If you are shopping for a midsize family SUV, you have likely run into the ultimate trim level dilemma: the 2018 honda crv ex vs exl specs. Here at Vroomdan, we know that choosing between these two highly popular trims can feel overwhelming when trying to balance your budget against desired luxury features. Many buyers find themselves stressed about spending thousands more on upgrades they might not actually need. Fortunately, we have broken down every mechanical, interior, and technological difference to help you make the smartest financial decision, while also showing you how to unlock hidden capabilities you will love.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
Dead fob fix · Global window down trick · The hidden folding picnic table · Walk Away Auto Lock · and 11 more.
▶ Read Now — Show Me Everything
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Trim comparisons of cabin comfort, seating materials, and convenience electronics.
- Engine realities, common issues, and the mechanical specifications of the 1.5L Turbo engine.
- How to unlock practical everyday convenience features like the Walk Away Auto Lock.
- Step-by-step DIY maintenance guides to save you hundreds of dollars in dealership fees.
Decoding the 2018 honda crv ex vs exl Trim Differences
The 2018 honda crv ex serves as the high-value volume seller in the lineup.
Step up to the 2018 honda crv exl, and you enter luxury-adjacent territory.
Understanding the exact “difference between ex and exl crv 2018” requires looking closely at both features and costs.
The primary upgrade in the EX-L is the seating surfaces.
The EX comes with durable, high-quality fabric seating.
The EX-L replaces this with genuine leather-trimmed seats.
This upgrade is a game-changer if you have kids or pets.
Leather is significantly easier to wipe clean after messy spills and stressful accidents.
Additionally, the EX-L introduces a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
It also adds a power-programmable tailgate, which can prevent backstrain and daily frustration when your hands are full of heavy groceries.
Another minor upgrade is an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
This mirror eliminates the blinding glare and nighttime fatigue caused by tailgating vehicles.
Finally, the EX-L boasts a premium eight-speaker audio system.
This offers improved acoustic depth compared to the six-speaker setup in the standard EX.
When looking at a “2018 crv ex vs exl” comparison, the powertrain remains identical.
Both models feature the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
Thus, your decision rests purely on these cabin comforts and utility upgrades.
According to the 2018 honda crv kbb valuation models, the price gap has shrunk on the pre-owned market.
Originally, the MSRP difference was roughly $2,500.
Today, a “used 2018 honda crv ex vs exl” typically shows a price gap of only $800 to $1,200.
This makes buying a pre-owned EX-L an incredibly smart luxury hack for budget-conscious families.
| Feature Specs | 2018 CR-V EX Trim | 2018 CR-V EX-L Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Surfaces | Premium Cloth (Heated Front) | Genuine Leather-Trimmed (Heated Front) |
| Power Tailgate | Manual Tailgate Only | Power-Programmable Tailgate |
| Driver/Passenger Seats | 12-Way Power Driver / Manual Passenger | 12-Way Power Driver / 4-Way Power Passenger |
| Audio System | 180-Watt, 6-Speaker System | 180-Watt, 8-Speaker System |
| AWD Availability | Optional Real Time AWD | Optional Real Time AWD |
Understanding Your CR-V’s 1.5L Turbo Engine Performance
Under the hood of both the EX and EX-L trims, you will find Honda’s L15B7 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
This engine puts out a robust 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
These figures provide snappy acceleration that is perfect for merging onto busy highways.
When analyzing the mechanical characteristics of the “honda crv ex l vs ex 2018”, performance remains perfectly matched.
However, many owners of this 5th gen crv have expressed frustration regarding fuel dilution in the engine oil.
This is a known mechanical phenomenon where unburnt fuel escapes past the piston rings and enters the oil pan.
If left unaddressed, this dilution can decrease oil viscosity and cause premature engine wear.
Our team of ASE-certified mechanics recommends changing your engine oil every 5,000 miles instead of waiting for the car’s Maintenance Minder to hit 0%.
This preventative step is an inexpensive insurance policy that guarantees long-term engine health.
Also, both trims use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) designed to optimize fuel economy.
You can expect a highly competitive EPA rating of 28 city and 34 highway MPG for front-wheel-drive models.
Selecting the Real Time AWD system drops these numbers slightly to 27 city and 33 highway MPG.
Cabin Electronics and Infotainment Diagnostics
Both models feature a standard 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system.
This system fully supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations.
Unfortunately, many owners experience occasional screen freezes or smartphone connectivity issues.
You can easily resolve this aggravating technology glitch without paying a dealership diagnostic fee.
Simply hold down the audio system’s physical power button for roughly ten seconds.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to reboot the system.
Select “Yes” to clear the system’s cache and restore flawless smartphone pairing.
For safety, both trims come standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite.
This package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
It also features Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
This suite is absent from the base 2018 honda crv lx trim.
This addition provides massive peace of mind and relief when navigating chaotic highway traffic.
If you require factory navigation, you must choose either the EX-L with the navigation package or upgrade to the premium 2018 honda crv touring.
DIY Maintenance and Practical Cost-Saving Guides
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars at a dealership for simple service tasks.
Replacing your cabin air filter and engine air filter takes less than ten minutes at home.
To replace the cabin filter, open your glove compartment and squeeze the side tabs inward to drop the assembly.
Pull out the old plastic tray, swap in a fresh OEM-spec filter, and slide it back in.
Doing this simple job yourself saves you from outrageous dealership markups of up to $80.
Another area of focus is transmission maintenance.
The CVT fluid in a “2018 crv ex vs ex l” should be drained and refilled every 30,000 miles.
Never flush a Honda CVT; only perform a standard drain-and-fill service using Honda HCF-2 fluid.
Using aftermarket transmission fluids can lead to catastrophic transmission failure and massive repair bills.
Always inspect your battery terminals during routine maintenance.
Clean off any corrosive white buildup using a simple baking soda and water mixture.
Avoiding Common DIY Mistakes on Your CR-V
When working on your SUV, always use OEM or certified matching parts to avoid system errors.
For example, using the wrong viscosity engine oil can trigger check engine light codes.
Always use a high-quality 0W-20 full synthetic oil for the turbocharged engine.
Additionally, take extra care when removing plastic trim clips during cabin air filter changes.
These clips become highly brittle in cold temperatures and snap easily under pressure.
If you must replace your battery, never leave the car without power for more than an hour.
Doing so can cause the audio system to enter anti-theft lock mode, requiring a reset code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 CR-V EX-L worth the extra money over the EX?
If you appreciate genuine leather seats, a power passenger seat, and a power tailgate, the EX-L is definitely worth the small price premium on the pre-owned market.
Do both trims share the same engine?
Yes, both trims utilize the exact same 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission.
How do I unlock Walk Away Auto Lock on my CR-V?
Access the vehicle settings menu on your infotainment screen, go to doors/locks, and toggle Walk Away Auto Lock to “On” to secure your car automatically.
Does the 2018 CR-V require premium fuel?
No, the 1.5L turbocharged engine is fully optimized to run on regular unleaded 87-octane fuel.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Conclusion
Choosing between the EX and EX-L comes down to balancing your budget against desired luxury features. Vroomdan is your ultimate automotive companion for practical DIY advice. Ready to get the most out of your SUV? Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.