2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between plug-in capability and luxury badge prestige can be tough when shopping for a compact crossover. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers serious efficiency advantages for those prioritizing electric driving, boasting a 38-mile electric range and 26 combined MPG, while demanding only regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA leans into driving dynamics, though it requires premium fuel, offering superior highway mileage at 34 MPG compared to the Mitsubishi's 27 MPG highway. The Outlander PHEV has a higher output at 248 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp. Though slightly more expensive upfront at $41,500 compared to the Outlander's $40,445 MSRP, the GLA offers slightly more usable space with 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the PHEV's 12.8 cu ft. Your choice really boils down to whether you value PHEV utility or premium badge refinement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV offers a significant 38-mile all-electric range, drastically cutting fuel costs for most daily commutes.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV is physically larger, being over 11 inches longer, suggesting better overall passenger accommodation.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi leads significantly in raw output with 248 horsepower compared to the Mercedes' 221 horsepower.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV provides PHEV technology and superior horsepower for a lower initial MSRP of $40,445.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- You frequently commute under 38 miles and can charge regularly to maximize electric savings.
- You require the assured traction provided by the standard all-wheel drive system.
- You need the extra length (185.4 inches) and 27 more horsepower (248 hp) for family duties.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You prefer better conventional fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG on the highway versus the PHEV's 27 MPG highway.
- You prioritize the luxury badge experience, despite requiring the more expensive premium unleaded fuel.
- You need slightly more utility, as the GLA offers 15.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander's 12.8 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 173.6" |
| Width | 84.4" | 72.2" |
| Height | 68.5" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 221 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 | — | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| 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. | 351.0/459.0 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. | 13.5 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | CHAdeMO | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 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 |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy in general driving?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins on traditional fuel economy, delivering 29 combined MPG, beating the Outlander PHEV's 26 combined MPG when operating in hybrid mode. However, the Mitsubishi's 38-mile electric range offers potential for zero-fuel commuting if your trips are shorter than that threshold.
Is the Outlander PHEV significantly larger than the GLA?
Yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is considerably larger. It measures 185.4 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches, giving it an over 11-inch advantage in length, which usually translates to more comfortable passenger space.
Do these vehicles require different fuel types?
They do. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs down. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, adding to its ongoing operating expenses.
How do the transmissions compare between the two crossovers?
They utilize very different setups; the Outlander PHEV uses a simple 1-speed direct drive transmission suited for electric focus. The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a more traditional 8-speed automated manual transmission, which often provides a more engaging driving experience than a single-speed unit.
What is the primary advantage of the Outlander PHEV's all-wheel drive versus the GLA's FWD?
The Outlander PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is generally preferred for stability in slippery conditions like snow or heavy rain. The GLA is configured with front-wheel drive unless an optional AWD system is selected.
Is the performance difference noticeable between these two vehicles?
While both are crossovers, the Mitsubishi has a 27 horsepower edge, producing 248 hp versus the GLA's 221 hp. This suggests the Outlander PHEV might feel more responsive when accelerating hard.
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