Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota Highlander: The Ultimate SUV Showdown

When it comes to family SUVs that prioritize space versatility and safety two models often stand out: the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander. Both of these midsize SUVs offer unique features but choosing the best fit requires a deeper look at what each has to offer. We'll dive into every key aspect of these two popular SUVs—performance fuel efficiency interior features technology safety and more. By the end of this guide you'll have a solid understanding of which SUV might best suit your needs.

Overview of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Highlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Highlander are both reliable SUVs but they target slightly different markets. The Outlander is known for its affordability compact size and hybrid options while the Highlander offers more power and space but comes with a higher price tag.

• Mitsubishi Outlander: Compact 3-row SUV with a focus on value and hybrid capability. Designed for those looking for a balance between affordability and family-friendly features.

• Toyota Highlander: Larger more powerful SUV with V6 engine options and a reputation for longevity. Designed for those who need more cargo space and don’t mind paying a bit more for reliability.

Performance and Powertrain Comparison

When comparing these two SUVs performance is a key consideration. The Outlander has a smaller engine but offers a plug-in hybrid option while the Highlander brings more power but with higher fuel consumption.

Mitsubishi Outlander Performance

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This may sound modest but it’s enough to provide a smooth city ride and even some light off-road capability. The Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) offers additional power and efficiency with two electric motors and an estimated 74 MPGe.

Pros:

• Fuel-Efficient especially the PHEV version
• Smooth ride for city driving
• Offers AWD for extra traction

Cons:

• Limited power for highway merging and passing
• Not as powerful as other midsize SUVs

Toyota Highlander Performance

The Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5L V6 that generates 295 horsepower or a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. The V6 provides strong acceleration and can handle heavy loads with ease. With its available AWD and off-road modes it’s also a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Powerful V6 engine option
• Available hybrid model for better fuel economy
• Reliable for heavy loads and long trips

Cons:

• Lower fuel efficiency in the V6 version
• Higher price point for hybrid models

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

In today's eco-conscious world fuel efficiency is an essential factor in choosing an SUV. Both Mitsubishi and Toyota offer hybrid options though each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Efficiency

With the standard 2.5L engine the Outlander achieves around 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The PHEV variant pushes fuel efficiency even further offering up to 74 MPGe when using both gas and electric modes combined. However charging infrastructure for PHEVs can be limited depending on your location.

Pros:

• Great fuel efficiency with the PHEV model
• Lower emissions than traditional SUVs

Cons:

• Limited EV-only range in the PHEV model
• Requires access to charging stations for optimal efficiency

Toyota Highlander Fuel Efficiency

The Highlander’s hybrid model gets impressive mileage too with around 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. However the V6 version consumes more fuel and only offers around 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Pros:

• High mpg in the hybrid version
• More fuel-efficient than many SUVs in its class

Cons:

• Poorer fuel efficiency in the V6 version
• Higher emissions in the non-hybrid models

Interior Design and Comfort

Comfort is critical when choosing an SUV and here both vehicles excel but with different strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down the interior quality and seating arrangements of both SUVs.

Mitsubishi Outlander Interior

The Mitsubishi Outlander has a stylish and modern cabin with seating for up to seven passengers. Though the Outlander has a smaller footprint it offers a functional layout that makes use of every inch.

• Quality of materials: Premium materials on higher trims but base models may feel a bit plasticky.
• Seating: While it technically seats seven the third row is quite cramped and best for children.
• Cargo space: Offers 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space but less than the Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Interior

The Toyota Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable cabin that seats up to eight passengers. Its third-row seating is more spacious making it a better choice for families with older children or teens.

• Quality of materials: Known for durability and comfort with soft-touch materials on most trims.
• Seating: Third-row seats are roomier than the Outlander’s.
• Cargo space: With 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space it’s one of the roomiest in its class.

Technology and Infotainment

Modern SUVs are packed with advanced technology to improve the driving experience. Both the Outlander and Highlander bring impressive tech suites but with notable differences.

Mitsubishi Outlander Tech Features

The Outlander offers an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. It’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and higher trims include wireless charging and navigation.

• Pros: Easy-to-use infotainment system straightforward controls
• Cons: Base models have smaller screens and lack some advanced features

Toyota Highlander Tech Features

Toyota Highlander boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims which is more responsive and visually appealing than the Outlander’s. It also includes Amazon Alexa integration and a premium sound system on some trims.

• Pros: Larger screen available excellent sound system options
• Cons: The software can be slow to update and some features are only available on higher trims

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is paramount for any family vehicle. Both Mitsubishi and Toyota offer a range of driver-assist features but the Toyota Highlander is known for its reputation for safety.

Mitsubishi Outlander Safety

The Outlander includes Mitsubishi’s suite of safety features including Forward Collision Mitigation Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning. However the Outlander hasn’t earned as high crash-test ratings as the Highlander.

• Pros: Comprehensive suite of driver-assist features standard
• Cons: Mixed crash-test scores compared to the Highlander

Toyota Highlander Safety

The Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ which offers Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert. The Highlander has consistently scored well in safety tests.

• Pros: Advanced safety features reliable crash-test ratings
• Cons: Limited features on base models without additional packages

Driving Experience and Comfort

The driving experience of each SUV differs in handling comfort and road noise.

Mitsubishi Outlander Driving Experience

The Outlander’s ride is comfortable and smooth but its 2.5L engine may feel underpowered when accelerating on the highway. It’s better suited to urban driving and light off-roading.

• Pros: Smooth ride in city settings capable for light off-roading
• Cons: Sluggish acceleration at higher speeds limited towing capacity

Toyota Highlander Driving Experience

With the powerful V6 engine option the Highlander provides a more robust driving experience. It handles well on highways and has a solid towing capacity of 5000 pounds. However some drivers may find its larger size harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

• Pros: Powerful engine option smooth highway driving good towing capacity
• Cons: Bulkier feel in urban areas more challenging to park

Pricing and Value

Ultimately the cost is a deciding factor. While the Mitsubishi Outlander is generally more affordable the Toyota Highlander has a higher resale value due to its reliability and reputation.

Mitsubishi Outlander Price

The Outlander’s starting price is lower and even the fully-loaded PHEV version remains competitive.

• Starting price: Around $27,000
• Top trims: Around $40,000 for the PHEV model

Toyota Highlander Price

The Highlander’s starting price is higher and adding optional packages or hybrid models increases the cost significantly.

• Starting price: Around $36,000
• Top trims: Around $50,000 for the hybrid model

What Experts Say: Opinions from Real Drivers

Alex Collantes a dedicated SUV owner shares: "I’ve driven both the Outlander and Highlander but honestly I feel like the Highlander just offers a smoother and more powerful experience on the highway. The Outlander is great around town but if you’re doing long-distance drives that V6 in the Highlander really makes a difference."

Final Verdict: Which SUV Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for affordability fuel efficiency and compact size the Mitsubishi Outlander is a great choice especially in urban settings. But if you prioritize power space and advanced features the Toyota Highlander may be worth the investment.

Summary Comparison

• Mitsubishi Outlander

  • Pros: Affordable compact fuel-efficient with PHEV option
  • Cons: Limited power cramped third row lower cargo space

• Toyota Highlander

  • Pros: Spacious powerful V6 option extensive safety features
  • Cons: Higher price point lower fuel efficiency in V6 bulkier size

Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Highlander bring unique strengths to the table so weigh your needs carefully to make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.