An old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” That’s often true in the automotive world. This has many new vehicle shoppers looking for value — particularly those walking the aisles in the subcompact SUV class.
With the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, it’s time to put that axiom to the test. Do these lower-budget models offer big-budget returns? Let’s see how they stack up.
2025 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V received a makeover for 2023. We applaud the more conventional-looking exterior it now sports. We also praise moving the HR-V to the bigger platform of the Civic. Consequently, it delivers better-than-average rear-seat legroom and cargo room behind the second row. The ride is more carlike, as well.
Thrust comes from a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an extra $1,500.
The ample passenger space is complimented by plenty of new technology to make the ride enjoyable, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and noise cancellation technology. Pricing begins at $25,125, including the factory-to-dealer 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.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport hasn’t strayed from previous versions. In other words, changes since its 2011 debut are few. That said, it’s still an attractive small SUV, receiving occasional minor updates over the years.
Two big advantages the Outlander Sport has over many of its in-segment rivals are all-wheel drive and the duration of its warranty. All-Wheel Control — Mitsubishi’s version of all-wheel drive — is standard equipment across the lineup but optional in the Honda HR-V. Although it doesn’t receive the credit for it to the degree Hyundai and Kia do, Mitsubishi’s warranty is for the same duration: 5 years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Moreover, you can also upgrade from the standard 148-hp 4-cylinder to another 20 ponies.
Mitsubishi offers the Outlander Sport in five trim levels: 2.0 S, 2.0 ES, 2.0 LE, 2.0 SE, and 2.4 SEL. Pricing starts at $25,400, including destination fee.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Highlights
Trail Edition: Mitsubishi’s Trail Edition package is a bundle of rugged appearance upgrades, 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: The Outlander Sport features standard safety equipment across all trim levels: forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, auto on/off headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and high-beam assist.
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, all-wheel drive 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 $25,000, the HR-V and Outlander Sport 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.
Price
New 2025 Honda HR-V Prices
|
$26,795 |
$25,875 |
|||
|
$28,895 |
$27,898 |
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|
$30,895 |
$29,881 |
New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Honda HR-V vehicles and New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Honda HR-V | 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | |
| 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-Star | 4-Star |
| 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 |
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi is slightly more affordable than the Honda, but not by enough to sway your buying decision. With the HR-V you get a higher-end interior, more current technology, a better ride, and Honda’s above-average resale value. On the other hand, if you are set on all-wheel drive, it’s included in the Mitsubishi’s price and quite a bargain. Because of that and the Outlander Sports’ excellent warranty coverage, it’s a compelling competitor. If we had to have all-wheel drive and were dealing with budget concerns, we’d opt for the Outlander Sport. Otherwise, we’d go with the more up-to-date HR-V.