2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the practical plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and the budget-friendly gasoline crossover can be tough. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV commands a significant $10,200 higher MSRP ($40,445 vs $30,245 for the Tiguan), but it offers superior power with 248 hp compared to the Tiguan's 201 hp. While the Outlander boasts a 38-mile all-electric range, its standard all-wheel drive setup contributes to a slightly lower 26 combined MPG versus the Tiguan's 29 combined MPG. Additionally, potential buyers must note the size difference: the Tiguan offers substantially more storage at 26.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 12.8 cu ft, making space a crucial factor in this comparison.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV's 38-mile electric range allows many commuters to cover their daily driving without using gasoline at all.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan provides nearly double the usable space with 26.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 12.8 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
With 248 hp, the Outlander PHEV delivers notably better performance than the Tiguan's 201 hp output.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan wins on value by offering a much lower $30,245 MSRP and better traditional fuel economy (29 combined MPG).
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- You prioritize maximizing electric-only driving, thanks to the 38-mile range.
- You need standard all-wheel drive capability right out of the box.
- You demand higher immediate power, provided by the 248 hp engine setup.
Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...
- Sticking strictly to budget is critical, as it saves you $10,200 upfront.
- Maximum hauling and utility are necessary, as it offers 26.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You drive long highway stretches where the Tiguan’s superior 34 highway MPG will shine.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 184.4" |
| Width | 84.4" | 73.0" |
| Height | 68.5" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 109.9" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 201 hp @ 5250 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 | — | 207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed 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 | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 377.0/493.0 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. | 14.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| 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. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.3 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 | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 215/65R H |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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 Tiguan.
How much money do I really save by choosing the Tiguan over the Outlander PHEV?
The initial purchase savings are substantial: the 2025 Tiguan has an MSRP of $30,245, which is $10,200 less than the Outlander PHEV's $40,445 sticker price. While the PHEV offers fuel savings, you need to drive extensively to overcome that initial $10,200 cost difference.
Which vehicle is better for hauling gear or groceries?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is the clear winner for cargo, boasting 26.5 cu ft of space behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV only offers 12.8 cu ft in the same configuration, making the Tiguan much more versatile for storage.
Is the Outlander PHEV worth the power trade-off for commuters?
If your commute is under 38 miles round trip, the Outlander PHEV allows you to use zero gasoline during the week, despite having a lower combined MPG of 26 when the battery is depleted. The Tiguan's higher 34 highway MPG is excellent but requires paying for gas every day.
How does the drivetrain affect performance and cost between these two crossovers?
The Outlander PHEV includes all-wheel drive (AWD) and 248 hp, justifying its higher price and lower 26 combined MPG. The Tiguan is front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, and achieves a better 29 combined MPG.
Are there significant size differences between the two external dimensions?
Yes, the Outlander PHEV is slightly larger overall; it is about an inch longer and over 11 inches wider (84.4 inches vs. 73.0 inches). The Tiguan is slightly shorter and lower, which might help with fitting into tight city parking spots.
What type of fuel do both vehicles require?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan can run on regular unleaded fuel, which simplifies purchasing decisions regardless of which performance package you opt for.
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