2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Comparison Overview
The primary distinction between the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (Car 2) and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Car 1) lies in their fuel efficiency and power delivery. Car 2 offers 269 hp, surpassing Car 1's 248 hp, but sacrifices significant economy with a 23 MPG combined rating versus the Outlander PHEV's 26 MPG combined (in hybrid mode). Furthermore, the Outlander PHEV provides a measurable 38 miles of pure electric range, a metric the Atlas Cross Sport entirely lacks. Dimensionally, the Atlas Cross Sport is substantially larger at 195.6 inches long, translating directly into its massive 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the Outlander PHEV's minimal 12.8 cu ft. Despite its efficiency lead, Car 1 carries a higher MSRP of $40,445 versus Car 2's $37,190, creating a $3,255 upfront cost difference favoring the Volkswagen.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV's 38 miles of electric range makes daily commuting significantly cheaper and more efficient than the standard hybrid operation of the Atlas Cross Sport.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offers over three times the standard cargo capacity at 40.3 cu ft compared to the Outlander PHEV's 12.8 cu ft, providing superior utility for families.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport produces greater peak power output at 269 hp and achieves 273 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Outlander PHEV's output.
2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Atlas Cross Sport offers substantially more passenger/cargo space and higher horsepower for a lower starting MSRP of $37,190.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy through daily plug-in charging for short commutes, leveraging the 38 miles of electric range.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability, as the Outlander PHEV includes this feature while the Atlas Cross Sport is FWD standard.
- You prefer the technical complexity of a 1-speed direct drive transmission over a traditional 8-speed automatic.
Choose the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport if...
- You require substantial cargo volume, as the 40.3 cu ft easily dwarfs the 12.8 cu ft offered by Car 1.
- You seek greater immediate power, given the Atlas Cross Sport delivers 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the lower initial purchase price, saving $3,255 compared to the Outlander PHEV's MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 195.6" |
| Width | 84.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 68.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 117.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 269 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 372.0/483.6 mi. |
| 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. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 18.6 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | CHAdeMO | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 40.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Which vehicle has better overall fuel economy figures?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Car 1) is superior for efficiency, achieving a 38-mile electric range before switching to its 26 MPG combined hybrid rating. Conversely, the 2025 VW Atlas Cross Sport (Car 2) is rated lower at 23 MPG combined using only gasoline.
What is the practical difference in size and utility between the two crossovers?
The Atlas Cross Sport (Car 2) is significantly larger externally, measuring 195.6 inches long compared to Car 1's 185.4 inches. This size difference results in Car 2 possessing 40.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus Car 1’s limited 12.8 cu ft.
Why is the Atlas Cross Sport more powerful despite being less expensive?
The VW Atlas Cross Sport features a conventional gasoline powertrain generating 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Outlander PHEV’s 248 hp output. Car 1 requires its power from a PHEV system mated to a 1-speed direct drive transmission.
Does the Outlander PHEV offer standard AWD, and what is the VW's standard configuration?
Yes, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive. The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport comes standard with front-wheel drive.
How much more does the Outlander PHEV cost upfront compared to the Atlas Cross Sport?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an MSRP of $40,445, making it $3,255 more expensive than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which starts at $37,190.
What are the transmission differences for these two vehicles?
Car 1 uses a 1-speed direct drive transmission inherent to its hybrid layout. Car 2 utilizes a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with its larger gasoline engine.
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