A friend needs to replace her 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander, and This is What I Recommended.

Key Points

• The third-generation Outlander was praised for offering value in the three-row crossover segment.
• Moving from a three-row to a two-row crossover means first assessing shopping priorities and evaluating the potential adoption of a new powertrain and technologies.
• Three of the best two-row crossover candidates are similar in power, comfort, standard features, and price.

As soon as someone I know (or don’t) finds out that I’m an automotive writer, invariable the questions come about what they should buy next. A couple of weeks ago, a friend of our family asked for some car buying advice. Gretta’s family is very active, and their vehicle takes a beating. Her 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander is starting to show its age, and they want to replace it before things go south.

The last-generation Mitsubishi Outlander was, by no means, a heavy hitter in the three-row crossover segment. More of a budget buy than a top-tier contender, it was praised for its strong value, generous standard safety tech, flexible cargo area, and available third row that allows for seven-passenger seating. On the downside, its weak 166-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was a disappointment, as was its somewhat cheap interior materials, low-grade infotainment interface, and tight third row.

The Contenders

Gretta’s needs were slightly different this time around, but she still wanted a crossover with value. Her mid-pack Outlander SE trim cost around $26 grand MSRP back in 2019, but she had bought it used, so its purchase price was several thousand less. She wants something more modern and without a third row. She’s willing to sacrifice the third row for more room to carry luggage and sports gear.

Her other non-negotiable criteria include all-wheel drive, more 2nd-row legroom, improved gas mileage, enhanced safety features, a better tech-interface, and a sub-$35k price. One might think the new Outlander would be a good choice because of its more premium materials, more powerful 181-horsepower engine, and its improved technology. I ruled it out immediately due to its third row, which is almost useless for anyone older than a few years.

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD stats:

• 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder with 166 horsepower mated to a CVT
• 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 37.3 inches of 2nd-row legroom
• 34.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind row two
• EPA rated 24 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

2026 Mazda CX-50 ($34,750 MSRP)

The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a fuel-efficient compact SUV that pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver strong combined output and standard all-wheel drive. The system is actually borrowed from the last-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It balances hybrid efficiency with confident all-weather capability, a refined interior, and modern tech, making it a smart option for buyers who want everyday practicality without giving up style or driving engagement.

The CX-50 Hybrid is an appealing choice due to its engaging driving dynamics, solid rear legroom, and standard all-wheel drive (the only one in this set). It also has premium interior styling and materials. While it’s more efficient than Gretta’s Outlander (what isn’t?), it’s the least fuel-efficient model in this set. Its total cargo space is also the smallest.

• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder + 3 electric motors with 219 horsepower mated to an eCVT
• Standard all-wheel drive
• 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 39.8 inches of 2nd-row legroom
• 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind row two
• EPA rated 39 mpg city / 37 mpg highway

2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid ($35,630 MSRP)

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid combines a responsive hybrid powertrain with smooth, efficient performance and standard all-wheel drive, delivering strong fuel economy in the compact SUV class. It pairs a comfortable, well-appointed interior and user-friendly tech with generous passenger and cargo space, plus a suite of advanced safety features. With its blend of efficiency, everyday practicality, and Honda’s reputation for reliability, the CR-V Hybrid is a compelling choice for drivers seeking versatile, eco-minded transportation.

There’s more than one reason why the current CR-V is the second best-selling crossover in America. It’s the best the CR-V has ever been with excellent styling inside and out, solid efficiency, user-friendly tech, and gobs of room for people and gear. It’s the least powerful model in this set, but it boasts the most rear legroom and the most cargo space. On top of that, the physical controls are some of the best in the segment. The infotainment screen might not be huge, but it’s responsive and easy to use. It also has the second-best gas mileage. Although the base price crests the $35k mark, it’s not significantly above Gretta’s budget.

• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder + two electric motors with 204 horsepower mated to an eCVT
• Standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
• 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 41.0 inches of 2nd-row legroom
• 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind row two
• EPA rated 40 mpg city / 34 mpg highway with all-wheel drive

2026 Toyota RAV4 LE AWD ($34,750 MSRP)

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 moves into its next generation with hybrid powertrains standard across the lineup, emphasizing efficiency without sacrificing everyday performance. It features a more modern interior with updated infotainment and safety tech, along with a range of trims that span from commuter-friendly to more rugged and adventure-focused. Overall, it remains a practical, well-rounded compact SUV built for daily use with improved efficiency and technology.

In terms of power output, it easily eclipses Gretta’s dated Outlander by 70 horsepower. The screen size, unsurprisingly, quite a bit larger even with the base 10.5-inch screen. 2nd-row legroom is only about a half inch longer than the Outlander’s, but cargo space behind row two is more than twice. The RAV4’s efficiency is also substantially better. The price for the base SE with all-wheel drive is $34,750, so it meets her sub-$35k base price requirement. It’s a solid candidate and is also the only model here to receive a full redesign this year. It fulfills most of Gretta’s requirements with the exception of more legroom. It’s nearly the same as her Outlander.

• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder + 3 electric motors with 236 horsepower mated to a CVT
• Standard front-wheel or available all-wheel drive
• 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen or upgraded 12.9-inch touchscreen
• 37.8 inches of 2nd-row legroom
• 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind row two
• EPA rated 44 mpg city / 38 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.

My Recommendation: 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The CR-V Hybrid is the most well-rounded vehicle here because it excels when it comes to space, style, and comfort. It’s the best choice for Gretta because she gets substantially more rear passenger space than her Outlander and tons more cargo space. It’s the leader in this set by a significant amount. It’s also remarkably rewarding to drive with great steering and handling for a family crossover. It has less efficiency than the RAV4 but more than the CX-50 Hybrid. The price with all-wheel drive is $37,130, which is a couple grand more than her budget.

On the plus side, it has one of the best standard feature sets here, even in base trim. It comes with great standard feature highlights such as 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, full LED headlights, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a 240-watt 6 speaker audio system, dual zone automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat, leather steering wheel with orange stitching, 4 selectable driving modes, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, pushbutton start, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.

Final thoughts

Everyone who shops for a new car uses their last car for comparison, if not for a benchmark. The 2019 Outlander was definitely a case of the former, not the latter. Gretta’s needs shifted slightly, and she has waited long enough to see some real changes in the crossover segment. Her needs are best met with a proven crossover, and that’s easily the Honda CR-V Hybrid. The combination of an efficient powertrain, crisp styling, a user-friendly interior, great driving dynamics, and superb space means it’s an easy choice from her old ride.