CR-V III vs Outlander II (XL): which is better?
Honda CR-V III (2006–2012) vs Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda CR-V III
Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL)Specifications
| Honda CR-V III | Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 166 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque, up to | 218 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 530 mm | 4 640 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 800 mm |
| Height | 1 680 mm | 1 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 620 mm | 2 670 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | 215 mm |
| Fuel tank | 58 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda CR-V III
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Honda K20/K24 engine: VTC actuator rattle on cold start
Engine (Honda K20/K24): VTC actuator rattle on cold start; oil consumption on the K24Z (2008–2012); crankshaft seal leak.
Mitsubishi Outlander II (XL)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mitsubishi 4B1x (1.8–2.4): valve cover leak
- Gearbox Jatco JF011E (CVT): pressure valve and pump wear
Engine (Mitsubishi 4B1x (1.8–2.4)): few widespread serious problems; valve cover leak; chain stretch at high mileage.
Gearbox (Jatco JF011E (CVT)): pressure valve and pump wear; belt and pulley wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Outlander II (XL) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, ground clearance, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: CR-V III or Outlander II (XL)?
CR-V III: up to 166 hp, Outlander II (XL): up to 170 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
CR-V III: 185 mm, Outlander II (XL): 215 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: CR-V III — about 28 750 ₸, Outlander II (XL) — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.