2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV electrifies the segment with an impressive 38 miles of electric range, drawing first blood for efficiency seekers starting at $40,445. Its unique proposition is blending electric utility with AWD capability. Conversely, the all-new 2026 Chevrolet Traverse unleashes raw, non-hybrid power, boasting a commanding 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, though its starting price sits slightly higher at $40,800 and it achieves only 23 MPG combined. While the Outlander PHEV offers nimble dimensions (185.4 inches long), the Traverse prioritizes cavernous space, offering a segment-leading 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mitsubishi's 12.8 cu ft. This battle pits plug-in plug-and-play sensibility against brute V6-derived force in the modern crossover wars.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV's 38 miles of electric range makes it significantly more efficient for daily zero-emission commuting.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Traverse offers substantially more room with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander PHEV's 12.8 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse is the clear performance leader, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque versus the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV provides plug-in hybrid technology and AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $40,445.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing fuel economy, leveraging the 38 miles of all-electric range.
- You prefer the confident grip of all-wheel drive capability paired with hybrid efficiency.
- You need a slightly smaller footprint, as the Outlander is 185.4 inches long compared to the Traverse's bulk.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You require maximum hauling capability, as the Traverse offers a massive 22.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- Unbridled power is essential, making the 328 hp engine the obvious choice for spirited driving.
- You prefer the smooth responsiveness of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a direct drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 204.5" |
| Width | 84.4" | 79.6" |
| Height | 68.5" | 69.6" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 121.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 328 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 | — | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/27 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 388.0/523.8 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. | 19.4 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | CHAdeMO | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 17.7 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) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 62.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 58.7 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: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 62.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.
What is the real-world driving difference between the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp and the Traverse's 328 hp?
The Traverse has a significant advantage with 80 more horsepower, meaning it will accelerate faster, especially when fully loaded. However, the Outlander PHEV delivers its torque instantly via electric motors, which aids initial city responsiveness despite the lower peak horsepower rating.
How does the 38-mile EV range on the Outlander PHEV stack up against the Traverse's fuel economy?
The Outlander PHEV allows for short trips using only electricity, achieving 38 miles before dipping into its 26 MPG combined gasoline mode. The Traverse, being conventionally powered (though efficient for its size), maintains a steady 23 MPG combined rating.
Which vehicle is genuinely better suited for hauling large amounts of gear?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the undeniable cargo king here, boasting 22.9 cubic feet of space, which is nearly double the 12.8 cu ft offered by the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Is the price difference between the two crossovers meaningful?
The MSRPs are quite close, with the Outlander PHEV starting at $40,445 and the Traverse at $40,800. The Outlander offers plug-in tech for essentially the same entry price.
Why does the Outlander PHEV use a 1-speed direct drive transmission?
The 1-speed transmission is typical for many hybrids and plug-in hybrids, allowing seamless blending of electric motor and gasoline engine output without needing traditional gear ratios, optimizing efficiency.
Which vehicle is the better choice for drivers prioritizing handling versus straight-line stability?
The smaller dimensions and standard all-wheel drive of the Outlander PHEV suggest nimbler handling dynamics. The Traverse, being physically larger (204.5 inches long), is geared more toward straight-line cruising stability.
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