2025 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

$38,045 · Crossover

$40,445 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 bursts onto the scene with a robust 280 hp engine and 332 lb-ft of torque, offering immediate, engaging power for the driver seeking traditional refinement. Conversely, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV captures attention with its innovative plug-in hybrid technology, boasting a significant 38 miles of pure electric range for eco-conscious city navigation. While the Mazda emphasizes sheer performance and a higher output, the Mitsubishi leans into efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the CX-90's 25 combined MPG. Priced slightly lower at $38,045 compared to the PHEV's $40,445, the CX-90 is the performance bargain. However, the Outlander PHEV compensates with a slightly superior combined mileage and electric-only capability, making the choice hinge on whether you prioritize gasoline performance or electric versatility in your three-row crossover experience.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV is superior for commuting due to its 38 miles of electric-only range, reducing fuel stops and city emissions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-90

The CX-90 offers greater interior space, evidenced by its 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-90

With 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the CX-90 delivers significantly more raw power for spirited driving than the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers substantially more horsepower (280 hp vs 248 hp) while maintaining a lower MSRP of $38,045.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You prioritize raw power, benefiting from 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
You require maximum cargo space, as it offers 14.9 cubic feet versus 12.8 cubic feet.
You prefer a lower entry price point, starting at $38,045 for the standard AWD configuration.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

Your daily driving can be covered primarily by the 38 miles of electric range.
You want the efficiency advantage, achieving 26 combined MPG.
You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint for city maneuvering, measuring 185.4 inches long versus the CX-90's 200.8 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-90	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Length	200.8"	185.4"
Width	78.5"	84.4"
Height	68.2"	68.5"
Wheelbase	122.8"	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	3.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 5000 rpm	248 hp
Torque	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	—
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/28 MPG	25/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	444.0/518.0 mi.	370.0/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
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	39.7 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.2 in.	54.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.5 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	265/55R19	P235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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-90 and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance road trips between the CX-90 and the Outlander PHEV?

The Mazda CX-90 is likely better suited for extended travel, as its standard gasoline engine delivers 25 combined MPG reliably throughout the journey. While the Outlander PHEV achieves 26 combined MPG on gas, its primary appeal is short-range electric commuting, requiring more frequent charging stops on long hauls.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 compared to the Outlander PHEV?

The Mazda CX-90 boasts 32 more horsepower, generating 280 hp compared to the Mitsubishi's 248 hp. This power advantage, coupled with 332 lb-ft of torque, ensures the CX-90 provides a more immediate and aggressive driving feel.

Does the plug-in hybrid nature of the Outlander PHEV make it significantly more efficient overall?

Yes, for drivers with short commutes, the 38 miles of all-electric range offers superior daily efficiency. However, once that electric charge depletes, both vehicles are close, with the CX-90 achieving 24 MPG city and the PHEV hitting 25 MPG city on gasoline.

Which crossover offers more physical utility space for gear and luggage?

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is the winner in cargo volume, offering 14.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides a slightly smaller 12.8 cubic feet of storage space in the same configuration.

Is the difference in size noticeable between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the CX-90 is notably longer at 200.8 inches, giving it a more commanding road presence, whereas the Outlander PHEV is slightly shorter at 185.4 inches and considerably wider at 84.4 inches.

Which car uses regular unleaded fuel, and does the PHEV require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel. This is a cost advantage for both models, as neither demands more expensive premium gasoline.