What To Know
- The Highlander’s larger size and heavier weight translate to a slightly more stable feel, while the Outlander’s lighter build provides a more nimble driving experience.
- The Highlander’s infotainment system is more feature-rich, with a larger touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium sound system.
- The Highlander excels in performance, technology, and interior luxury, while the Outlander offers a more affordable and practical option.
Choosing the right SUV can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-size SUV segment are the Toyota Highlander and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Both offer a blend of practicality, comfort, and reliability, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each vehicle to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Engines
The Toyota Highlander boasts a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The Mitsubishi Outlander, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not as powerful as the Highlander, the Outlander offers decent acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Both vehicles offer optional hybrid powertrains. The Highlander Hybrid utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, achieving impressive fuel economy. The Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors and a large battery pack, allowing for extended electric-only driving range.
In terms of handling, both SUVs offer a comfortable and composed ride. The Highlander’s larger size and heavier weight translate to a slightly more stable feel, while the Outlander’s lighter build provides a more nimble driving experience.
Interior Design and Comfort: A Battle of Space and Features
When it comes to interior design, both the Highlander and Outlander prioritize spaciousness and comfort. The Highlander offers generous seating for up to eight passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in all rows. The Outlander, while slightly smaller, still provides comfortable seating for seven passengers.
The Highlander’s interior boasts a modern and upscale design, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Outlander’s interior is more straightforward, with a focus on practicality. It features a spacious cargo area, making it ideal for families on the go.
Technology and Safety: A Focus on Convenience and Security
Both SUVs are equipped with a wide range of advanced technology and safety features. The Highlander offers Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of driver-assistance technologies that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The Outlander features Mitsubishi‘s advanced safety features, including forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Highlander’s infotainment system is more feature-rich, with a larger touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium sound system. The Outlander’s infotainment system is functional but lacks some of the advanced features found in the Highlander.
Fuel Efficiency: A Balancing Act of Performance and Economy
The Highlander’s V6 engine offers decent fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The Highlander Hybrid significantly improves fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined.
The Outlander’s standard four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The Outlander PHEV boasts an impressive electric-only range of up to 24 miles, with an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe combined.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Toyota Highlander starts at a higher price point than the Mitsubishi Outlander. However, it offers a more luxurious and feature-rich experience. The Outlander, while less expensive, provides a solid value proposition for those seeking a practical and reliable SUV.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
Both the Toyota Highlander and the Mitsubishi Outlander are excellent mid-size SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Highlander excels in performance, technology, and interior luxury, while the Outlander offers a more affordable and practical option.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize power, technology, and a premium driving experience, the Toyota Highlander is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and fuel-efficient option, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a worthy contender.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the Options
While the Highlander and Outlander dominate the mid-size SUV segment, it’s essential to consider other worthy competitors. The Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, and Ford Explorer offer similar features and capabilities, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses.
Your Journey Begins: Finding the Perfect Match
Choosing the right SUV is a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and driving preferences, you can confidently select the vehicle that best suits your lifestyle.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which SUV offers better fuel economy?
A: The Highlander Hybrid and Outlander PHEV offer the best fuel economy, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving higher combined MPG.
Q: Which SUV is more spacious?
A: The Toyota Highlander offers more passenger and cargo space than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander is generally more affordable than the Toyota Highlander.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Toyota Highlander is slightly better suited for off-roading due to its larger size and more powerful engine.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are known for their reliability, but Toyota consistently ranks higher in reliability studies.
