still works well as a crossover. |
There’s a lot to like about the sharp-handling, attractive 2018 Kia Sportage, even if its fuel economy doesn’t impress. |
As long as cargo space isn’t your main reason for buying a compact crossover, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent, fun-to-drive choice. |
The 2018 Subaru Forester continues to offer top safety scores, remarkable space inside, and all-round versatility; it’s still one of the best small SUVs, and a good value for money. |
The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a lot going for it, including a hybrid model, but you’d be wise to cross-shop its rivals as well. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $24,250 | $23,940 | $23,600 | $24,150 | $22,795 | $24,660 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 25 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded H-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| LX 2WD | S FWD | LX FWD | Sport FWD | 2.5i Manual | LE FWD (GS) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Ford Escape | 2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Kia Sportage | 2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Subaru Forester | 2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Toyota RAV4 | |
