CR-V Hybrid vs Outlander
It’s Honda against Mitsubishi in the compact suv class, and the CR-V Hybrid and the Outlander are the models carrying each flag. Look at the scorecard and the CR-V Hybrid stands out, ahead in 2 of 4 areas. The engine & performance numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CR-V Hybrid wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CR-V Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.1
- Fuel Economy & Range9.7
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.8
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
-
The CR-V Hybrid has better fuel economy
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 40 mpg for the CR-V Hybrid versus 28 mpg for the Outlander. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The CR-V Hybrid has 30 hp more power
The Outlander lists 174 hp; the CR-V Hybrid comes in at 204 hp. That’s not a rounding error. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Outlander has room for 7 seats
At 7 seats versus 5 seats, this is a decisive lead for the Outlander, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The CR-V Hybrid has 41 lb-ft more torque
If torque is one of your priorities, this settles it: the CR-V Hybrid leads clearly with 247 lb-ft to the Outlander’s 206 lb-ft. The CR-V Hybrid’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The CR-V Hybrid has better city fuel economy
The numbers aren’t close. The CR-V Hybrid lists 43 mpg for fuel economy (city), while the Outlander lists 26 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the CR-V Hybrid has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.5 in |
Engine & Performance
CR-V Hybrid leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the CR-V Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid answers with 30 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Net result: the CR-V Hybrid leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
CR-V Hybrid: 204 hp Outlander: 174 hp The CR-V Hybrid’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
CR-V Hybrid: 247 lb-ft Outlander: 206 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
CR-V Hybrid leads
The CR-V Hybrid wins the fuel economy & range section decisively. The CR-V Hybrid steps ahead thanks to better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. In short, the CR-V Hybrid is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
CR-V Hybrid: 40 mpg Outlander: 28 mpg The CR-V Hybrid uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
CR-V Hybrid: 43 mpg Outlander: 26 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CR-V Hybrid starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Outlander leads
For space & practicality, the verdict is easy: the Outlander leads, and not by a little. The Outlander takes this one with room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Outlander is the stronger car.
Seats
CR-V Hybrid: 5 seats Outlander: 7 seats The Outlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the CR-V Hybrid and the Outlander each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 two-motor hybrid | 1.5L turbo I4 mild hybrid |
| Total system output | 204 hp (winner) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft (winner) | 206 lb-ft |
| Transmission | eCVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (S-AWC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 40 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 43 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 64.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 2,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | 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 Hybrid | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 185.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.5 in |
Price
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | 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 Hybrid if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (40 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (204 hp vs 174 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (247 lb-ft vs 206 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better city fuel economy (43 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the Outlander if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you already know your way around Mitsubishi’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CR-V Hybrid or the Outlander?
We’d point most buyers to the CR-V Hybrid. The main exception is if you value room for 7 seats above everything else.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the CR-V Hybrid and the Outlander on their merits. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is better fuel economy, and that goes to the CR-V Hybrid. I also like that the CR-V Hybrid brings 30 hp more power. The Outlander has a trump card of its own in room for 7 seats.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the CR-V Hybrid, and those who prioritize space & practicality with the Outlander.
My pick: the CR-V Hybrid is the one I’d buy, unless you specifically want room for 7 seats, where the Outlander has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.