2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (Car 1) and the 2026 Toyota Highlander (Car 2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the Highlander starting at $4,825 more expensive, priced at $45,270 versus the Outlander PHEV's $40,445. Performance metrics show the Highlander achieving a higher output with 265 horsepower compared to the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp, supported by 310 lb-ft of torque, though the Highlander's combined fuel economy is slightly lower at 24 MPG versus the PHEV's 26 combined MPG. Crucially, the Outlander PHEV offers 38 miles of all-electric range, a metric the conventional Highlander lacks. Dimensionally, the Highlander is nearly 9.5 inches longer at 194.9 inches, yet the Outlander PHEV sacrifices some utility, offering 12.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's superior 16 cu ft capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV wins for daily commuting due to its superior 38 miles of all-electric range capability.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides greater utility with 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander PHEV's 12.8 cubic feet.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers better raw power metrics, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV is significantly more affordable upfront, costing $4,825 less than the comparable Highlander model.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- Your primary need is maximizing fuel savings through electric-only driving, utilizing the 38 miles of range.
- Budget is a significant constraint, as the $40,445 MSRP is substantially lower than the competition.
- You prefer the efficiency and simplicity of a 1-speed direct drive transmission for city driving.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You require maximum hauling space, as the Highlander offers 16 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 12.8 cu ft.
- Higher peak performance is desired, evidenced by the Highlander's 265 horsepower output.
- You prefer the shifting characteristic and control offered by an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 194.9" |
| Width | 84.4" | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.5" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 265 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 375.9/501.2 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. | 17.9 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | CHAdeMO | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 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) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 57.2 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 57.0 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Outlander PHEV achieves a combined 26 MPG, which is slightly better than the 2026 Highlander's 24 combined MPG. However, the Outlander PHEV also offers 38 miles of electric range, allowing for zero-emission travel before relying on gasoline.
Which vehicle offers better power specifications?
The 2026 Highlander has the advantage in power, delivering 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp output.
How does the cargo capacity compare?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the more practical choice for cargo, offering 16 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides a tighter 12.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Is the price difference significant enough to warrant the choice?
Yes, the $4,825 MSRP gap is substantial, with the Outlander PHEV being considerably more affordable at $40,445 compared to the Highlander's $45,270 starting price.
Does one vehicle have a noticeable size difference?
The Highlander is physically larger, measuring 194.9 inches in length compared to the Outlander PHEV's 185.4 inches, although both occupy similar height metrics near 68 inches.
What does the electric range mean for a typical daily driver?
The Outlander PHEV's 38 miles of electric range means many shorter daily commutes could potentially be completed without using any gasoline, depending on daily mileage.
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