Hyundai Tucson vs Mitsubishi Outlander: A Unique Comparison of Two Crossovers

When it comes to choosing a crossover SUV that blends style comfort and performance both the Hyundai Tucson and the Mitsubishi Outlander are strong contenders in the market. These vehicles have made a significant mark in the SUV world with their competitive pricing family-friendly features and fuel efficiency. In this comprehensive comparison we'll dive deep into both models—laying out their features pros and cons and what sets them apart from each other.

Hyundai Tucson vs Mitsubishi Outlander: A Comprehensive Overview

The Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander both come packed with features that cater to families adventure seekers and city drivers alike. Whether it's daily commuting or weekend trips these vehicles offer flexibility and comfort. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s break down all the important aspects from engine performance and fuel efficiency to safety features and price point.

The Hyundai Tucson: What Makes it a Great Choice

Overview

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV that has garnered attention for its stylish looks and practicality. With a bold exterior design high-quality interior finishes and advanced tech features the Tucson feels modern and ready for any journey.

Pros of the Hyundai Tucson

• Stylish and Modern Design: Tucson’s new design language "Sensuous Sportiness" gives it a sporty and eye-catching look.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension of the Tucson is finely tuned for a comfortable and smooth ride even on bumpy roads.
• Ample Tech Features: It comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (10.25 inches on higher trims) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Impressive Safety Features: The Tucson is loaded with advanced safety features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist.

Drawbacks of the Hyundai Tucson

• Engine Performance: The base engine while fuel-efficient can feel underpowered especially when trying to accelerate quickly.
• Limited Off-Road Capability: Despite its crossover looks the Tucson is not geared for serious off-roading with its focus being more on city and highway driving.

The Mitsubishi Outlander: A Look at its Features

Overview

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mid-size crossover that provides an alternative take on the SUV experience. With a recent overhaul in design and tech the Outlander aims to deliver a versatile driving experience suitable for both urban environments and longer road trips.

Pros of the Mitsubishi Outlander

• Seating for Seven: Unlike many other crossovers in its class the Outlander comes with a third row of seating allowing for up to 7 passengers.
• Solid Fuel Efficiency: The Mitsubishi Outlander offers competitive fuel efficiency making it a great choice for those looking to save on gas.
• Affordable Pricing: The Outlander comes in at a lower price point than some competitors making it a budget-friendly choice for families.
• Good Warranty: Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100000-mile powertrain warranty is one of the best in the segment.

Drawbacks of the Mitsubishi Outlander

• Third-Row Space: While the Outlander does offer a third row it can feel cramped especially for adults. It's best for children or short trips.
• Ride Quality: The Outlander’s suspension is on the firmer side which can make the ride feel harsher especially over potholes or rough terrain.
• Infotainment System: The infotainment system feels dated compared to competitors and lacks some of the intuitive features seen in the Tucson.

Performance and Engine Options

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander offer different engine options and trims that can significantly alter your driving experience.

Hyundai Tucson Performance

The base engine in the Tucson is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is fuel-efficient it may feel a bit sluggish when trying to pass other cars on the highway. However for most daily driving situations the engine is perfectly capable.

Turbocharged and Hybrid Options

For those seeking more performance Hyundai offers turbocharged and hybrid variants of the Tucson which provide better acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The hybrid option particularly stands out as a solid choice for those prioritizing green driving and fuel savings.

Mitsubishi Outlander Performance

The Outlander comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While the numbers are similar to the Tucson the Outlander's engine feels less refined and the acceleration can be slower. Mitsubishi also offers the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) for those who want a more eco-friendly option. This hybrid model provides decent electric range for daily commuting and the ability to save on fuel costs.

Driving Dynamics

The Outlander has an all-wheel drive (AWD) system which can handle light off-roading and rough weather conditions better than the front-wheel-drive Tucson. However the ride quality can be stiffer than some drivers might prefer particularly on the highway.

Interior and Comfort Comparison

The interior experience can make or break a car buying decision especially for families and long-distance drivers. Both SUVs aim to offer comfort and tech for the modern driver.

Hyundai Tucson Interior

The Hyundai Tucson’s cabin feels upscale and spacious. With high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces throughout the interior has a premium feel to it. The seats are well-cushioned providing a comfortable experience on longer drives.

Cabin Space and Cargo

The rear seats of the Tucson offer plenty of legroom for passengers and the rear cargo area is spacious enough to fit luggage groceries and more. When the rear seats are folded down the Tucson provides ample space for larger items or gear for outdoor adventures.

Mitsubishi Outlander Interior

The Mitsubishi Outlander's interior also has a fresh new look with a focus on quality and functionality. The third-row seating is a big advantage over the Tucson but it's important to note that these seats are more suitable for children or short trips as they can feel cramped.

Cargo and Storage

With the third-row seats up the cargo space in the Outlander is quite limited. However with the third row folded down there's plenty of room for daily necessities and travel bags. The overall cabin feel is functional but doesn't have the premium touch of the Tucson.

Technology and Infotainment

The tech features in a car are increasingly important for today’s buyers whether for safety entertainment or convenience.

Hyundai Tucson Technology

The Hyundai Tucson comes with an 8-inch touchscreen which can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch screen in higher trims. It features Apple CarPlay Android Auto Bluetooth and voice recognition as standard. The larger screen is easy to navigate and adds a modern touch to the cabin.

Advanced Safety Features

The Tucson also shines in terms of safety technology. It comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense which includes features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Blind-Spot Collision Warning Lane Keeping Assist Adaptive Cruise Control and more. This makes it one of the safest choices in its segment.

Mitsubishi Outlander Technology

The Outlander features a 7-inch touchscreen on the base trim which can be upgraded to a 9-inch display on higher trims. While it includes Apple CarPlay Android Auto Bluetooth and navigation the system feels less intuitive than that of the Tucson. The menus can be somewhat dated in design and navigation can take a bit longer.

Safety Features

Mitsubishi offers a decent array of safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking Lane Departure Warning Blind-Spot Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert and more. However some features that are standard on the Tucson are only available on higher trims of the Outlander.

Pricing and Trim Levels

Hyundai Tucson Pricing

The Hyundai Tucson is available in various trims starting from the base SE trim which is priced competitively. As you move up through the trims—SEL N Line and Limited—you get access to more tech and comfort features like heated seats premium audio panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery.

Mitsubishi Outlander Pricing

The Mitsubishi Outlander also has a range of trims starting from the ES trim and moving up to SE SEL and GT trims. The Outlander tends to come at a slightly lower price point than the Tucson which can be a big draw for budget-conscious buyers. However some of the more desirable features are only available on the higher-end trims.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Fuel efficiency is an important factor for many buyers particularly those who plan to use their SUV for daily commuting or long trips.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Efficiency

The Tucson’s 2.5-liter engine delivers around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway which is respectable for a compact SUV. The hybrid variant of the Tucson further enhances fuel economy making it an excellent choice for those looking to save on gas.

Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Efficiency

The Outlander offers slightly lower fuel efficiency with the standard engine getting around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However the PHEV version of the Outlander shines in terms of fuel economy offering the option to drive in all-electric mode for short commutes.

Handling and Driving Experience

Hyundai Tucson Driving Experience

The Tucson’s driving experience is smooth and comfortable. It handles well around corners and feels stable on the highway. The steering is responsive which makes city driving a breeze but the engine’s lack of power may be noticed when quick acceleration is needed.

Mitsubishi Outlander Driving Experience

The Outlander has a more rugged feel thanks to its AWD capabilities. This makes it more suited for outdoor adventures and light off-roading. However the ride can feel stiff at times and the engine noise can be a bit loud under heavy acceleration.

Real-World User Insights

Alex Collantes' Opinion

Alex Collantes who recently test-drove both the Tucson and the Outlander had this to say: “Both SUVs have their strong points but for me the Tucson stands out for its overall comfort and high-tech feel. The Outlander’s third-row seating is a great feature especially if you have a larger family but the seats aren’t as comfy as the Tucson's. For daily driving I found the Tucson to be more refined and quieter on the road.”

Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander have their own sets of pros and cons. If you’re looking for a stylish ride with plenty of tech features and safety the Tucson is a fantastic choice. On the other hand if you need extra seating and a more rugged driving experience the Outlander might be the better pick.

The Tucson is ideal for those who prioritize comfort technology and an upscale cabin while the Outlander will appeal to those who want a budget-friendly SUV with the added practicality of a third row and AWD capabilities.

References

• Hyundai USA Official Site
• Mitsubishi Motors Official Site
• Collantes A. (2024) Personal opinion on the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander experiences.

Whether you're looking for fuel efficiency space or style it's important to consider what factors matter most to you in an SUV. With this detailed comparison between the Hyundai Tucson and the Mitsubishi Outlander you'll be able to make an informed decision on which crossover best fits your lifestyle and needs.