Mitsubishi Outlander Vs Honda CRV Comparison

2012_outlander_1
Mitsubishi Outlander
VS 2013_crv_1
Honda CR-V

Welcome to the new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander vs Honda CR-V comparison review. At the time of posting in December 2012 both were newly released models for 2013 and significant upgrades over their older versions.

We didn’t mind the prior Outlander package. It looked good inside and outside, had a decent V6 engine option and even a diesel. Sure there where some design issues, in particular the dash gap and minor trim issues but it was a contemporary design that looked different from the rest. 

We thought the prior CRV was the best small SUV compromise it’s sales hampered by lack of production due to various environment disasters and up to date competition from cheaper 2WD and the latest Korean models. The Outlander has always been a steady seller. So we checked both of the new versions carefully at the show and came up with the following conslusions:

Mitsubishi Outlander Vs Honda CRV exterior: The new Outlander looks like a cross between any Audi/Subaru a reasonable effort – needless to say we don’t fully like it but you may. That said the new Land Rover looks like the Outlander, since we’ve seen the concept for years! The Outlander looks sad in the showroom but on the road it actually looks quite nice. We prefer the CRV being clearly a new design and so will most.

Mitsubishi Outlander Vs Honda CRV interior: We think that the new Outlander has channelled Saab in terms of  interior design and the the 90’s Corolla in materials. The materials may be better than the prior generation but the soft curves and cheap looking instruments disappoint when compared to the CRV. The Outlander is a larger car and can seat 7 if equipped appropriately. The inclusion of the premium stereo system in the Outlander will win points but not enough to compensate for the drab styling else where. We didn’t like it but you might… so the CRV wins.

Mitsubishi Outlander engine and technology: The Outlander and CRV 2Wd models come with a 2.0 litre engines while the AWD models have the option of diesel or 2.4 litre petrol.  There is minimal difference in power but the Honda engine will be more sporting. If the Outlander’s engine to true to Mitsubishi’s DNA than there will enough mid-range but lacking and rev induced zing at the high end.  The CVT is a more efficient transmission so will us less petrol but it will be annoying boring and annoying juddering and drone to drive. The weight reduction in the Outlander is also notable considering it is the bigger’ of the compact class. The 5 speed auto in the CRV is better and will be the pick for most.   

When Mitsubishi gets around to releasing the PHEV version which claims to have a fuel consumption of less than 2 litres per hundred kilometers this may prove to be a turning point!

Mitsubishi Outlander Vs Honda CRV test drive: N/A

We predict the Outlander will not be a steady sellor unless it lowers its price expectations or maybe a its good to drive, replace it’s CVT  or builds a decent brand image.. Honda may have lost the branding and mechanical plot over the last model cycle or two but at least they know it and improving. Pick the Honda for the time being, you’ll probably be happier.

 

Mistusbihi Outlander Honda CR-V
2013_outlander_2 2013_crv_2
Engines  

20 series engine
IL4 Petrol (91 Octane)
2.0 Litre (1995cc)
DOHC Engine EFI
Claimed 110Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 190Nm @ 4200RPM

24 series engine
IL Petrol (91 Octane)
DOHC Engine EFI
2.4 Litre (2395cc)
Claimed 124Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 220Nm @ 4200RPM

22 series engine
IL4 Diesel 
2.2 Litre (2195cc)
Claimed 110Kw @ 3500RPM
Claimed 360Nm @ 2750RPM 

4 Cylinder (K2579)
IL4 Cylinder – Petrol
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.0 Litre (1997cc)
Claimed 114Kw @ 6500RPM
Claimed 190Nm @ 4300RPM

Cylinder (R20A5)
IL4 Cylinder – Petrol
DOHC 16 Valve VVT
2.4 Litre (2354cc)
Claimed 140Kw @ 7000RPM
Claimed 222Nm @ 4400RPM

4 cylinder (D4HA)
IL4 Cylinder – Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
2 Litre (1995cc)
Claimed 135Kw @ 4000RPM
Claimed 392Nm @ 1800-2500RPM

Weight  
Kerb weight FROM 1395Kg
Towing capacity up to 1600kg

Kerb weight FROM 1460 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500kg

Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 60 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 6.6 Lts per 100km AVG (CVT)
IL4 2.4 Petrol 7.5 Lts per 100km AVG
IL4 2.2 Diesel 5.8 Lts per 100km AVG

Up to 58 litres
IL4 2.0 Petrol 7.8 litres per 100km 
IL4 2.4 Petrol 8.7 litres per 100km 
IL4 2.0 Diesel 7.5 litres per 100km

Other specifications  
5 speed manual or CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1680/1800
Overall length/wheelbase 4655/2670
4WD system: 2WD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: xxx

6 speed manual or 5 speed Auto
Overall height/width 1685/1820
Overall length/wheelbase 4545/2620
4WD system: 2WD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: 225-60-18 

Capability   
Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 215mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max

Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance xxx mm
Water Fording depth xxx mm

Performance  
   
Pricing  
2013 $28,990 – 45,490 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!

2012 $27,490 – 42,290 AUD