Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander
At a Glance: Outlander vs. Highlander
Life is all about change. You get new hobbies, start a new job, and have new priorities. As these changes occur, you need a new vehicle that aligns with where you currently are in life and where you plan to be five or even 10 years from now. The family SUV market is competitive, and when it comes to balancing space, style, and technology, two contenders shine: The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander.
Each SUV offers a premium driving experience around Toms River, NJ, but one sets itself apart with unparalleled features designed for the next chapter in your life. Let us at Toms River Mistubishi help you choose between these standout choices.
Key Takeaways
- With better fuel economy, a more versatile 40/20/40 split-fold second row, and a more compact footprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers Toyota Highlander shoppers easier everyday efficiency and maneuverability with three-row capability.
- The Mitsubishi Outlander surpasses the Toyota Highlander for family-focused protection by including more standard airbags and exclusive safety technologies like Rear Automatic Emergency Braking and Driver Attention Alert.
- When comparing cabin technology and long-term value, the Mitsubishi Outlander gives drivers more with a larger standard touchscreen, premium audio options, and a longer warranty than the Toyota Highlander.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander: Performance
The Mitsubishi Outlander gives drivers a practical edge by combining better fuel efficiency with a transmission engineered to keep the powertrain operating smoothly and efficiently. That means fewer stops at the pump and a more relaxed everyday driving experience, making the Outlander a smart choice for commuters and families who want to stretch every mile.
Quick Facts
| Outlander | vs. | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) | STANDARD TRANSMISSION | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA-est. 26 city/31 hwy MPG* | STANDARD FUEL ECONOMY | EPA-est. 21 city/28 hwy MPG |
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander: Safety
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander: Safety
Peace of mind comes standard in the Mitsubishi Outlander thanks to a more comprehensive suite of standard safety features than the Toyota Highlander. With advanced driver-assistance technologies and additional airbags included from the start, it provides more built-in protection to help drivers and passengers feel confident on every drive.
Quick Facts
| Outlander | vs. | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | DRIVER ATTENTION ALERT | Not Offered |
| Standard | REAR AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | Not Offered |
| 11 | STANDARD AIRBAGS | 8 |
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander: Technology
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander: Technology
Bigger technology can make a noticeable difference behind the wheel, and the Mitsubishi Outlander delivers with a larger standard touchscreen and a more engaging infotainment experience than the Toyota Highlander. The result is easier access to navigation, entertainment, and connected features.
Quick Facts
| Outlander | vs. | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3 in. | STANDARD TOUCHSCREEN SIZE | 8 in. |
| 8/12 | STANDARD/OPTIONAL AUDIO SPEAKERS | 6/11 |
Drivers looking for a practical three-row SUV will appreciate how the Mitsubishi Outlander combines great fuel economy and versatile seating. With its advanced standard safety features and an industry-leading warranty, it's the smart choice for families seeking lasting value and confidence on the road.
Designed for the Road Ahead
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Toyota Highlander get better fuel economy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers better fuel economy with its standard gas engine, earning an EPA-estimated 26 city/31 highway MPG with front-wheel drive or 26 city/30 highway MPG with Super All-Wheel Control compared to the Toyota Highlander’s 21 city/28 highway MPG.* This can help you make fewer stops at the pump during your daily drives.
Room for Everyone & Everything
A growing family calls for three rows of seats. You’ll find this inside the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander. With seven seats, there’s ample room for your family plus some friends. As a bonus, each row offers impressive space, ensuring every seat is the best in the cabin. Does your day call for extra cargo room? Thanks to their roomy sizes, each SUV offers more than enough cargo space for camping gear, flat-pack furniture, or moving boxes when your kids fly the nest down the road.
Despite these dimensional similarities, you may have an easier time balancing the passenger-to-cargo ratio with the Outlander since this model features a 40/20/40 split-fold second-row configuration, compared to the 60/40 split with the Highlander. This provides more ways to manage this ratio, ensuring room for everyone and everything.
This added convenience of the Outlander continues when you reach your destination. Measuring 185.8 inches long and 74.7 inches wide, the Outlander is likely easier to maneuver due to its more compact size. Meanwhile, the Highlander's 197.4-inch length and 76-inch width may mean bypassing parking spaces the Outlander can fit into.
Master Every Mile
During the week, you stick to the paved paths, but when the weekend comes around, you’re ready to hit the natural trails and explore the great unknown with your loved ones. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander invite you to venture farther than you previously thought possible, and it’s all thanks to the optional Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) or all-wheel drive (AWD) system of these SUVs.
While these systems both provide enhanced traction, there are a few notable differences between the two. First, S-AWC constantly manages torque between all wheels, not only when slippage is detected, like with AWD. This system also features a more diverse set of selectable drive modes than the Highlander offers. Modes offered with the Outlander include:
- Tarmac
- Gravel
- Snow
- Normal
- Eco
- Mud
If you want your SUV to better navigate Mother Nature's unknowns, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the way to go.
Which has a better warranty: the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Toyota Highlander?
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers more warranty coverage, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, two years/30,000 miles of included maintenance, and five years of Roadside Assistance. By comparison, the Toyota Highlander’s coverage is shorter, with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, included maintenance for only one year or 10,000 miles, and Roadside Assistance limited to two years.
Safety You Can Count On
Safety is paramount, especially with your little ones on board. The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander are outfitted with sophisticated monitoring technology that constantly scans your surroundings, alerting you to hazards you may have missed. Each SUV offers brand-specific versions of features like:
- Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Cruise Control
While these SUVs offer similar safety features, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers an extra layer of protection with two exclusive features: Rear Automatic Emergency Braking and Driver Attention Alert. The former feature activates when conditions are met to help avoid a low-speed reverse collision. At the same time, the latter feature alerts you to drowsy or distracted driving, giving you a gentle reminder to take a break.
Sound and Style in Harmony
When you feel confident behind the wheel, you can better enjoy the various features of your SUV, including the ample infotainment systems of the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ bring your favorite digital features with you while on the go. Once your smartphone is connected, you can browse your saved playlists, send and receive audio text messages, and launch apps on your phone without touching your device.
Enjoy easy viewing of these digital features on the cinematic 12.3-inch touchscreen display. While this is standard with the Outlander, Highlander drivers will have to upgrade to a higher trim level since this SUV comes standard with an 8-inch display.
One feature exclusive to the Outlander is the optional Dynamic Sound YAMAHA® Ultimate audio system. Legendary sound masters volunteered their expertise to create one of the most unique automotive sound experiences. The concert-quality audio system transforms your cabin into a mobile music venue. While the Highlander features a JBL® premium audio system, it has fewer speakers and isn’t as advanced as the Outlander system.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Toyota Highlander available in more exterior colors?
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers more exterior color choices, with eight available paint colors compared to five for the Toyota Highlander. Whether you prefer a classic neutral or something bright and bold that stands out, the Outlander gives you more ways to match your personal style.
The Perfect Cabin, No Matter the Season
Everyone has their definition of comfort. While some like it warmer, others prefer lower temperatures. The 3-zone climate control system (standard or available) lets passengers independently set and adjust their temperature throughout the commute. In addition to providing comfort and freedom, these climate systems also feature an advanced filtration system. That way, whether you drive the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Toyota Highlander, you can feel good about the cleaner, healthier air your loved ones breathe.
Regardless of your SUV, heated first- and second-row seats are available. Quickly warm up on chilly mornings or give your sore muscles some TLC after a long day in the office. Available ventilated front seats are found with each SUV, delivering the power to cool down quickly after a day spent in the sun.
The similarities between the Outlander and the Highlander continue with their rear door shades. This optional add-on makes a more comfortable atmosphere for your little ones, encouraging them to nap on the way home from Grandma’s house.
Soft, Sleek, and Sophisticated
In many ways, the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander offer the same level of comfort, making each a great option for your family. This changes when we examine the luxurious textiles used to craft your SUV.
Each model offers a range of upholstery options, including durable cloth fabric in their base trim. Premium upgrades occur with each SUV, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift. The Mitsubishi Outlander takes this to the next level with these exclusive premiums:
- Semi-aniline leather upholstery
- Synthetic leather suede upholstery
- Synthetic quilted leather door inserts
It’s the Outlander that delivers more attention to detail. The result is a cabin full of luxurious touches that will impress even your most discerning co-worker.
Discover What’s Next
The results are in. Regarding versatility, innovation, and an upgraded driving experience, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the clear winner. While the Toyota Highlander offers its own perks, the Outlander is designed for those seeking more from their family SUV.
Drivers near Toms River, NJ, are you ready to experience the Outlander? Contact us at Toms River Mitsubishi to schedule your test drive today!
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* Fuel economy estimates are based on EPA data and for comparison purposes only. Actual results may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and individual driving habits. See www.fueleconomy.gov.