CR-V vs Outlander PHEV
Choosing between Honda and Mitsubishi often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact suv class, that pair is the CR-V and the Outlander PHEV. Your answer depends on what you value. The CR-V does better on fuel economy & range, and the Outlander PHEV does better on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Outlander PHEV wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CR-V wins
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range5.4
- Space & Practicality4.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
- Space & Practicality7.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
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 Outlander PHEV has 107 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The Outlander PHEV brings 297 hp to the table; the CR-V brings 190 hp. The Outlander PHEV’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
When it comes to seats, the Outlander PHEV wins comfortably with 7 seats against 5 seats. The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The CR-V has 18% more maximum cargo space
It’s a lopsided result (76.5 cu ft for the CR-V, 64.7 cu ft for the Outlander PHEV) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The CR-V has better fuel economy
A narrow win for the CR-V. With 30 mpg to 27 mpg, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The CR-V has better highway fuel economy
The spread here is large: 34 mpg on the CR-V versus 27 mpg on the Outlander PHEV. Expect to notice it. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Expect the same physical presence from both; their dimensions are very close.
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Outlander PHEV leads
In this area the Outlander PHEV has a lead the CR-V can’t close. The Outlander PHEV stands out with 107 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Outlander PHEV.
Total system output
CR-V: 190 hp Outlander PHEV: 297 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
CR-V leads
This section belongs to the CR-V. In fuel economy & range, it leads the Outlander PHEV by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The CR-V takes this one with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the CR-V is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
CR-V: 30 mpg Outlander PHEV: 27 mpg The CR-V uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
CR-V: 34 mpg Outlander PHEV: 27 mpg The CR-V uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
The CR-V and the Outlander PHEV split the space & practicality section, the CR-V with 18% more maximum cargo space and the Outlander PHEV with room for 7 seats. The space & practicality verdict depends on you more than on the spec sheet.
Seats
CR-V: 5 seats Outlander PHEV: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Cargo (seats folded)
CR-V: 76.5 cu ft Outlander PHEV: 64.7 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the CR-V and the Outlander PHEV each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 297 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | Single-speed (direct drive) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (S-AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 34 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 44 mi Shortest electric range |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | 14 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 39.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.5 cu ft (winner) | 64.7 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 41 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| 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 PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| 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 PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $43,245 |
“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 move bulky items now and then (76.5 cu ft vs 64.7 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want better combined fuel economy (30 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Choose the Outlander PHEV if…
- you want more power (297 hp vs 190 hp)
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’re loyal to Mitsubishi and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CR-V or the Outlander PHEV?
There’s no single right answer. The CR-V leads on fuel economy & range and the Outlander PHEV on engine & performance.
Is the CR-V bigger than the Outlander PHEV?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the CR-V and the Outlander PHEV is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the CR-V versus the Outlander PHEV is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. I think the CR-V makes its strongest case with 18% more maximum cargo space. I’d also count better fuel economy in the CR-V’s favor. That said, the Outlander PHEV answers with 107 hp more power, which some people will value more.
If fuel economy & range is your thing, the CR-V fits. If engine & performance matters more, the Outlander PHEV makes more sense.
My pick: there’s no single winner, so choose the CR-V for fuel economy & range or the Outlander PHEV for engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.