2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Acura RDX

$40,445 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the 2026 Acura RDX is the $4,655 MSRP difference, positioning the Outlander PHEV lower at $40,445 compared to the RDX's $45,100. Power output also favors the Acura, delivering 272 hp versus the Mitsubishi's 248 hp, a difference of 24 horsepower. Fuel economy metrics show the Outlander PHEV achieving a 26 MPG combined rating, significantly superior to the RDX's 23 MPG combined rating, though the Acura does not offer plug-in capability. Furthermore, the Outlander PHEV is restricted to 38 miles of pure electric range. Cargo utility presents a substantial contrast, with the RDX offering 29.5 cu ft against the Outlander PHEV's 12.8 cu ft. Dimensions also vary, with the RDX being 2.0 inches longer but notably 9.6 inches narrower than the Mitsubishi.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV's 38-mile electric range and 26 MPG combined fuel economy offer substantial operational savings for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura RDX

The RDX provides 16.7 cubic feet more standardized cargo capacity (29.5 cu ft vs. 12.8 cu ft), making it more practical for hauling passenger gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura RDX

With 272 hp and a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the RDX possesses superior stated power metrics compared to the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp and direct drive setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV offers a lower entry price point ($40,445) while integrating plug-in hybrid technology that the RDX lacks.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

Buyers prioritize minimizing fuel expenditure through significant all-electric driving capability (38 miles EV range).
The budget is strictly constrained, leveraging the $4,655 lower MSRP of the Outlander PHEV.
Operation requires regular use of regular unleaded fuel instead of the RDX's premium recommendation.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

Maximum cubic footage for cargo is required, as the RDX offers 29.5 cu ft.
A higher performance ceiling is desired, utilizing the RDX's 272 hp output.
A traditional 10-speed automatic transmission is preferred over a 1-speed direct drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Acura RDX
Length	185.4"	187.4"
Width	84.4"	74.8"
Height	68.5"	65.7"
Wheelbase	106.5"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
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	272 hp @ 6500 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	—	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/27 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/399.6 mi.	359.1/461.7 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.	17.1 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	CHAdeMO	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
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	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	55.0 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 Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	235/55R19
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mitsubishi	Acura
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 30000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Acura RDX.

How does the 38-mile electric range of the Outlander PHEV impact real-world city commuting costs versus the RDX?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's 38-mile electric range allows many daily commutes to occur without consuming gasoline, offering cost savings relative to the 2026 Acura RDX, which operates solely on gasoline.

Which vehicle provides superior packaging efficiency given the dimensional differences?

Although the Outlander PHEV is slightly shorter in length (185.4 vs. 187.4 inches), the RDX provides significantly more internal volume, manifesting in 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Mitsubishi's 12.8 cu ft.

Are the different fuel requirements relevant to the final cost of ownership for these crossovers?

Yes, the 2025 Outlander PHEV uses regular unleaded, whereas the 2026 RDX recommends premium fuel, which historically commands a higher per-gallon price, affecting operational expenses.

What is the mechanical implication of the 24 hp difference between the two all-wheel-drive systems?

The 272 hp Acura RDX will likely offer quicker acceleration metrics than the 248 hp Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, supported by its 10-speed automatic transmission interfacing with the higher output engine.

How wide are these crossovers, and does the difference impact garage compatibility?

The 2025 Outlander PHEV measures 84.4 inches wide, substantially broader than the 2026 Acura RDX at 74.8 inches wide; this 9.6-inch disparity is crucial for tight parking situations.