CR-V vs Outlander
The CR-V and the Outlander are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Scoring each area separately, the CR-V comes out on top 2 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range CR-V wins
- Space & Practicality CR-V wins
- Off-road & Towing Outlander wins
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Fuel Economy & Range5.4
- Space & Practicality6.8
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.8
- Space & Practicality4.2
- Off-road & Towing4.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The CR-V has 261% more cargo space
On this line of the spec sheet, the CR-V is in a different league: 39.3 cu ft, next to 10.9 cu ft for the Outlander. The CR-V’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Outlander has room for 7 seats
For seats, the Outlander leads by a wide margin: 7 seats versus 5 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The Outlander has 500 lb more towing capacity
This is a headline difference. With 2,000 lb to the CR-V’s 1,500 lb, the Outlander has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The CR-V has 19% more maximum cargo space
Put simply, the CR-V is far ahead here: 76.5 cu ft compared with 64.3 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Outlander has 27 lb-ft more torque
The Outlander’s 206 lb-ft leaves the CR-V’s 179 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
The CR-V and the Outlander take up almost exactly the same space.
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
It depends what you value in engine & performance: the CR-V brings 16 hp more power, the Outlander brings 27 lb-ft more torque. The takeaway: engine & performance is a matter of preference rather than a clear verdict.
Torque
CR-V: 179 lb-ft Outlander: 206 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
CR-V: 190 hp Outlander: 174 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
CR-V leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the CR-V leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The CR-V gives you better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the CR-V.
Fuel economy (combined)
CR-V: 30 mpg Outlander: 28 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
CR-V: 34 mpg Outlander: 31 mpg Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Space & Practicality
CR-V leads
The Outlander is outclassed on space & practicality; the CR-V leads by a clear margin. The CR-V delivers 261% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The Outlander has the edge with room for 7 seats. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the CR-V is the stronger car.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
CR-V: 39.3 cu ft Outlander: 10.9 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
CR-V: 5 seats Outlander: 7 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Outlander leads
This section belongs to the Outlander. In off-road & towing, it leads the CR-V by a margin that’s hard to ignore. Choose the Outlander and you get 500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. If this section decides it for you, choose the Outlander.
Max towing
CR-V: 1,500 lb Outlander: 2,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Outlander’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The CR-V and the Outlander list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 1.5L turbo I4 mild hybrid |
| Total system output | 190 hp (winner) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | 206 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (S-AWC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 39.3 cu ft (winner) | 10.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.5 cu ft (winner) | 64.3 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 41 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 2,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.5 in |
Price
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $29,995 Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the CR-V if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (39.3 cu ft vs 10.9 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (76.5 cu ft vs 64.3 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (190 hp vs 174 hp)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (30 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
Choose the Outlander if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want the higher towing capacity (2,000 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (206 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CR-V or the Outlander?
We’d point most buyers to the CR-V. The main exception is if having room for 7 seats matters more to you than the rest.
Is the CR-V bigger than the Outlander?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the CR-V and the Outlander differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Honda’s CR-V against Mitsubishi’s Outlander. The CR-V wins me over with 261% more cargo space. Nor should you ignore that the CR-V has 16 hp more power. The Outlander does have a strong card to play: room for 7 seats.
If fuel economy & range is your thing, the CR-V fits. If off-road & towing matters more, the Outlander makes more sense.
My pick: the CR-V, with one exception: if you value room for 7 seats above everything else, go for the Outlander.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.