2018 Nissan Leaf Review: A Detailed Look

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Car manufacturers have started to move away from internal combustion engines and have begun to embrace the concept of electric vehicles. With significant improvements in battery technology and in the efficiency of electric motors, electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf are quickly becoming more popular and are finding new takers. In this 2018 Nissan Leaf review article, you will get to know more about the vehicle, its features and technical specifications, its price range, and how it stacks up against other similar electric vehicles.

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What Is the 2018 Nissan Leaf?

Before we get into the 2018 Nissan Leaf review, let us first learn more about this all-electric car. Manufactured by the Japanese multinational automobile company Nissan, the 2018 Nissan Leaf is the second iteration of the electric vehicle. Arguably the best-selling electric automobile, the 2018 version of the Nissan Leaf features several functional and aesthetic updates when compared to its predecessor.

2018 nissan leaf s sideview

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Sporting a 5-door hatchback body style, the Leaf comes in a single front-wheel-drive configuration, with the electric motor placed conventionally in its front. And while the 2018 version retains the sharply raked front end of its predecessor, it is considerably more aggressive in terms of styling with sharp cuts and angles. Even the headlights and the taillights are sharp and look menacing, which supplements the car’s aggressive character perfectly.

2018 Nissan Leaf Review: Specs

leaf

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Powered by a 110kW permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor, the Leaf puts out a maximum of around 147 horsepower with around 236 pound-feet of torque. Power to the motor is delivered by a large 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which bestows the vehicle with around 150 miles of total range on a single charge. However, most 2018 Nissan Leaf reviews will agree that it can be very tough to extract the specified range of 150 miles when subjecting the car to hard acceleration and high speeds.

Featuring up to three different charging options, the Nissan Leaf is highly versatile and can be charged either at home or at public charging stations with varying degrees of speed and efficiency. Also, the vehicle supports both 120-volt and 240-volt outlets, making it a truly flexible and adaptable electric car. Furthermore, the car’s all-electric powertrain comes with an added incentive of lower maintenance due to fewer moving parts. It also includes several user-friendly features, as you’ll discover in the coming sections of this 2018 Nissan Leaf Review.

nissan leaf

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How It Compares

In order to bring a little perspective to this 2018 Nissan Leaf review, we picked a few similar electric vehicles available for sale on the market to see how they compare with the Leaf.

  • 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV
  • 2018 Kia Soul EV
  • 2018 Ford Focus Electric

2018 Nissan Leaf

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Features

At the heart of the interiors of the Nissan Leaf is the Nissan Intelligent Mobility system that seamlessly connects with your smart device and offers navigation, hands-free calling, and music playback capabilities. With support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the car can be operated through voice commands using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.

Furthermore, with the NissanConnect app, you can remotely control several functions of the car through your smart device. The car comes with an LCD display just beside the speedometer, and it can be customized to display information just the way you want it. Widely stressed by many 2018 Nissan Leaf reviews is the fact that the car comes with an overload of technological advancements, which make driving the car a sheer pleasure.

Performance

Moving on to the performance segment of this 2018 Nissan Leaf review, the 147 horsepower all-electric motor packs a punch when it comes to acceleration. Thanks to the instant torque delivery of the electric motor, the car reaches 60 miles per hour from a standstill in less than 8 seconds. With a top speed of around 89 miles per hour, the car is powerful enough to leave several gasoline-powered cars in the dust.

One of the main highlights is the incredibly low noise levels of just around 65 decibels, which is considerably lower than cars with internal combustion engines. Also, its adequate steering feedback and the slightly low slung chassis make the car engaging to drive in the canyons, with the torque kicking in at the right time when coming out of a corner.

Safety

During the 2018 Nissan Leaf review, we were astonished to discover the level of safety features and driver assistance the vehicle came with. With features like automatic emergency braking, intelligent cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, and high beam assist, the vehicle inspires a lot of confidence in the driver. Additionally, with the optional Nissan ProPilot Assist package, the car shares a lot of the tasks with you, helping you steer, accelerate, and brake.

The Leaf also comes with rear cross traffic alert that senses cars creeping up on you and helps you back up with confidence. Also, with the blind spot warning system, you are always kept informed of vehicles in your blind spots on either side. Equipped with 6 airbags as the standard, the Nissan Leaf provides adequate protection in the case of a crash. The anti-lock braking system and the electronic brake force distribution system help you keep the car always under control even under hard braking.

Warranty

The 2018 Nissan Leaf comes with basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition to that, it also receives a powertrain and EV system coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles. Furthermore, the car’s lithium-ion battery is covered by the warranty for up to 6 months or 100,000 miles, whichever is earlier.

Pros

  • Quiet powertrain
  • Comes with fast charging ability
  • Great performance
  • Longer driving range

Cons

  • Lacks telescopic steering wheel adjustment
  • Intrusive driver-assist systems

2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV

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Manufactured by Chevrolet, the Bolt is meant to be an affordable all-electric vehicle that competes directly against the Nissan Leaf. Sporting a funky and head-turning design, the Chevrolet Bolt elegantly combines smooth lines and curves with sculpted body panels for a strong road presence.

As stated in the 2018 Nissan Leaf review, the Chevrolet Bolt also comes with a sharply raked front end, which, when combined with a flat and enclosed underbody, improves the aerodynamic ability of the car by streamlining the airflow. And thanks to the 60/40 rear split-folding seats, the Bolt offers a maximum of up to 56.6 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space.

Features

Right at the center of the dashboard of the Chevy Bolt is a large, tablet-sized 10.2-inch color touch-screen infotainment system. In addition to this, there’s another 8-inch secondary electronic display in the driver cluster. Both of these displays relay real-time information like the remaining battery level, an estimation of the range, climate control settings, and location and navigation data. And just as we saw in the 2018 Nissan Leaf review, the Bolt also comes with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Performance

Powered by a sprightly synchronous AC electric motor, the Bolt puts out roughly 200 horsepower with around 266 pound-feet of torque. A heavy-duty 60kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides power to the motor with a maximum range of around 238 miles on a single charge. With so much power under the hood, the Chevy Bolt races from 0 to 6 miles per hour in an astounding 6.5 seconds, with the top speed limited to around 93 miles per hour. The low center of gravity combined with the car’s aerodynamic design enhances the stability of the vehicle at high speeds.

Safety

Featuring plenty of ultrasonic, radar, and camera-based sensors, the Chevrolet Bolt provides maximum safety for its occupants by reducing the chances of potential collision. In addition to the technological aids, the car also comes with 10 airbags and a high-strength steel frame that drastically reduces the chances of fatalities in the event of a crash. Four strategically placed cameras in the car combine to create a bird’s-eye view, enabling you to see everything that’s happening around you.

Warranty

The 2018 Chevrolet Bolt comes with a limited bumper-to-bumper warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition to that, it is also covered by a limited rust-through corrosion warranty of 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Furthermore, there’s battery and electric components coverage that lasts up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Pros

  • Multiple driver-assistance options
  • Generous passenger space
  • Adequate cargo space
  • Includes a teen driving system

Cons

  • Average cabin material quality
  • High price tag

2018 Kia Soul EV

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Sporting a boxy SUV design, the 2018 Kia Soul EV is an all-electric five-door compact crossover vehicle. Based on the highly popular Kia Soul, the EV version retains all the goodness of the Soul and effectively combines it with a bright and exciting engine with absolutely zero emissions. One of the main talking points of the Soul EV is its unmatched cabin and cargo space. Also, the car is equipped with plenty of features while still staying affordable and inexpensive for the average consumer.

Features

Emphasizing comfort above everything else, the Kia Soul EV offers class-leading interiors that are not just cozy and plush, but also contemporary and modern. Featuring the popular UVO infotainment system, the car provides access to real-time telematics and information irrespective of whether you are in the car or not. When paired with a compatible smart device, the vehicle allows you to access the car remotely through the UVO app.

Performance

The all-electric Kia Soul EV comes with an electric motor that outputs around 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Although slightly lower than the competition, it is enough to propel the car from standstill to 60 miles per hour in just 9.5 seconds. However, the quiet and efficient motor provides aggressive regenerative braking that helps you bring the car down to a stop in a flash. The most disappointing aspect of this EV is the fact that it has a very low range of just 111 miles, which is way behind what we saw in the 2018 Nissan Leaf review.

Safety

Safety is one aspect where the Kia Soul EV scores high. Bestowed with full-length side curtain airbags and dual front and side airbags for the driver and co-passenger, the car keeps the occupants safe in the event of a collision. In addition to this, the vehicle also possesses passive safety systems such as a traction control system, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist control.

Warranty

The 2018 Kia Soul EV is covered by a basic limited warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition to this, there is also a Powertrain limited warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and an EV system warranty, which includes the battery pack and is valid up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Pros

  • Roomy cabin
  • Good infotainment system
  • Excellent audio system
  • Heated seats for added comfort

Cons

  • Unappealing design
  • Lacks many features

2018 Ford Focus Electric

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The 2018 Ford Focus electric is a compact all-electric hatchback that utilizes the mature and well-aged design of the gasoline version of the Ford Focus. Unlike other electric vehicles, the Ford Focus electric comes in just a single variant with limited customization and optional packages. As the Focus electric shares a lot of its components with its gasoline counterparts, the sourcing of components and maintenance is a lot easier when compared with other EVs.

Features

The driver cluster of the Ford Focus electric features patented SmartGauge with EcoGuide technology that provides the driver with real-time telemetry data and driving metrics. This information can then be used by the driver to cultivate proper driving habits that help maximize the efficiency of the vehicle. The display also provides vital information like the battery life remaining and estimated total range to keep you informed at all times. The list of other standard equipment includes heated mirrors, auto headlamps, a rear window defroster, and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, among others.

Performance

A combination of a 107kW electric motor and a 33.5kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack power the Ford Focus electric. With 143 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the car catapults to 60 miles an hour from a standstill in roughly 10 seconds, with the top speed capped at 84 miles per hour. However, the overall range of 115 miles is quite low when compared with other electric vehicles. Due to the heavy component-sharing between the electric and gasoline variants of the Ford Focus, the driving dynamics remain unchanged.

Safety

With respect to safety, the Ford Focus electric comes with dual front and side airbags and side curtain airbags along with electronic stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. However, the car lacks active driver assist systems like the ones present in the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt.

Warranty

The 2018 Ford Focus Electric comes with a bumper-to-bumper warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, a Powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles, a warranty on the safety restraint system for 5 years or 60,000 miles, a warranty on corrosion (perforation only) for 5 years or unlimited miles, and a roadside-assistance program for 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Pros

  • Precise and smooth handling
  • Good rear and front visibility
  • Effortless steering
  • Quiet and well-insulated cabin

Cons

  • Not enough storage compartments
  • Rear seats are slightly cramped

Conclusion

The 2018 Nissan Leaf is a very capable electric vehicle that has the potential to replace conventional gasoline-powered cars. Equipped with several class-leading features and safety systems, the Leaf is a joy to drive around the city. With the built-in fast charging feature, you can get up to 90 miles of range by simply plugging it in for 30 minutes.

2018 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

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Pollution from cars is said to be one of our country’s greatest contributors to climate change. Greenhouse gases have accumulated in our atmosphere to dangerous degrees partly because of millions of vehicles burning fossil fuels and releasing carbon dioxide into the air. These emissions also contribute to the harmful smog and low air quality conditions that plague many of the country’s major cities.

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With gas prices rising and environmental concerns deepening, now is the perfect time to shop around for a more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle. Car buyers have certain concerns in pursuit of a more environmentally friendly vehicle. They want a car that is less harsh on the environment, that also performs impressively, that prioritizes safety and looks good.

honda accord obsidian blue

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If you or someone you know is looking to make the switch to a greener vehicle, keep reading. This 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review discusses the various features of one of the best hybrids on the market. This Honda Accord model really gives drivers what they want in terms of a high-performing reliable hybrid vehicle.

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

honda accord hybrid

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This 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review regards this vehicle as one of the best hybrids of the year. The Accord Hybrid and the regular Accord have the same sleek and high end exterior that drivers across the country love. The four-door sedan seats five adults comfortably and uses front-wheel drive. The Honda Accord Hybrid’s gets an impressive combined 47 miles per gallon.

Features

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid comes in five trim levels, ranging from base to Touring models. From base to Touring, each trim level offers progressively advanced features. This 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review will discuss the various features of the different trim levels.

Base Trim

EX Trim

EX-L and EX-L with Navi Trim

Touring Trim

Pricing

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review features a price that varies in accordance with the different trim levels. The base model costs around $25,100, the EX costs around $28,890, the EX-L costs around $31,440 and the Touring model costs around $34,710.

How It Compares

To comprehensively conduct this 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review, we have chosen a few comparable hybrid sedans to compare the Accord to.

  • 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid

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Price

This product can be found at your local Honda dealership for varying prices depending on the trim level, with the base model costing around $25,100, the EX model costing around $28,890, the EX-L costing around $31,440 and the Touring model costing around $34, 710.

Interior

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring model has a high-tech and luxurious interior, setting it apart from many of the hybrid models on the market today. The interior features leather upholstery, chrome interior accents, heated front and back seats, and ventilated front seats. The sound system features 10 speakers, internet access via HondaLink, smartphone integration systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The smartphone integration system is one of the highest-regarded features of this 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review.

Safety

This impressive hybrid vehicle has features that come because of up-to-date technology. The Touring model comes with automatic high-beam control which automatically brightens and dulls the high beam technology as necessary. The vehicle also comes with front and rear parking sensors that make parallel parking and backing in a breeze.

The Accord Hybrid also gives drivers front collision warnings with automatic braking and lane departure warnings.

Performance

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review notes the sedan’s incredible fuel economy. The Accord Hybrid gets around 47 miles per gallon. This Honda uses a two-motor powertrain, using two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack and a 2.0 liter gas engine. This 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review has found that this car drives smoothly without the hesitation or jolting that many hybrids suffer from.

Warranty

A new Honda hybrid comes with a 36-month or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 60 month or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty and 36 months or 36,000 mile roadside assistance warranty. The certified pre-owned program covers cars less than six years old or that have less than 80,000 miles. The basic warranty for certified pre-owned Honda Accord Hybrids comes cover the car for 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Pros

  • Luxurious interior
  • High-tech safety and media features
  • Excellent fuel economy

Cons

  • Some may need more seating or cargo space
  • Some features are limited to upper level trims

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This Toyota model is the hybrid version of one of the country’s most reliable and popular cars. This spacious five-seater vehicle offers a smooth, comfortable, and fuel-efficient ride. This Camry Hybrid is a great mid-size vehicle with more cargo room than most sedans.

This hybrid comes in varying trims. The Camry Hybrid LE is the base model, the SE comes with leatherette upholstery, and the XLE comes with leather upholstery and an upgraded Entune media system.

Price

This product can be found at your local Toyota dealership for around $27,800 for the base trim, $29,500 for the SE trim, and $32,250 for the XLE trim.

Interior

With the Camry hybrid, even the lower-level trims feature high-quality cabins. While the back seats and trunk have improved cargo space, there have been some complaints regarding front seat space, especially for taller drivers.

The interior features a 7-inch touch screen Entune Infotainment system which offers Siri Eyes Free and Bluetooth capabilities. The hybrid also features a sunroof, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and a nine-speaker JBL brand audio system.

Safety

The 2018 Camry Hybrid has come back with great crash test results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated the Camry Hybrid a five-star review overall and five-star reviews for every individual crash test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has also given the Camry Hybrid its highest award, the IIHS Top Safety Pick +.

The hybrid’s specific safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. This Toyota model also features the Toyota Safety Sense system, which protects drivers and passengers through its forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings and pedestrian detection warnings.

Performance

The Camry Hybrid gets an impressive 44 miles per gallon in the city and 47 miles per gallon on the highway. Its more basic trim models are even more fuel efficient, getting 51 miles per gallon in the city and 53 miles per gallon on the highway. The Camry Hybrid uses a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to deliver 208 horsepower.

Warranty

A new Camry Hybrid comes with the basic three year or 36,000 mile warranty, five year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty and eight year or 100,000 mile warranty for the hybrid parts.

Pros

  • Impressive gas mileage
  • Multiple trim options
  • Great safety features and awards

Cons

  • Less sleek exterior
  • Less luxurious interiors than comparable hybrids

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The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a high quality mid-size sedan with good fuel efficiency and high-quality performance. The Fusion Hybrid is a dependable vehicle that competes well with the best hybrids on the market.

The 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid comes in four varying trims that range in the features they offer. The S trim is the base model, coming with cloth interior, a rearview camera, push-button start, a nine-speaker sound system and the 4.2-inch SYNC display system. The SE comes with the S features plus a power-adjustable driver’s seat and other impressive feature packages.

The Titanium model comes with leather accents and seating, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and smartphone integration systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum model is the best of the best, with leather wrapping, integrated navigation, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, parking assistance, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and remote start functions.

Price

The Fusion Hybrid can be purchased at your local Ford dealership. The S model costs around $25,390, the SE costs around $26,340, the Titanium costs around $30,870 and the Platinum costs around $37,370.

Interior

The Ford Fusion Hybrid seats five adults comfortably. The interior details vary depending on the trim level, with the base level featuring cloth seats and the upper-level trims offering front sport seats, leather upholstery and heated front seats. The interior cabin is notably spacious but there have been complaints regarding the limited headspace in the back seats.

The base-level trim features a 4.2-inch display and a SYNC infotainment system, while the upper level trim offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a moon roof, a voice controlled navigation system, and an 8-inch touch screen.

Safety

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has received the highest awards from both the National Highway Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. The vehicle also comes with great features like the rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warnings, parking assists and the unique Ford’s MyKey feature. MyKey allows parents to set a maximum speed limit and volume limit for their young drivers.

Performance

The Ford Fusion Hybrid gets around 43 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway. These are fuel-efficient numbers, but they still fall short of the fuel efficiency of other hybrid models of comparable price.

The Fusion Hybrid uses a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to deliver 188 horsepower. The hybrid is said to take on city driving well but requires more pedal work to get up to highway speeds. The Fusion is known for its sporty handling, which makes this model a unique hybrid.

Warranty

A new Fusion has bumper-to-bumper coverage for three years or 36,000 miles and a five year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. In addition, some Fusion’s hybrid parts come with an eight year or 100,000 mile warranty.

Pros

  • Sporty performance
  • Dependable vehicle
  • Unique MyKey feature

Cons

  • Low headspace in the backseats
  • Cloth interior for base model

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The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid is one of the less talked about hybrids on the market, but it still comes with some great safety and performance features.
Unlike many of the hybrids we have discussed, the Optima Hybrid comes in one trim, the EX. Its one trim should not be confused with being a base trim, as the EX model comes with several impressive features.

One upgrade buyers can opt for is the technology package for $5,200. The technology pack comes with interior features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 10-way power adjustable shotgun seat, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes with auto emergency braking, lane departure warnings, forward collision warnings and adaptive cruise control.

Price

This product can be found at your local Kia dealership for around $28,090.

Interior

Like most of the sedans we have discussed, the Optima Hybrid carries five adults, offering decent legroom and headroom for the front and back passengers. The cabin features plastic accents and leather trimmed seats.

With the technology package, buyers get power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The Kia uses Kia’s UVO infotainment system through the 7-inch touch screen display and offers smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sound system notably features a limited six-speaker setup.

Safety

The Optima Hybrid offers great safety features including a rearview camera, parking sensors, and lane departure warnings. The hybrid has notably not been reviewed by the major crash test agencies.

Performance

The Optima Hybrid gives drivers around 39 miles per gallon in the city and 45 miles per gallon on the highway. These numbers are good for a regular sedan, but many hybrid sedans have much more impressive numbers. The Optima Hybrid uses a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor to deliver 202 horsepower.

We found during this 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review that the Kia Optima Hybrid is known for its smooth ride and comfortable drive. It also features a regenerative braking system that recharges the car’s battery as you decelerate.

Warranty

The Kia Optima Hybrid has a basic warranty covered for five years or 60,000 miles, a limited powertrain warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and a warranty for some hybrid parts for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Pros

  • Comfortable ride
  • Spacious and comfortable cabin
  • One high-quality trim level

Cons

  • Gets fewer miles per gallon than comparable hybrids
  • No crash test results

Conclusion

If you are looking to upgrade to a high performing and luxurious hybrid vehicle, the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid is a great bet. This 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review gives the vehicle a five-star rating. This vehicle comes in various trim levels, with its upper echelon trims offering some incredible technological capabilities and interior features that rival luxury vehicles.

The multiple trim levels give buyers several options under what features they want and what they can feasibly afford. The Accord Hybrid gets an impressive 47 miles per gallon, saving drivers money and saving the earth from excess greenhouse gases. It also gives drivers some up-to-date safety features that make this vehicle perfect for drivers with any level of experience.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is one of the most popular hybrids on the market, coming from one of the most dependable car brands in the world. While there are several hybrid sedans on the market, this 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid review should show that this hybrid sedan is hard to beat.

2018 Honda Pilot Review

If you are in the market for a mid-sized SUV there are lots of great options available. Mid-sized SUVs are a great choice for families that need the space of an SUV or van but don’t want to sacrifice style. Many models on the market now offer 7 person and 8 person seating options, as well as enough storage for the family’s luggage or lots of groceries.

Also, many models allow the owner to fold the rear seats down to increase the storage capacity which comes in handy for those large items that you just can’t fit into a car. In this article we will examine the 2018 Honda Pilot review. We will take a closer look at its features, pricing, performance and compare it to some similar vehicles in its class to see how it stacks up against the competition.

What Is the 2018 Honda Pilot Review?

The Honda Pilot is a mid-sized SUV that has become one of the most popular models in its class over the past several years, and for good reason. The Pilot is loaded with top-of-the-line safety features, 3rd row seating, spacious cargo space, and outstanding performance. The 3rd generation Pilot has been redesigned with the newest technology.

 

The 2018 Honda Pilot Review has a lot of room and features one of the most powerful V6 engines in its class. The Pilot has a towing capacity of over 5,000 pounds and with some of the best-in-class storage capacities make this vehicle a good choice for camping or traveling. Also, with seating for eight, the Honda Pilot is truly the ultimate vehicle that can do a lot more than a minivan.

Features

Blue car on a street

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According to the 2018 Honda Pilot review, this version of the Honda Pilot seats 8 passengers but the top trim level features heated second row captain’s seats which lowers the seating capacity to 7. The seats in the Pilot are some of the most comfortable for vehicles in this class and the third row is very spacious. Over 16 cubic feet of cargo space is located behind the third row seats, and with the third row seats folded down, the total cargo space goes up to 46 cubic feet. The second row seats are also collapsible which gives you a total of nearly 84 cubic feet of total cargo space.

 

The interior of the Honda Pilot is well designed with lots of padded surfaces. The sound insulation is high quality and gives the interior of the Pilot a very quiet ride. According to the 2018 Honda Pilot review the base trim is the LX model, and while this may be the entry-level trim of the Honda Pilot, it has several nice features that are sure to impress. The Pilot LX comes standard with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Also, a five-inch touch screen display along with a seven speaker sound system which is Bluetooth compatible and backup assist camera come standard.


The EX model of the 2018 Honda Pilot review adds a few more features such as LED running lights, heated mirrors, blind-spot camera, fog lights, remote engine start, a power driver’s seat, and adjustable three zone climate control. Also, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display and premium sound system along with Apple CarPlay are included with the EX model. As an added safety feature the Pilot’s EX trim model comes with Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system which helps the Pilot maintain traction during snow and on muddy or sandy surfaces.

 

The EX-L trim has several additional features that add to the comfort and appearance of the Honda Pilot. Additional features are: Heated front seats, power passenger seat, power tailgate, sunroof, and leather upholstery including a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also, several optional features are available with both the EX and EX-L trim packages. Second row sunshades, rear entertainment system with Blu-Ray player, forward collision warning with available automatic braking, a lane departure warning system, and premium navigation system.

 

These features are optional and are part of the Honda Sensing package. The final two trim levels available with the Honda Pilot are the Touring model and the Elite model. The Touring model features: Innovative noise reducing windows, driver’s seat memory settings, premium 10 speaker sound system, premium 20 inch wheels, luggage rack, an automatic stop engine feature, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

 

The Elite model features everything the Touring model has but adds a few extras such as: A heated steering wheel and heated front and second row seats, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, HD radio, and Honda’s blind spot monitoring system. Also, due to the heated captain’s chairs in the second row, the Elite model’s seating capacity is seven instead of eight.


Pricing

According to our 2018 Honda Pilot review, the Pilot is reasonably priced for a mid-sized SUV with 3rd row seating. The Base LX model starts at approximately $31,000 while the top-of-the-line Elite model is priced in the vicinity of $47,000. The most popular trim configurations: The EX and EX-L can be found for about $33,000 and $36,000 respectively.

How It Compares


We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

  • 2018 Kia Sorento
  • 2018 Mazda CX9
  • 2018 Nissan Murano

2018 Honda Pilot

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Price 

We have determined in the 2018 Honda Pilot review, that the Pilot can be purchased for approximately $31,000 to $47,000 depending on trim level selected and any optional features. This price range is very reasonable for the Pilot and is in line with similar vehicles in its class.

Features 

From the base trim package to the highest trim, the Honda Pilot is loaded with features that are comparable to any mid-sized SUV on the market in its price range. The 2018 Honda Pilot review optional Sensing package, as well as premium sound system, entertainment system, and optional 2nd row captains chairs are higher end features that give this vehicle a little extra.

Safety 

Several great safety features such as backup assist camera, and the available Honda Sensing package provide outstanding safety features. Also, steering and braking performance is very good with this vehicle stopping from 60 MPH to 0  MPH in roughly 120 feet. While no mid-sized SUV will be exceptional at maneuvering in and out of traffic, the 2018 Honda Pilot review reveals that this vehicle is very agile for a vehicle in this class.

Performance 

In terms of performance, the 2018 Honda Pilot review reveals that the Honda Pilot is one of the best 3rd row SUVs available. The Pilot goes from 0-60 MPH in 6.9 seconds and easily gets up to speed when merging into traffic. The steering is precise, and the Pilot is very nimble for a vehicle in this class with above average handling of sharp turns and winding roads. Also, the interior of the Pilot is very spacious and seats are more comfortable than most vehicles in this class.

Warranty 

Honda offers a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a 5 year 60,000 mile power train warranty on this vehicle.

Pros

  • Great safety features
  • Very spacious
  • Good performance

Cons

  • Optional nine-speed transmission shifts rather poorly
  • Optional lane assist feature can be somewhat of a hinderance when driving around wide curves

2018 Kia Sorento

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The Kia Sorento is a mid-sized SUV manufactured by Kia Motors. This vehicle comes in several available trims and models. The base package comes with standard cloth seats and a two row configuration that can seat five passengers, however a third row of seats is available in many trim models which brings the seating capacity up to seven. The front seats are relatively comfortable and some of the higher priced trim models feature options such as heated seats, ventilation, and power adjustment.


The Sorento comes with three engines choices. The base Sorento comes with a standard 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that gives the Sorento some of the best in class fuel economy numbers with 21/28 MPG. However, the base engine model offers adequate performance for daily driving but lacks the acceleration and performance of its competitors V6 engines. An optional 2.0 liter turbo-charged four-cylinder engine gives the Sorento better acceleration and overall performance while not sacrificing much in terms of fuel economy.


A V6 engine is also available which increases the Sorento’s towing capacity, but lowers fuel economy to 18/25 MPG. The Sorento’s base model is a front wheel drive, but an all wheel drive option is available on all trim levels. The Sorento SX Limited is the highest trim level available and has all the bells and whistles that the top-of-the-line trim levels in most of its competitors.


The Sorento is a solid mid-sized SUV that offers slightly better fuel economy and is somewhat less expensive than most other vehicles in this class, however the trade off is in less than stellar performance and slightly less seating capacity and cargo storage.

Price 

The Kia Sorento is priced around $26,000 for the base model up to right around $44,000 for the SX Limited. This price tag is on the lower end of the mid-sized SUV spectrum and represents a very good value.

Features 

While the Sorento’s base model only seats five and comes with a lackluster fur cylinder engine, plenty of options are available to upgrade this vehicle in terms of seating capacity, and engine selection. Also, the higher end trim levels have all the features you would expect for a vehicle in that price range.

Safety

The Sorento lacks some of the newest features such as front end collision warning and lane departure warning; the steering is precise and braking is above average for a vehicle in this class.

Performance

The Sorento performs well given the three engine choices which allows the buyer to better determine what type of performance and towing capacity they are looking for. The optional V6 engine allows for crisp acceleration while not having a huge impact on fuel economy.

Warranty 

This is where the Sorento sets itself apart. Kia offers a 5 year 60,000 bumper to bumper warranty and a 10 year 100,000 mile power train warranty with this vehicle.

Pros

  • Three solid engine choices
  • Available third row seating
  • Industry best warranty

Cons

  • Standard four-cylinder engine under-performs in some ways
  • Third row seats are a rather difficult to get in and out of
  • Second and third row seat cushions are lower than most other vehicles in this class

2018 Mazda CX9

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The Mazda CX9 is a mid-sized SUV manufactured by Mazda. The CX9 is available in several trims and lots of optional features are available. The CX9 seats seven passengers in a three row configuration and has a total of just over 71 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded down which is quite a bit less than the Honda Pilot. While the second and third row seats offer plenty leg and head room, getting in and out of the third row can be a bit of a challenge.


The CX9 also comes with Mazda’s connect interface which is easy to use, but lacks some high-end features such as Apple CarPlay. The CX9 is only available with one engine which is a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that delivers 226 horsepower and gives the CX9 an overall towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. While this engine offers decent acceleration and performance, the fuel efficiency is very good for a mid-sized SUV with the front wheel drive version getting 22/28 MPG.


Overall, the Mazda CX9 offers very good fuel efficiency, good safety features, and a spacious interior. However, the CX9 lacks many of the higher end features of the Honda Pilot. Also, the lack of a V6 engine as an optional feature limits this vehicle’s usefulness in terms of towing capability.

Price 

The Mazda CX9 is available in its base trim for approximately $26,000 and the higher-end trim level is priced around $45,000. This price level range makes the CX9 a low-priced mid-sized SUV.

Features

While many of the features of the CX9 are common to other mid-sized SUVs, the lack of higher end features and no choice of optional engines hurts the CX9 in this category.

Safety 

The Mazda CX9 scores high marks in the area of safety with some of the best-in-class breaking distances and precise steering.

Performance 

The Mazda CX9 offers good performance which makes everyday driving a piece of cake, but the lack of an optional V6 engine hurts this vehicle’s overall towing capacity.

Warranty 

Mazda offers a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a five year 60,000 mile power train warranty standard with the CX9.

Pros

  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use touchscreen interface
  • Good safety features

Cons

  • Small cargo capacity
  • Only comes with one engine
  • Lacks many high-end features common on vehicles in this class

2018 Nissan Murano

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The Nissan Murano is a mid-sized SUV manufactured by Nissan. The Murano comes with a standard upscale interior and features a somewhat more sleek and stylish design which helps it stand out from other vehicles in this class. The Murano seats five passengers and is one of the few mid-sized SUVs that does not offer 3rd row seating. Also, the Murano’s cargo storage capacity is slightly on the small side compared with other mid-sized SUVs.


However, the Murano comes with a standard V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque which is enough power to make this vehicle accelerate quickly and crisply. The Murano comes standard with front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive version is optional. On the downside, the overall towing capacity is less than most other mid-sized SUVs so if you are in need of an SUV to tow a boat this is probably not your best option. However, if you are looking for a solid five-passenger SUV that checks all the boxes except cargo space and towing capacity, the Nissan Murano is a good choice.

Price 

The Nissan Murano is priced between approximately $31,000 and $44,000 depending on the trim level selected.

Features

A standard 8-inch touch screen display, and upscale interior help this vehicle stand out. Our only issue here is the lack of a third row and low towing capacity.

Safety 

The Murano tops the list in safety features and has traditionally performed well on safety tests for vehicles in this class.

Performance 

With a standard 260 horsepower V6 engine the Murano offers a very good performance.

Warranty 

Nissan offers a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a five year 60,000 power train warranty.


Pros

  • Outstanding performance
  • Stylish design
  • Most comfortable front seats in its class

Cons

  • No third row
  • Not the best option for towing
  • Below average storage capacity

Conclusion


2018 Honda Pilot in white color

​Image via Flickr

For those of you that are in the market for a mid-sized SUV there are many options available in today’s highly competitive market. The 2018 Honda Pilot review confirms that the Honda Pilot is a very solid vehicle that offers value, performance, overall spaciousness, and several high end optional features that make this vehicle stand out. If you are in the market for a very good family vehicle that can do a little bit of everything, we highly recommend reading the 2018 Honda Pilot review.

Overall rating for the Honda Pilot (5/5 stars)