2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

$30,500 · Crossover

$40,445 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary differentiator between the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the $9,945 MSRP gap, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 against the Outlander PHEV's $40,445. Power output is also significantly divergent; the Outlander PHEV delivers 248 hp, exceeding the CX-50's 187 hp by 61 horsepower, which reflects in its PHEV performance profile. However, the CX-50 achieves a superior traditional fuel economy rating, reaching 28 combined MPG compared to the Outlander PHEV's 26 combined MPG (when not utilizing electric power). The Outlander PHEV does introduce a significant electric advantage with a 38-mile electric range, something the standard CX-50 lacks entirely. Dimensionally, the CX-50 is narrower at 75.6 inches versus the Mitsubishi's 84.4 inches, but the CX-50 offers substantially more utility, boasting 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the PHEV's 12.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 wins for commuters due to its better conventional fuel economy rating of 28 combined MPG and lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is better suited for families requiring cargo space, offering 31.4 cu ft versus the Outlander PHEV's limited 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, offering 248 hp compared to the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides superior value by costing $9,945 less while still offering AWD and adequate power (187 hp) for daily driving.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

The budget is strictly under $31,000, as the CX-50 MSRP is $30,500.
Maximum usable cargo volume is critical, given its 31.4 cu ft capacity.
Reliable, consistent fuel economy without reliance on charging infrastructure is preferred (28 combined MPG).

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

Access to daily electric commuting is desired, utilizing its 38-mile electric range.
Maximum propulsion is a priority, demonstrated by its 248 hp output.
A wider vehicle stance (84.4 inches width) and taller profile (68.5 inches height) are advantageous for the driver's preference.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Length	185.8"	185.4"
Width	75.6"	84.4"
Height	63.5"	68.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	248 hp
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	—
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/31 MPG	25/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	370.0/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.8 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	67/61 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	64 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	38 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	52
Charging Time (240V)	—	6.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	CHAdeMO

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	54.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

What is the fundamental difference in powertrain technology between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-50 utilizes a standard internal combustion engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission producing 187 hp. Conversely, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV employs a plug-in hybrid system providing 248 hp and a dedicated 38-mile electric range before requiring gasoline use.

How do the interior storage capabilities compare?

The standard CX-50 offers significantly more traditional storage, providing 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Outlander PHEV sacrifices substantial space for its battery components, resulting in only 12.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Is the higher horsepower of the Outlander PHEV noticeable in daily driving efficiency?

While the Outlander PHEV has 61 more horsepower (248 hp vs 187 hp), its combined MPG rating when running on gasoline is slightly lower at 26 MPG compared to the CX-50's 28 MPG.

Which vehicle has a better starting price?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 holds a substantial price advantage, starting at $30,500, which is $9,945 less expensive than the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's $40,445 MSRP.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, and what are their AWD system specifications?

Yes, both vehicles specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility. Both models come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), although the CX-50 uses a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission while the Outlander PHEV uses a 1-speed direct drive system.

How do the exterior dimensions differ between the two models?

The two crossovers are nearly identical in length (185.8 inches for CX-50 vs. 185.4 inches for Outlander PHEV), but the Outlander PHEV is significantly wider (84.4 inches vs. 75.6 inches) and much taller (68.5 inches vs. 63.5 inches).