Compact SUVs like the 2024 Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander have rapidly become go-to picks for car shoppers who enjoy a commanding view of the road and the option of all-wheel drive (AWD).
The CR-V has been around for decades, and this sixth-generation version arrived only last year. Its reputation for resale value, dependability, and ample interior space will make it tough to beat in this comparison.
Lo and behold, the latest Outlander packs a bold design following its relatively recent update. It’s similarly kind to a fuel budget, and is one of the very few compact SUVs with room for seven thanks to a 3-row seating layout.
Keep reading to discover highlights of the Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander.
2024 Honda CR-V
The 2024 CR-V starts at $30,850 (including destination charge), and each of the three available trims is equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but CR-V shoppers can add AWD to any trim for $1,500. The CR-V is also available as a highly efficient hybrid. With its bluff front end, the CR-V is certainly handsome compared to the look-at-me Outlander, if somewhat conservatively garbed.
Honda CR-V Highlights
CR-V finishing school: The Honda CR-V has always been popular, though we readily admit it wasn’t always a thrill-fest to drive. Honda must have been listening because this latest version has better handling, stronger brakes, and a higher degree of driving refinement than before. Job well done, Honda – now go crazy and create a sport-tuned Type R variant, please.
Less frequent fill-ups: When kept in front-wheel-drive format, the CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in city driving, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. These are outstanding economy numbers for a compact SUV. Adding AWD drops these numbers by only 1-2 digits.
Tons of cargo space: Do you have trouble saying no to a blockbuster sale or packing anything other than your entire wardrobe for every vacation? It’s okay; the Honda CR-V is here to help. More specifically, its giant 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row is there to cope with everything you want to bring along for the ride. Folding the seats expands that area to a copious 76.5 cubic feet, among the best in this class.
Fear no hills: The Hill Descent control standard on every CR-V might not cure anyone of their fear of heights. But it will make venturing down hillsides a less harrowing experience. First, the driver sets a given speed – anywhere from 2 mph to 12 mph – and the Honda CR-V takes over all controls, except steering inputs. It’s high-altitude, foot-of-the-pedals driving fun for the whole family.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CR-V models for sale near you.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2024 Outlander gets a couple of notable updates this model year. Sitting atop the range is the new Platinum Edition. It’s basically an Outlander with every available option, plus color and trim features like 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, Black Diamond exterior paint with contrasting silver roof, and quilted leather upholstery.
Also added is 2 years/30,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. Pricing for the base Outlander starts at $29,840, including destination fee, while the Platinum Edition peaks at $42,290. Also available is the efficient Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
Outta-my-way design: You can’t argue that Outlander doesn’t make a serious styling statement everywhere it roams. That thrusting front grille is flanked by a boomerang-shaped combo of lighting and chrome-finish trim. At the rear, the wide D-pillar gives it a sporty and planted stance – even if it does come at the expense of rearward visibility.
Way longer warranty coverage: The CR-V’s warranty is in line with others in the segment, but the Outlander’s is a whole lot better. That’s because you get 5 years/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Mitsubishi further sweetens the deal with two years/30,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Space for seven: Want the good news or bad news first? The third-row seating in the Outlander is really (really!) cramped for anyone except kids. Ready for the good news? The fact this compact SUV even offers a third row is a huge selling point. That’s because many people who buy small SUVs have…bingo, small children to tote around. Just please, whatever you do, don’t put adults back there. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V is exclusively a 5-seater.
Super All-Wheel Control: This is Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive hardware that’s available on ES, SE, and SEL trims and standard on the new Platinum Edition. It has six driver-selectable modes for everything from gravel, snow, and mud. Yes, there are also settings for normal on-pavement driving, but those sound less cool.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models for sale near you.
Similarities
These two compact SUVs are about the same size, and performance from their respective base engines is similar. They also both have CVT transmissions and available AWD.
Conclusion
The Honda CR-V is our reigning Best Compact SUV champ, and its title remains safe after this head-to-head contest. To its credit, the Mitsubishi Outlander battled bravely and has a superior warranty, extra seating, and a design that’s anything but bashful. It doesn’t topple the mighty CR-V, though it’s certainly worth a test drive — especially if you need an occasional-use third row in your compact SUV.
| 2024 Honda CR-V | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Starting Price | $30,850 | $29,840 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1,700 – 5,000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel economy MPG | 28 city/34 highway/30 combined | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 star | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 106.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 185.4 inches |
| Width | 73.5 inches | 74.7 inches |
| Height | 66.5 inches | 68.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.2 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.2 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | NA | 34.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.0 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | NA | 18.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | NA | 51.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.3 cubic feet | 33.5 cubic feet |
