CR-V Hybrid vs Outlander PHEV
The CR-V Hybrid and the Outlander PHEV are two different answers to the same compact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. The spec sheets tilt toward the Outlander PHEV, which leads in 2 of 4 areas and opens its biggest gap on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Outlander PHEV wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CR-V Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander PHEV wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range9.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
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 Hybrid has better fuel economy
Here the CR-V Hybrid pulls well ahead of the Outlander PHEV, with 40 mpg compared to 27 mpg. The CR-V Hybrid uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Outlander PHEV has 93 hp more power
The Outlander PHEV doesn’t just edge this one; 297 hp against 204 hp is a lead you’ll feel. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
Big gap, real consequences. The Outlander PHEV’s 7 seats versus the CR-V Hybrid’s 5 seats changes how the two compare in daily use. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The CR-V Hybrid has better city fuel economy
The Outlander PHEV is clearly behind on fuel economy (city) (27 mpg against 43 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CR-V Hybrid starts from a better baseline.
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The CR-V Hybrid has better highway fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the CR-V Hybrid is in a different league: 36 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the Outlander PHEV. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Outlander PHEV leads
This section belongs to the Outlander PHEV. In engine & performance, it leads the CR-V Hybrid by a margin that’s hard to ignore. On its side, the Outlander PHEV has 93 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. That makes the Outlander PHEV the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
CR-V Hybrid: 204 hp Outlander PHEV: 297 hp The Outlander PHEV’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
CR-V Hybrid leads
The Outlander PHEV has a tough time in the fuel economy & range section, where the CR-V Hybrid pulls well ahead. The CR-V Hybrid brings better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. On fuel economy & range alone, the CR-V Hybrid gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
CR-V Hybrid: 40 mpg Outlander PHEV: 27 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
CR-V Hybrid: 43 mpg Outlander PHEV: 27 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Outlander PHEV leads
This is one of the Outlander PHEV’s strongest areas. On space & practicality, the CR-V Hybrid falls well short. In its favor, the Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats. The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Weighing only space & practicality, the Outlander PHEV comes out ahead.
Seats
CR-V Hybrid: 5 seats Outlander PHEV: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the CR-V Hybrid’s and the Outlander PHEV’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 two-motor hybrid | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 204 hp | 297 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | Single-speed (direct drive) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD (S-AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 40 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 43 mpg (winner) Best city economy | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 44 mi Shortest electric range |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 64.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CR-V Hybrid | 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 Hybrid | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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 Hybrid if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (40 mpg vs 27 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (43 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (36 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Choose the Outlander PHEV if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (297 hp vs 204 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’re comfortable with how Mitsubishi does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CR-V Hybrid or the Outlander PHEV?
The Outlander PHEV wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless having better fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
The CR-V Hybrid and the Outlander PHEV come from rival camps, Honda and Mitsubishi, but they’re chasing the same person: you. The biggest reason I lean toward the Outlander PHEV is simple: it has 93 hp more power. Stack room for 7 seats on top of that, and the Outlander PHEV’s lead grows. Fairness check: the CR-V Hybrid does come with better fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize fuel economy & range will be happier with the CR-V Hybrid, and those who prioritize engine & performance with the Outlander PHEV.
My pick: the Outlander PHEV, though I’d happily point you to the CR-V Hybrid if you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.