2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$40,445 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the efficient plug-in hybrid tech of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the sheer power and size of the 2026 Mazda CX-90 presents a genuine dilemma for crossover shoppers. If maximizing daily electric savings is key, the Outlander PHEV offers a solid 38 miles of electric range, which could drastically cut fuel costs for short trips, despite its slightly lower combined MPG of 26. Conversely, the CX-90, priced slightly lower at $38,800 versus the Mitsubishi's $40,445, delivers 280 horsepower, significantly more than the Outlander's 248 hp. While the Mazda is physically larger at 200.8 inches long, offering 14.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mitsubishi's 12.8 cu ft, the Outlander's specialized powertrain focuses on daily electric commuting capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The 2025 Outlander PHEV wins for commuters due to its dedicated 38-mile electric range, reducing reliance on gasoline.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 CX-90 provides more utility, being over 5 inches longer and offering 14.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Outlander's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 CX-90 appeals more to enthusiasts with a higher 280 horsepower output and a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 wins on base value, offering higher horsepower and more cargo space for a lower starting MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

You prioritize daily commuting savings by utilizing the 38 miles of all-electric range.
You prefer the seamless operation of a 1-speed direct drive transmission in stop-and-go city traffic.
You value having all-wheel drive capability paired with a plug-in hybrid system at its $40,445 price point.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need maximum available power, as the 280 horsepower significantly beats the Outlander's 248 hp.
You require more physical space, demonstrated by the CX-90's 14.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want the lower entry price point, as the CX-90 starts at $38,800 compared to the Outlander PHEV's $40,445.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Mazda CX-90
Length	185.4"	200.8"
Width	84.4"	78.5"
Height	68.5"	68.3"
Wheelbase	106.5"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 6
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	248 hp	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Torque	—	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Drive Train

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/27 MPG	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/399.6 mi.	425.5/518.0 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.	18.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	CHAdeMO	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	265/55R19
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 30000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Mazda CX-90.

Which vehicle is better for highway driving between the two?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is likely better for extended highway cruising as it utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering more refined engine performance than the Outlander's 1-speed direct drive system. Additionally, its slightly better highway fuel economy rating of 28 MPG beats the Mitsubishi's 27 MPG.

How does the difference in power impact performance perception?

The Mazda CX-90 has a substantial 32 horsepower advantage, producing 280 hp compared to the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp. This 13% power boost, likely paired with 332 lb-ft of torque in the Mazda, means the CX-90 will feel noticeably quicker when merging or passing.

Is the Outlander PHEV cheaper to operate daily if I charge it nightly?

Yes, the Outlander PHEV is designed for lower daily running costs, offering a 38-mile electric range. If your daily commute is under this limit, you might only use gasoline occasionally, offsetting the slightly lower combined MPG rating of 26 compared to the CX-90's 25 MPG.

Which crossover is physically larger for hauling passengers or gear?

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 is the larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Mitsubishi's 185.4 inches. This translates to more passenger room and superior cargo capacity, measuring 14.9 cu ft versus 12.8 cu ft in the Outlander.

Are the fuel requirements the same for both AWD crossovers?

Fortunately, both the 2025 Outlander PHEV and the 2026 CX-90 specify the use of regular unleaded fuel. This keeps fueling costs predictable and consistent across both models, unlike some performance vehicles that require premium gasoline.

If I tow, is there a performance benefit to choosing one over the other?

While specific towing capacities were not provided, the CX-90's higher horsepower (280 hp) and torque (332 lb-ft) suggest a mechanical advantage in pulling power compared to the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp output.