An old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” That’s often true in the automotive world. This has many new vehicle buyers looking for value.
With the 2024 Honda HR-V and 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, it’s time to put that axiom to the test. Do these lower-budget models offer big-budget returns? Let’s check them out.
2024 Honda HR-V
The 2024 Honda HR-V received a makeover for 2023, getting a more conventional-looking exterior. It’s a stellar upgrade for the subcompact SUV, and it’s sure to draw more buyers. It was also moved to a bigger platform, meaning it gets more interior room, a better ride, and an upgraded engine.
That upgraded engine is a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an extra $1,500. It posts good fuel economy at 28 mpg combined, which is about average in the segment.
Aside from being plenty roomy for passengers, they also enjoy plenty of new technology to make the ride enjoyable, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and noise cancellation technology. Pricing begins at $25,950, including destination fee.
Honda HR-V Highlights
HondaLink: Using a smartphone, you can access various services, such as stolen vehicle location, geofencing, automatic collision notification, and service appointments.
Walk away: Honda HR-V owners never wonder, “Did I lock the car?” The car’s Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock secures the vehicle automatically as you walk away with the key fob. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer that technology.
Safety first: The Honda HR-V gets a “5-Star” overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the HR-V models for sale near you.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is much the same as the previous versions. That said, it’s still an attractive small SUV, receiving a few minor updates over the years.
The most prominent may be All-Wheel Control — Mitsubishi’s version of all-wheel drive — standard equipment across the lineup (optional in the Honda HR-V). You can also punch up the standard 148-hp 4-cylinder for another 20 ponies. Its small stature and lighter heft make it an appealing combination.
The Outlander Sport comes in five trim levels: 2.0 S, 2.0 ES, 2.0 LE, 2.0 SE, and 2.4 SEL. Pricing starts at $25,300, including destination charge.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Highlights
Trail Edition: Mitsubishi’s Trail Edition package gives you the look and enough equipment to go off-road, including black side and fender moldings, black hood protector and tailgate trim, black inner door handle protectors, mud flaps, and all-weather floor mats.
Safety technology: All 2024 Outlander Sport models feature standard safety equipment across all trim levels: Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, automatic light control, automatic dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and Automatic High Beams.
All-Wheel Control: Standard across the Outlander Sport lineup, the brand’s all-wheel-drive system provides increased handling, traction, and stability during varied driving or weather situations. By the way, AWD is a $1,500 option on the Honda HR-V.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander Sport models for sale near you.
Similarities
With price tags of just over $25K, they are among the least expensive new SUVs on the market. For their class, they offer plenty of space, an acceptable amount of power, and some handy technology.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi is slightly less expensive than the Honda, but you get quite a bit more with the HR-V — starting with a reputation for quality. Getting a vehicle you feel confident will do the job is important. Check them closely, but you’re likely better off with the Honda HR-V.
| 2024 Honda HR-V | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | |
| Starting Price | $25,950 | $25,300 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 148 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT, FWD | CVT, AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg | 23 city/29 highway/26 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | 168 hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| 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 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.8 inches | 171.9 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 71.3 inches |
| Height | 63.4 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.1 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.9 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.7 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.6 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.2 inches | 55.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4 cubic feet | 21.7 cubic feet |
