2026 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the freshly updated 2026 Honda HR-V and the value-focused 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport can feel tough, especially when balancing budget against refinement. The HR-V starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $26,200, but it counters this with better efficiency, delivering a combined 28 MPG compared to the Outlander Sport’s 26 MPG. Power delivery is also slightly stronger in the Honda, boasting 158 horsepower against the Mitsubishi's 148 hp. However, the Outlander Sport is more compact, measuring 171.9 inches long, while the HR-V is 179.8 inches long, making the Honda easier for garage parking. While the Honda offers a bit more space at 24.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 21.7 cu ft, the Outlander Sport includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) at its $24,995 starting price, something the standard HR-V lacks. These key trade-offs between efficiency/size and standard AWD/price define this comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda HR-V
The 2026 Honda HR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 32 MPG highway.
2026 Honda HR-V
The HR-V offers more practical utility with 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Honda HR-V
The HR-V provides slightly more excitement with 158 horsepower versus the Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport provides significantly better baseline equipment, notably standard All-Wheel Drive, for a lower starting MSRP of $24,995.
Choose the Honda HR-V if...
- You prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, as the HR-V achieves 28 combined MPG versus 26 MPG for the Outlander Sport.
- You need the best available cargo volume, benefiting from the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft capacity.
- You prefer a slightly more powerful engine with 158 horsepower available.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Standard All-Wheel Drive is mandatory for your driving conditions, which is standard on the Outlander Sport.
- Sticking to the lowest initial outlay is crucial, with an MSRP of $24,995.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Outlander Sport is 64.8 inches tall compared to the HR-V's 63.4 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda HR-V | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.8" | 171.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 71.3" |
| Height | 63.4" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6500 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/448.0 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R H | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda HR-V and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Which crossover is generally better for highway commuting efficiency?
The 2026 Honda HR-V is the clear efficiency leader here. It is rated for 32 MPG on the highway, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is rated for 29 MPG highway, making the Honda a better choice for long-distance commuters.
Does the standard Outlander Sport come with AWD?
Yes, one of the Mitsubishi's biggest draws is that its standard model includes an All-Wheel Drive system. The standard Honda HR-V comes exclusively in Front Wheel Drive (FWD), meaning you might need to opt for a higher trim level to get AWD in the Honda.
How much more cargo room does the HR-V offer?
The Honda HR-V offers noticeably more space behind the rear seats, providing 24.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is nearly three cubic feet more than the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet, which can be helpful for larger shopping trips.
Which vehicle is physically smaller for city parking?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the more compact vehicle overall. It is shorter in length at 171.9 inches compared to the HR-V's 179.8 inches, which can make maneuvering and parking in tight urban spots slightly easier.
Is there a significant difference in engine power between the two models?
Yes, while both use CVTs, the Honda HR-V has a slight edge in performance, putting out 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Outlander Sport produces 148 horsepower and slightly more torque at 145 lb-ft, but generally feels less potent during acceleration.
Do both models require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands expensive fuel. Both the 2026 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are designed to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
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