Honda vs Mitsubishi: Which Is More Reliable?
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Honda and Mitsubishi are well-established car brands with a long history of producing dependable cars. However, when it comes to overall reliability, Honda is generally considered to be more reliable than Mitsubishi.
Honda offers better gas mileage, performance varies on both car brands depending on the model that you choose. The repair cost is cheaper on Honda, and although Honda has better standards of durability, Mitsubishi's build quality is impressive.
Here's all you need to know about Honda vs Mitsubishi reliability, with tips to help you figure out the best option for you.
Table of Contents
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
| Features | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Design | ||
| Safety | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Durability | ||
| Engine and Performance | ||
| Technology | ||
| Gas Mileage |
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Which Is Better?
When it comes to the reliability of Honda vs Mitsubishi, Honda is better. You must understand that Mitsubishi is not a baby car brand.
Mitsubishi's build quality is so amazing that you have some sense of assurance that it will shield you from damages in the event of an accident.
However, Mitsubishi hasn't been consistent in its reliability like Honda. One year they are doing well, the next, they are taking slides down the hole.
According to RepairPal, Honda has a Reliability rating of 4.0/5.0 ranking 1st out of 32 car brands. This is compared to Mitsubishi which ranks 6th out of 32, with a rating of 4.0/5.0.
On Consumer Reports 2022 reliability ratings, Honda is the 5th reliable car brand while Mitsubishi is not ranked due to insufficient data or low model count. Fortunately, Mitsubishi did better on the 2022 JD Power dependability survey, ranking higher than Honda.
Without basing our judgment on the ratings, let's study the different features and specs that make each of these brands special. Honda beats Mitsubishi with more comprehensive warranty coverage.
Honda offers a comprehensive warranty package, including a 5-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Mitsubishi also offers a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but the basic warranty is only for 3 years/36,000 miles.
You are getting an extra two years warranty for using a Honda as against a Mitsubishi. Safety ratings are also higher on Honda, just as you are assured of better fuel efficiency.
On an overall scale, irrespective of Mitsubishi's amazing build quality, Honda vehicles have better longevity and low maintenance cost. You can drive your Honda car for a long time without worrying about repairs, maintenance, or routine changes.
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Design
In terms of design, Honda vehicles are known for their sleek, modern aesthetic and attention to detail.
Mitsubishi has a reputation for building rugged, sporty vehicles that are built to perform.
Mitsubishi integrates innovative craftsmanship into the designs of its cars to ensure that every eye that stumbles on a Mitsubishi car will marvel at its ingenuity.
This is visible in the use of dynamic shields, bold forms, and interior designs that feel solid.
Honda adopts a design philosophy that states 'Simplicity and Something.' The goal of Honda's design philosophy is to keep the designs simple, yet designing cars that drivers and passengers feel happy driving. Honda focuses on creating designs that spur joy in the mind of customers and dealers.
This leads to the use of materials that spur emotions, less-cluttered designs, and the use of more glass in cars to increase visibility. The truth is, both Mitsubishi and Honda have similar goals, to build cars that their users can trust.
Winner: Both
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Gas Mileage
When it comes to gas mileage, Honda outperforms Mitsubishi. There are more Honda vehicles with better fuel efficiency than those found in Mitsubishi. Honda vehicles are known for their fuel efficiency, with many models boasting impressive EPA ratings.
Mitsubishi vehicles, although relatively efficient, have lower gas mileage compared to Honda. A comparison of different popular cars from both brands will help you understand how reliable and efficient their fuel systems are.
Mitsubishi Lancer gets gas mileage of 23 MPG and 30 MPG for city and highway rides respectively. This is compared to the Honda CR V which returns 28/30 MPG for the city and highway.
Although Mitsubishi steps up with the Mitsubishi Mirage by beating Honda Civic with a gas mileage of 36/42 as against Civic's 33/42.
However, the Civic beats the Mitsubishi Lancer, and even the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Honda brand employs lots of fuel-saving technologies to get the best from fuel.
There's Honda Econ Button, an Eco-assist system, a visual fuel-efficiency feedback mechanism, etc. The beauty of Honda cars is that it consumes less fuel compared to Mitsubishi, so you are sure of saving a couple of dollars.
Winner: Honda
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Safety and Technology
Safety is a major concern for any car buyer, and both Honda and Mitsubishi have taken steps to ensure that their vehicles are as safe as possible.
Honda vehicles are consistently rated highly by safety organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Mitsubishi vehicles also have a fair safety record, but they tend to receive slightly lower ratings than Honda vehicles in safety tests.
For instance, on the 2022 IIHS safety rating, there is only one Mitsubishi car earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick (+) award. This is compared to Honda which has seven cars earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick (+) award.
Honda and Mitsubishi are both known for offering a wide range of features and systems to enhance the driving experience. Honda vehicles are known for their advanced infotainment systems, which feature large touchscreens and intuitive controls.
Mitsubishi vehicles are also well-equipped, but they focus more on performance-enhancing technology, such as advanced all-wheel drive systems and turbocharged engines.
Technology is fair on both brands, you get systems that make you feel safe and comfortable on both cars.
Winner: Honda
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Engine and Performance
Honda vehicles are known for their smooth, refined Powertrains, which are designed to deliver a comfortable, fuel-efficient driving experience.
Mitsubishi vehicles are built to perform, and many models feature turbocharged engines and advanced all-wheel drive systems to provide a more thrilling driving experience. However, there's a clear margin in the reliability of their engines.
Unlike Honda, Mitsubishi has battled with lots of reliability issues, breakdowns, and faults. The inconsistency in their engineering principles doesn't make them a brand that one can rely on.
More Honda engines are delivering better speed, power, and fuel efficiency than Mitsubishi engines.
For instance; Honda Civic Si outperforms Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe with better engines, beating the car with better hp and gas mileage.
Although the Mitsubishi Outlander steps up to the square with the Honda CR-V, Honda CRV beats the Mitsubishi Lancer with better power.
Winner: Honda
Honda vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
Honda is less expensive to maintain and repair than Mitsubishi. According to RepairPal, Honda gets an average annual repair cost of $428, with a 0.2 chance of visiting the repair shop and a 10% chance of major repairs.
This is compared to Mitsubishi which gets $535 and 0.2 chance of visiting the repair shop, and a 12% probability of major repairs.
Winner: Honda
Conclusion
Overall, Honda and Mitsubishi are both excellent car manufacturers with their unique strengths and weaknesses.
The major problem with Mitsubishi is that they have limited cars in their lineup. Unlike most popular car brands, Mitsubishi is not consistent in producing cars that cut across different categories. This can make it difficult to choose a car that meets your needs.
The truth is, irrespective of how reliable Honda vehicles are against Mitsubishi, the choice is yours to make. You have to consider your preferences, budget, and needs and choose a brand with a car that matches your profile.
