Toyota highlander vs. outlander: battle for off-road dominance
What To Know
- The Highlander’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the Outlander’s, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, compared to the Outlander’s 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- Both SUVs offer excellent value for money, with the Highlander providing a more premium experience and the Outlander offering a more affordable option with a good balance of features and performance.
- The Mitsubishi Outlander has a slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
In the realm of midsize SUVs, two formidable contenders stand tall: the Toyota Highlander and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and value, making them highly sought-after choices in the automotive market. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key aspects of these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Handling
Engine and Power:
The Toyota Highlander boasts a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander’s superior engine power translates to better acceleration and towing capabilities.
Fuel Economy:
The Highlander’s fuel economy is slightly lower than the Outlander’s, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, compared to the Outlander’s 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, the Highlander’s larger engine provides more power and towing capacity.
Handling:
Both SUVs offer responsive handling, with the Highlander providing a more comfortable ride due to its larger size and softer suspension. The Outlander, on the other hand, offers sharper handling and better maneuverability in tight spaces.
Interior and Comfort
Space and Seating:
The Highlander offers more spacious seating for up to eight passengers, compared to the Outlander’s seven-passenger capacity. Both SUVs provide ample legroom and headroom for all occupants.
Features and Amenities:
The Highlander comes standard with an array of features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium audio system. The Outlander offers similar features but may require higher trim levels for some amenities.
Cargo Capacity:
The Highlander provides a generous 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The Outlander offers 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 34.3 cubic feet with the third row folded down.
Safety and Technology
Safety Features:
Both the Highlander and Outlander come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander also offers blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while these features are available as options on the Outlander.
Technology Features:
The Highlander’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and intuitive than the Outlander’s. It also offers a larger touchscreen and a more comprehensive navigation system. The Outlander, however, offers a standard head-up display, which is not available on the Highlander.
Price and Value
Starting Price:
The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $35,855, while the Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $27,295. The Highlander’s higher price reflects its more powerful engine, larger size, and more standard features.
Value for Money:
Both SUVs offer excellent value for money, with the Highlander providing a more premium experience and the Outlander offering a more affordable option with a good balance of features and performance.
The Bottom Line: Toyota Highlander vs Outlander – Choosing the Right SUV for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and the Mitsubishi Outlander depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize power, spaciousness, and premium features, the Highlander is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with good fuel economy and agile handling, the Outlander is a compelling contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A. The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander‘s 3,500 pounds.
Q2. Which SUV offers more standard safety features?
A. The Toyota Highlander comes standard with more safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are optional on the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Q3. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A. The Toyota Highlander offers more spacious seating and cargo capacity than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Q4. Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Q5. Which SUV has a lower starting price?
A. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a lower starting price of $27,295, compared to the Toyota Highlander‘s starting price of $35,855.