Toyota Highlander And Mitsubishi Outlander: A Tale Of Two Suvs

When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi Outlander are two prominent contenders in the automotive market. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and practicality, making them popular choices among families and adventure seekers alike. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will delve into the key aspects of these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs and preferences.

Performance and Efficiency:

1. Engine Options and Power:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system delivering 243 horsepower.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander comes with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander’s V6 engine returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid variant offers an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: With its smaller engine, the Outlander achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Interior Comfort and Convenience:

1. Seating and Cargo Space:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander provides ample seating for up to eight passengers, with spacious legroom and headroom in all three rows. It also boasts a generous cargo capacity of 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 84.3 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers seating for up to seven passengers, with comfortable accommodations in the first two rows. Its cargo space measures 11.7 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

2. Features and Technology:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes well-equipped with a range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, tri-zone climate control, and a suite of advanced safety technologies.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers a comprehensive list of features as well, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, dual-zone climate control, and a variety of driver assistance systems.

Safety and Reliability:

1. Safety Ratings:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

2. Reliability and Maintenance:

• Toyota Highlander: Toyota vehicles are renowned for their exceptional reliability and low maintenance costs. The Highlander has a solid reputation for durability and longevity, with minimal reported issues.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: Mitsubishi vehicles have shown improvements in reliability over the years. The Outlander has received positive feedback for its overall reliability, with some areas requiring attention to detail.

Off-Road Capabilities:

1. All-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers an available all-wheel drive system that enhances traction and stability in various road conditions, including snow, mud, and light off-road trails.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander comes standard with an all-wheel drive system that provides improved handling and control on challenging terrain, making it a more capable off-roader than the Highlander.

2. Ground Clearance:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches, allowing it to navigate rough roads and mild off-road obstacles.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: With a ground clearance of 8.6 inches, the Outlander offers slightly better off-road clearance, enabling it to tackle more challenging terrain with greater ease.

Price and Value:

1. Starting Prices:

• Toyota Highlander: The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,420 for the base L trim.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at a lower price point of $26,990 for the ES trim.

2. Value for Money:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a comprehensive package of features, safety technologies, and a proven track record of reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a versatile and dependable SUV.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander provides a more affordable option with a generous list of features and impressive safety ratings, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

In a nutshell:

The Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi Outlander are both excellent SUVs with unique strengths and appeals. The Highlander stands out with its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and exceptional fuel efficiency, particularly with the hybrid variant. On the other hand, the Outlander offers a more affordable price point, a capable all-wheel drive system, and impressive off-road capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

What You Need to Learn

1. Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or Mitsubishi Outlander?

• The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers superior fuel efficiency with EPA-estimated ratings of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

2. Which SUV provides more seating capacity, the Toyota Highlander or Mitsubishi Outlander?

• The Toyota Highlander accommodates up to eight passengers, while the Mitsubishi Outlander can seat up to seven passengers.

3. Which SUV has a higher safety rating, the Toyota Highlander or Mitsubishi Outlander?

• Both the Toyota Highlander and Mitsubishi Outlander have earned 5-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ designations from the IIHS.