Honda and Hyundai have been rivals in the compact SUV class since the late 1990s. The competition has never been fiercer, so choosing between these models can be daunting. The 2018 Honda CR-V and 2018 Hyundai Tucson offer fantastic performance, interior features, and safety. But which used compact SUV wins? We compare them side-by-side to help make your decision easier. Let’s start with their specs:

	2018 Honda CR-V	2018 Hyundai Tucson
Average Used Price	$15,740–$30,425	$11,315–$24,396
Engine Types + Sizes	2.4L inline-4, 1.5L turbo-4	2.0L 4-cylinder, 2.4L inline-4, 1.6L turbo-4
Horsepower + Torque	184 hp + 180 lb-ft (2.4L), 190 hp + 179 lb-ft (1.5L)	164 hp + 151 lb-ft (2.0L), 181 hp + 175 lb-ft (2.4L), 175 hp + 195 lb-ft (1.6L)
Transmission + Drivetrain	CVT + FWD, AWD available	6-speed automatic + FWD, AWD available
0–60 mph Acceleration, Top Speed	7.7 seconds, 130 mph	8.4 seconds, 115 mph
Fuel efficiency	30/29 mpg FWD/AWD	26/23 mpg FWD/AWD
NHTSA Safety Rating	5/5 stars	5/5 stars
Cargo Capacity	75.8 cu. ft. maximum, 39.2 cu. ft behind rear seats	61.9 cu. ft. maximum, 32 cu. ft. behind rear seats

Now let’s take a closer look at each vehicle.

2018 Honda CR-V overview

The 2018 Honda CR-V is a reliable SUV with plenty of cargo space, good fuel economy, and decent performance. It has a comfortable interior with many tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, power-adjustable front seats, and blind-spot monitoring. With its standard 2.4-liter engine, the CR-V has plenty of power for everyday driving, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures smooth and seamless shifting.

Pros:

• Sportier exterior after a redesign in 2017
• Spacious interior for passengers and cargo
• Smooth and efficient CVT
• Available real-time all-wheel drive
• Top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS

Cons:

• Infotainment system can be tricky to use
• Navigation system is not as intuitive as some rivals
• Engine can be slightly noisy under heavy acceleration

2018 Hyundai Tucson overview

The reliable 2018 Hyundai Tucson offers plenty at an affordable price. It has a distinctive exterior that sets it apart from other compact SUVs. And it features a surprisingly spacious interior with plenty of legroom for passengers. The Tucson produces 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque from its available turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, making it surprisingly powerful for its size. Fuel economy is good, too, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined on the front-wheel-drive models.

Pros:

• Impressive fuel economy ratings for all engines
• Generous selection of standard tech features
• Top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS
• Optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine packs a punch
• Higher trims provide numerous luxury features

Cons:

• Base engine has lackluster performance
• Cargo space is slightly below average

2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Hyundai Tucson: Driving and performance

The 2018 Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson offer few engine options but enough to suit most drivers’ needs. The CR-V has a 184-hp 2.4-liter engine with a CVT as standard and an optional 190-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four with the same transmission. The Hyundai Tucson provides three engines: a 164-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and a 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo-four. All pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.

With up to 30 mpg combined (FWD), the CR-V gets slightly better gas mileage than the Tucson. However, the Honda is only marginally quieter than the Hyundai when accelerating. Both offer FWD and optional all-wheel drive. But the CR-V’s AWD system is more advanced, with real-time torque vectoring for improved performance on wet or slippery surfaces.

2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Hyundai Tucson: Interior and tech

The Honda CR-V’s interior offers a comfortable ride and plenty of tech features. The include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, power-adjustable front seats, and blind-spot monitoring. It also has plenty of cargo space, with 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

The Hyundai Tucson has a more modern interior than the CR-V but is slightly less spacious, with 61.9 cubic feet of cargo room. However, it offers an impressive list of tech features, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen display and driver-assistance technologies such as lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

2018 Honda CR-V vs. 2018 Hyundai Tucson: Trim levels and features

According to Edmunds, the 2018 Honda CR-V offers four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The LX base model has dual-zone climate control and a 5.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trims offer additional features like a power liftgate, moonroof, and built-in navigation.

The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has six trim levels: SE, SEL, Value, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate. The standard SE has has a 7.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims add amenities like heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with navigation.

Which used compact SUV is the right fit for you?

Ultimately, the right used compact SUV for you will depend on your budget and the features you’re looking for. The 2018 Honda CR-V offers more cargo space, a smoother ride, and real-time AWD but is more expensive than the Tucson. On the other hand, the 2018 Hyundai Tucson has an available turbocharged engine and a broader selection of standard tech features. It’s also slightly better on gas but less spacious than the CR-V.

No matter which one you choose, both vehicles offer good value for the money and are reliable used compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V is an excellent choice if you want more cargo space and better performance, while the Hyundai Tucson is great if you’re looking for more tech features at a lower price point. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

But before purchasing any used car, always obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection to uncover potential problems. Also, prices may vary depending on trim level, mileage, overall condition, and location.