Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota Highlander: The Ultimate Comparison for Your Next SUV Purchase

Choosing the perfect SUV can be a real challenge and it can make you pull your hair out with all the options available in the market today. If you find yourself stuck between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander you're in the right place. Both these vehicles have unique features pros and cons that appeal to a variety of drivers from families to adventurers. In this article we'll dive into a detailed comparison highlighting performance features interior space fuel economy and price to help you make an informed choice.

Performance Comparison: Outlander vs Highlander

When you're looking for an SUV one of the most important things to consider is performance. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander offer solid performance but they cater to different needs.

Engine & Power

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering around 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a decent amount of power for daily driving and it’s paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for a smoother ride. But don't expect it to win any drag races—it’s more about efficiency and comfort.

On the other hand the Toyota Highlander has a more robust engine lineup. It starts with a 3.5-liter V6 engine offering a solid 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. For those who crave more power this is an absolute bonus and makes the Highlander more capable in situations like towing or fast acceleration on the freeway. There's also an 8-speed automatic transmission which feels more responsive and controlled compared to the Outlander’s CVT.

All-Wheel Drive Capability

Both the Outlander and the Highlander offer All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as an option which is a fantastic feature if you frequently drive on rough terrain or in inclement weather. The Outlander comes with Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) which is designed to optimize handling by distributing torque between the wheels that need it most. This gives it an edge in off-road and slippery conditions.

The Highlander’s AWD system is competent but not as advanced as Mitsubishi's. However the Highlander's AWD is still reliable for most scenarios providing good traction and stability on wet or snowy roads.

Key Takeaways on Performance

• The Outlander focuses on efficiency and comfort with a standard 4-cylinder engine.
• The Highlander delivers more power and a better towing capacity with its V6 engine.
• The Outlander's S-AWC system enhances off-road performance.
• The Highlander is better suited for those who want extra power and towing capabilities.

Driving Experience: Ride & Handling

When it comes to the driving experience the Outlander and Highlander show some clear differences. The Outlander is designed with comfort in mind—it offers a smooth and composed ride but can feel underpowered at times especially when loaded with passengers and cargo. Some users find the steering to be somewhat light and not as engaging but it’s very easy to handle especially in urban settings.

The Highlander with its V6 engine provides a stronger acceleration. The steering is more responsive and the overall ride feels more refined at higher speeds. However due to its larger size it can feel a bit bulky when maneuvering through tighter spaces like parking lots or narrow streets.

Drawbacks to Consider

• Outlander: Lacks the punchy acceleration some drivers prefer; steering can feel numb.
• Highlander: Larger size can make city driving a bit more difficult; fuel economy is impacted by the larger V6 engine.

Fuel Economy: Saving You Money on the Road

Fuel economy is one of the main considerations for many SUV buyers these days and both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander offer respectable fuel efficiency given their sizes.

Fuel Economy: Outlander

The Outlander with its 4-cylinder engine delivers a fuel economy of around 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway which is pretty impressive for an SUV of this size. It makes it a better choice for drivers who spend a lot of time commuting or on long road trips.

Fuel Economy: Highlander

The Highlander with its V6 engine achieves around 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway which is slightly less than the Outlander. If you're looking for a more fuel-efficient Highlander there's also a hybrid option that boasts around 36 MPG combined. However the hybrid model comes at a higher price point so you’ll have to weigh the upfront cost against long-term savings on fuel.

Quick Fuel Economy Comparison

• Outlander: 24 MPG city/30 MPG highway
• Highlander V6: 21 MPG city/29 MPG highway
• Highlander Hybrid: 36 MPG combined

Interior Comfort & Space: Which SUV Fits You Best?

Interior comfort is another crucial factor in choosing the right SUV especially if you have a family or travel frequently.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Interior Layout

The Outlander has undergone a major redesign recently and offers a surprisingly premium interior for its price. You get comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Outlander also provides seating for up to seven passengers which is a huge plus for larger families. However the third row is a bit cramped and best suited for children or short trips.

Storage space is adequate but not overwhelming. The cargo capacity is around 11.7 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to 33.5 cubic feet when you fold down the seats.

Toyota Highlander: Interior Space & Features

The Highlander boasts a more spacious and refined interior overall. It offers three rows of seating and comfortably fits up to eight passengers in some trims. The third row is roomier compared to the Outlander making it more suitable for adults as well.

The Highlander’s infotainment system is intuitive and comes with a larger display in higher trims. In terms of cargo space it offers about 16 cubic feet behind the third row expanding to around 48.4 cubic feet when folded. So if cargo space is a priority the Highlander has the edge.

Key Points on Interior Space

• Outlander: Comfortable and stylish interior with 7-passenger seating but limited third-row and cargo space.
• Highlander: More room for passengers and cargo—ideal for families needing extra space.

Price & Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

Price is often the deciding factor when choosing a new SUV and there's a notable difference between the Outlander and Highlander.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Affordable & Feature-Packed

The Outlander is more budget-friendly with a starting price around $27,000 for the base trim. Considering its features fuel efficiency and seating capacity it offers good value for the price. Higher trims with additional features like leather seats panoramic sunroof and advanced safety tech can go up to around $38,000.

Toyota Highlander: Higher Price Higher Value

The Highlander has a starting price around $37,000 which is notably higher than the Outlander. However this price comes with a more powerful engine spacious interior and higher resale value. For a fully-loaded Highlander model the price can reach up to $50,000 or more but you do get features like all-wheel drive premium audio heated seats and more.

Cost Comparison Overview

• Outlander: More affordable starting at $27,000. Better choice for budget-conscious buyers.
• Highlander: Starts at $37,000 but offers a more premium package.

Safety Features & Ratings: Prioritizing Your Family’s Safety

Safety is always a top priority when choosing an SUV especially for families. Let's break down how these two vehicles stack up in terms of safety features and ratings.

Mitsubishi Outlander: Safety Highlights

The Outlander comes standard with several safety features including:

• Forward Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

The 2023 model received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA making it a safe choice for families.

Toyota Highlander: Advanced Safety Suite

The Highlander also packs a punch in safety with its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system which includes:

• Pre-Collision System
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control

It also received top ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.

Safety Comparison

• Both SUVs offer advanced safety features and received high safety ratings.
• The Outlander offers a solid package for its price.
• The Highlander's Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ provides even more advanced features but at a higher cost.

Pros & Cons: Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota Highlander

Mitsubishi Outlander: Pros

• Affordable price point
• Good fuel economy
• Stylish interior redesign
• S-AWC system enhances traction

Mitsubishi Outlander: Cons

• Underpowered engine
• Limited third-row space
• Smaller cargo area

Toyota Highlander: Pros

• Powerful V6 engine
• Spacious interior for up to 8 passengers
• Better towing capacity
• High resale value

Toyota Highlander: Cons

• Higher starting price
• Fuel economy is average for V6
• Can feel bulky in city driving

Alex Collantes' Personal Opinion

"I've driven both the Outlander and the Highlander and I gotta say it really depends on what you're looking for" says Alex Collantes an automotive enthusiast who’s spent time behind the wheel of both SUVs. "The Outlander is great for those who want a stylish SUV without breaking the bank plus it's got that good fuel economy. But the Highlander has more power more space—it's just a better all-around SUV if you're willing to spend the extra money."

Final Verdict: Which SUV Is Right for You?

In conclusion the Mitsubishi Outlander is perfect if you're on a tighter budget want good fuel efficiency and don’t need a lot of power. It’s a solid choice for smaller families and daily commuting. The Toyota Highlander on the other hand is ideal if you need a powerful engine extra space and don’t mind spending more for a premium experience.

If you value affordability and efficiency—the Outlander is your go-to. But if you prioritize power space and a bit more luxury—the Highlander is worth every penny.