2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Car 1) and the 2026 Lexus NX (Car 2) is the 14 MPG divergence in combined fuel efficiency, with the Lexus achieving 40 MPG compared to the Mitsubishi's 26 MPG. Despite this, Car 1 offers a lower MSRP by $3,730, starting at $40,445 versus the Lexus's $44,175. Power delivery is similar, with the Outlander PHEV netting 248 hp versus the NX's 240 hp. However, the Lexus provides nearly double the functional space, offering 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to Car 1's 12.8 cu ft. Furthermore, the Outlander PHEV boasts an exclusive 38 miles of electric range, while the Lexus, despite its superior fuel economy, defaults to Front Wheel Drive (FWD) against the Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV offers 38 miles of dedicated electric range, significantly reducing daily operational costs for shorter commutes.
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX provides substantially more practical space with 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander PHEV's 12.8 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi provides a higher baseline horsepower rating at 248 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV undercuts the Lexus by $3,730 on MSRP and offers a PHEV system, yielding a strong purchase proposition.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- Electric-only driving is prioritized, thanks to the 38-mile electric range.
- A standard All-Wheel Drive system is required regardless of the price point.
- The buyer prioritizes minimizing initial outlay, as the MSRP is $40,445.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Maximum fuel efficiency is critical, indicated by the 40 combined MPG rating.
- Significantly more luggage space is necessary, given the 22.7 cu ft capacity.
- Premium unleaded fuel economy (42 City MPG) is preferred over pure electric miles.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 183.5" |
| Width | 84.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 68.5" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/27 MPG | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 609.0/551.0 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| 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 | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 56.3 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Lexus NX.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Outlander PHEV and the 2026 Lexus NX?
The Outlander PHEV utilizes a plug-in hybrid system providing 38 miles of electric range and produces 248 hp. In contrast, the Lexus NX uses a traditional hybrid setup focusing on fuel economy, achieving 40 combined MPG but only delivering 240 hp.
How does the cargo space compare for family use?
The Lexus NX is the clear winner for utility, offering 22.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trails significantly with only 12.8 cubic feet of capacity.
Which vehicle has better drivetrain configuration for adverse weather?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system. The 2026 Lexus NX is specified here with Front Wheel Drive, making the Mitsubishi inherently better equipped for low-traction environments.
Is the higher price of the Lexus justified by the performance metrics?
The Lexus NX costs $3,730 more at MSRP ($44,175 vs $40,445) but offers 8 less horsepower (240 hp vs 248 hp). The primary justification for the price difference appears to be packaging and brand prestige rather than measurable performance.
Do both vehicles require the same type of gasoline?
No, the Outlander PHEV runs on regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded, which will impact long-term operational costs beyond the MPG ratings.
How do the exterior dimensions affect maneuverability or garage fit?
The Lexus NX is notably narrower (73.4 inches vs 84.4 inches for the Mitsubishi) and slightly shorter in overall length (183.5 inches vs 185.4 inches), potentially offering easier maneuvering in tight urban settings.
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