Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is one of the most successful models for the Japanese manufacturer. Currently in its fifth generation, it is available in 4 trims, namely LX, EX, EX-L and Touring with two engine options on offer. It is priced attractively, with base variant priced at $24,250 and the top trim at $34,150.
The 2018 Honda CR-V is a pleasing car to look at, with an eye-catching crossover design, which looks elegant. Design cues are very similar to that of its younger sibling, the Civic, with distinct character lines and cuts all over.
If exterior design is elegant, the interior is classy, understated and sophisticated. There is lots of space on offer, and the beige theme lends an airy feeling into the cabin. The seats are firm and supportive, and all-round visibility is also good.
Powering the CR-V are two engine options, which include a 2.4 liter 4 cyl. engine producing 184 hp of power and 180 lb-ft of torque. The other is a 1.5 liter turbocharged inline 4 motor which produces 190 hp of power and 179 lb-ft of torque. Both the motors come paired with a CVT automatic transmission with FWD configuration.
If you’re looking for performance, then the turbo 1.5 motor is the one to opt for. With a feedback rich steering and firm suspension, the car is a very capable handler and high-speed stability is also impressive. Brakes offer good stopping power without amy nosedive. With so much performance on offer, efficiency figures are impressive and car returns a combined efficiency of 31 mpg.
Safety kit includes automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai’s cars keep getting better with each generation and it’s no surprise that 2018 Hyundai Tucson is better in every aspect, compared to its predecessor. It is available in 6 trims, namely SE, SEL, Sport, SEL Plus, Value and Limited with 3 engine options. The 2018 Hyundai Tucson review says the car is priced between $22,550 and $30,825, which makes it a value for money proposition for prospective buyers.
The exterior design is in line with other Hyundai cars, and the car looks nicer in person than in pictures. Tucson looks like a crossover from every angle, in every possible way!
The interior features a dual tone beige and black dashboard, which lends the cabin an airy feeling. Seats are firm and supportive, and massive glass area offers good visibility. The interior of the Tucson is luxurious, and a nice place to be in.
Tucson Engine options include a 2.0-liter motor with 4 cylinders, a 2.4 liter with 4 cylinders, both of which come with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The pick of the lot however, is the 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cyl. motor which produces 175 hp of power and 195 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. There is adequate power to keep you happy, and there is no reason to complain.
The major downer though, is the steering, which doesn’t offer any sort of feel and feedback, and the only saving brace being the firm suspension, which helps its cause in straight line stability, but the car is no corner-craver by any means. Braking performance is on par with its rival’s fuel efficiency is rated at 25 mpg, which is respectable for its size and the segment it competes in.
The Tucson has been awarded 5 stars by Federal Government’s NHTSA. It is loaded with top-notch safety kit, which includes blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist Toyota Business Lease.
Subaru Forester
Another Japanese car featuring on this list is the boxy 2018 Subaru Forester. Currently in its fourth generation, Subaru is available in 6 trims, namely 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0 XT Premium and 2.0 XT Touring.
Engine options include a 2.5 liter for the first 3 trims, while the top two trims come with turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Both the engines are paired with a CVT Automatic transmission, which sends power to all 4 wheels. The Subaru Forester is priced between $22,795 and $36,090.
Going by the exterior looks, the Forester isn’t a looker by any means. It is boxy, yet doesn’t look rugged, but comes across as a very practical SUV. Though exterior looks are subjective, this car doesn’t match the charm of its rivals.
There is nothing about Forester’s interior theme, and the dashboard with a plethora of buttons appears as an afterthought. The seats though, are comfortable and huge glass area aids in good all-round visibility. As is the case with almost all Japanese cars, there is plenty of space in all the three rows which is always welcome. The interior of Forester is nothing to write home about, it is basic, yet functional and gets the job done.
Powering the Forester are two engine options. One is a 2.5 liter 4 cyl. Engine, which produces 170 hp of power and 174 lb-ft of torque, and is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission.
The other engine is a more powerful, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Power output is rated at 250 hp while torque is rated at 258 lb-ft, and the motor is paired with a CVT automatic gearbox, which sends power to all the wheels. With 250 hp of power, Forester is the most powerful car in its segment What’s disappointing though, is the handling.
With high ground clearance and hefty curb weight, handling is surely not Forester’s forte. Yes, it rides well, but the lack of feel and feedback from the steering rob away the cornering abilities of this vehicle. What’s impressive though, is the braking performance, and stopping power is commendable. Fuel efficiency is rated at 31 mpg, which again is on par with its segment rivals Auto Village.
The Forester was awarded 5 stars by NHTSA, and it comes with a rear-view camera as standard. Optional safety kit includes blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts.
