Hybrid Showdown: Toyota Highlander Hybrid Vs Mitsubishi Outlander Phev – Which One Drives You To Victory?

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, the pursuit of fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness has led to the rise of electrified vehicles. Among these, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stand out as compelling choices in the midsize SUV segment. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of performance, practicality, and eco-friendliness, making them ideal for families and eco-conscious drivers alike. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of these two electrified SUVs to help you make an informed decision about your next vehicle purchase.

Performance and Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offer distinct powertrain configurations that deliver both performance and efficiency. The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, producing a combined system output of 243 horsepower. This setup enables smooth acceleration and adequate power for everyday driving. On the other hand, the Outlander PHEV boasts a more advanced powertrain, featuring a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors and a 13.8-kWh battery pack. This combination generates a total system output of 224 horsepower, providing impressive acceleration and a pure electric driving range of up to 24 miles.

In terms of fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid excels with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Outlander PHEV, with its larger battery pack and electric driving capability, achieves an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe in the city and 71 MPGe on the highway. However, it’s important to note that the Outlander PHEV’s fuel economy drops significantly when operating solely on its gasoline engine.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offer distinct driving experiences. The Highlander Hybrid delivers a comfortable and composed ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and spacious cabin. Its steering is responsive and provides adequate feedback, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The Outlander PHEV, on the other hand, offers a more engaging driving experience. Its stiffer suspension setup provides agile handling and responsive steering, making it more fun to drive on winding roads. However, the ride quality can be somewhat firm, especially on rough road surfaces.

Interior and Comfort

Both the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offer spacious and well-appointed interiors. The Highlander Hybrid boasts a modern and functional cabin with ample seating space for up to eight passengers. Its infotainment system is user-friendly and features a large touchscreen display. The Outlander PHEV’s interior is equally impressive, with a sleek and stylish design. It offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers and a comprehensive infotainment system with a variety of connectivity options.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. The Highlander Hybrid offers Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features such as lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Outlander PHEV features Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT Assist system, which provides lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Both vehicles also offer a variety of additional safety features, such as a surround-view camera system and parking sensors.

Cargo Space and Versatility

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offer ample cargo space to accommodate your family’s needs. The Highlander Hybrid provides 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The Outlander PHEV offers slightly less cargo space, with 11.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 33.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down. However, the Outlander PHEV’s cargo area is more versatile, thanks to its adjustable cargo floor and underfloor storage compartments.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are priced competitively in the midsize SUV segment. The Highlander Hybrid starts at $39,695, while the Outlander PHEV starts at $37,490. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options to suit your budget and preferences. When considering the Outlander PHEV’s federal tax credit of up to $7,500, it becomes an even more compelling value proposition.

Recommendations: Choosing the Right Electrified SUV for You

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV represent compelling choices in the electrified SUV segment. The Highlander Hybrid offers a comfortable and efficient driving experience, while the Outlander PHEV provides a more engaging driving experience and impressive fuel economy. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize comfort, space, and fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid is an excellent option. If you seek a more dynamic driving experience and the ability to drive short distances on electric power alone, the Outlander PHEV is worth considering.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which vehicle has a longer range on electric power alone?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a pure electric driving range of up to 24 miles, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid does not have an electric-only driving mode.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers more seating space and cargo capacity than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has better fuel economy in combined city and highway driving, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg compared to the Outlander PHEV’s 74 MPGe.

Q: Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a lower starting price of $37,490 compared to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid‘s starting price of $39,695.

Q: Which vehicle offers more safety features?
A: Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Toyota Highlander Hybrid‘s Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system is generally regarded as more advanced than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV‘s MI-PILOT Assist system.