Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highland specs

Comparison of Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Highlander Specs

1. Overview

Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a comparable product to the Toyota Highlander. The pricing is slightly in favor of the Outlander with more features available at a lower cost. Performance is also quite similar, but given the weight of both vehicles, the Outlander likely has a slight advantage in acceleration pace. The Outlander has adopted much of the safety technology used in the development of its cousin, the Lancer Evolution X, with many features derived from systems built for rally racing. A more advanced AWC and a less intrusive and more responsive ASC utilizing brake force distribution to assist in keeping the vehicle along the intended path, and an advanced RISE chassis provides better impact energy absorption. These systems, along with some others, make the Outlander a very safe vehicle in various different scenarios. The Highlander is a very comfortable vehicle to drive and ride in, and that is the focus of its design. The majority of its development was intended for comfortability and it really shows. Step in and out of both vehicles and you will find the Highlander is much easier to enter and exit due to a lower floor level in the cabin. Small features seen in both vehicles make them both something special. The Outlander uses magnesium paddle shifters and a sportronic shifter gate, and the Highlander provides a backup camera and an available smart key system.

Interior Features: Additional: Seats, Material, Length, Control, Tilt/telescoping, Dual CDMP3 player and DVD video, 3rd row seat headrest, Price: $23,890-$30,840. Mitsubishi Outlander: 7, fabric or leather, 5', 8-way adjustable on driver seat and 4-way on passenger seat, available, LS SE XLS- 3rd Row seat fold on floor, LS-$22,695, SE-$24,995, XLS-$27,795, GT-$30,995. Toyota Highlander: 7 or 5 (fabric only on 4cyl), cloth, leather or premium leather, Manual on 2nd row seating only, Not available, Only on Limited, Available on 4cyl/SE, 3rd Row seat fold in floor, Base-$25,705, Sport-$31,115, RF-$32,845, Limited-$32,945.

Performance: Additional names: Engine, Drivetrain, Valvetrain, PRICE RANGE: $26,539-35,447. Mitsubishi Outlander: 3.0L DOHC V6 MIVEC, FSR, 24-valve, FWD/S-AWC, Base-$27,250, LE-$28,845, SE-$28,945, XLS-$31,445, GT-$34,045. Toyota Highlander: 3.5L DOHC V6, 2WD/4WD, 24-valve, FWD-$25,705, Sport-$32,885, RF-$34,795, Limited-$34,195.

Toyota Highlander Exterior Features: Additional names: Length, Width, Height, Wheelbase, Track (front/rear), DVD visible screen. Mitsubishi Outlander: 16'5", 6'0", 5', 103", 51.8/51.8", available. Toyota Highlander: 17'10", 71.9", 68.1", 106.9", 61/61", Not available.

1.1. Exterior Features

They are available in sport utilities in the car markets all over the world. This is the reason why the comparison between Outlander and New Highlander is being made here for the people to know. The Outlander comes in 4 different models while there are 5 models of the New Toyota Highlander. The Outlander has a package for all the models but the New Highlander has packages for 4 models, in which the SE model has a different type of package compared to the other three models. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a unique piggyback rack mounting which is very useful and effective for it. It cannot be folded as per requirement but it is strong and durable. It is so strong that it can bear weight up to 220 pounds. This is the reason for it being a very useful feature and it securely attaches to the roof of the Outlander. On the other hand, the New Toyota Highlander has a roof rack crossbar package which is also a good one. This can also bear the same amount of weight but the only drawback is the fact that this can be prolonged hence might increase the height of the car. This can also be removed and the 2010 model has an additional crossbar which is available ACC. This can also bear the same amount of weight as that it can be used for many purposes. This is a very useful feature for the people who want to make use of the roof.

1.2. Interior Features

Exterior features are important, but the interior is where the buyer will be spending most of their time in the car. Both models come with cloth interior, but the Outlander also offers leather as an option on all but the base ES model. Highlander provides a very roomy interior with versatile cargo carrying capability. Toyota Highlander provides seven-passenger or eight-passenger seating configurations consisting of three seating rows to accommodate more passengers compared to Outlander. Both of these cars come with many features like power windows, air conditioning, and cruise control. Some of the optional features offered in Outlander are standard features in the Highlander model. Outlander comes with hill-start assist, and on models equipped with the CVT there is a magnesium alloy paddle shifters for the driver to have complete control over the transmission. These features are not offered in the Toyota Highlander model. Another feature not offered in the Highlander is the FAST-Key electronic keyless entry system offered with the Touring Package on the Outlander XLS. With this feature, outgoing illumination of the lights and a subtle buzzing sound will notify the user that the keyless operation remote is no longer in the driver’s or passenger’s pocket or a bag in the vehicle.

1.3. Performance

The comparison between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander is not always based on their performances. This is usually the case when differentiating two vehicles from two companies that have nothing to do and are in no way related. However, since both vehicles are produced in the same country and by firms centered in Japan, people are interested in how the two vehicles stack up against each other in performance. I, as a fellow car enthusiast, also had the same thoughts. This was an area of the comparison that was very interesting to me, and what I found weighed heavily on my final decision. So, how do the two compare? Both the Outlander and the Highlander come with different options for different models. The Outlander features three possible drivetrains, including a four-cylinder front-wheel drive ES or SE, and a V6 engine with all-wheel drive. The Highlander also comes with a choice between a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, or a V6 with either front or all-wheel drive. Now in comparing the base model Outlander ES with the five-speed automatic transmission and the four-cylinder inline engine, to the four-cylinder Highlander, the Outlander comes out on top, due to its lighter weight. This is logical being that a smaller vehicle with a smaller engine should result in better fuel economy and faster acceleration. However, interestingly enough, the four-cylinder S-AWC Outlander beats out the four-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission Highlander Sport. By a time of 9.4 seconds in the quarter-mile to 9.6 seconds, and 0-60 times at 9.7 seconds compared to 9.8 seconds, the Outlander's underpowered engine still pulls ahead, again due to its curb weight and design. However, in the top-end model V6 engines, the Highlander surpasses the Outlander in speed due to a more powerful engine. This is not surprising considering both vehicles and the engines they represent.

2. Safety and Technology

If safety ranks high among your must-haves for a new vehicle, you'll appreciate the fact that all versions of the Outlander come with forward-collision mitigation, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. That's a seriously comprehensive package that's usually only standard on more expensive models in other line-ups. The GT goes a step farther with front and rear parking sensors and automatic headlamp high-beam control. Highlander isn't as well stocked unless you step up to the pricier LE or XLE trims. In its basic form, you'll only get forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and road sign detection. While that's great for urban safety, you'll have to go up a level if you want the comfort and security of adaptive cruise, lane-keeping assistance, and features to help you avoid at-fault bumps in parking lots and freeways. On the plus side, Highlander also comes standard with automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, and the premium trims deliver a 360-degree camera with perimeter scan for safe maneuvering in tight parking lots and off-road situations. The technology and features in both the Outlander and Highlander are important to note. While the base model Highlander has a slightly better safety package with the addition of the 360-degree camera with perimeter scan, it is not implemented as well as the Outlander's safety features. This is a common theme through both vehicles in terms of technology. An example of this is the rain-sensing wipers and HUD on the Outlander GT; features that are easily found on the Highlander, but not at the entry level. This means a purchase of the base models will not provide as good a technological experience compared to the price on either vehicle, unless purchasing the Outlander, in which the standard safety features could provide a better impression.

2.1. Safety Features

Highlander includes a tire pressure monitoring system to alert the driver of possible tire pressure imbalances through a series of warnings. The aforementioned backup camera was designed to be used in conjunction with these warnings. Mitsubishi's TPMS is designed to detect and read changes in tire pressure based on the rotor speed of each individual wheel. Alerts for this system are displayed via the multi-information color display and can differentiate between a malfunction in the system and an actual tire inflation issue. This symbolic display is an easy way for the driver to recognize the status of each tire. The Outlander's TPMS offers added safety and peace of mind for the driver and is a beneficial and effective way for the driver to recognize the status of each tire.

Both vehicles also come equipped with rearview cameras to assist in safe and easy parking. The Highlander camera includes a projected path to assist with parking maneuvers. The Outlander camera provides a wide angle of view. When in reverse, the display shows an image of what's behind the vehicle.

Both the Outlander and Highlander come with advanced airbag systems that are designed to deploy during certain types of severe collisions. The Outlander has seven airbags, including front, front-seat-mounted, side-curtain, and driver's knee airbags. The Highlander offers the same with an added front passenger seat cushion airbag. Mitsubishi Motors Restraint System uses an array of sensors to determine the best course of action for the deployment of airbags, helping to provide the protection you need. Should your vehicle be involved in a collision, rest assured the Outlander will automatically unlock all four doors, turn on the interior lighting, and shut off the engine systems as a preventative safety measure. Advanced features like these are what set the Outlander apart from other vehicles in its class.

2.2. Infotainment System

The Outlander features a 7-inch touchscreen that comes standard. The Highlander features a 6.1-inch touchscreen on all trims below the Limited. The Limited Highlander moves up to an 8-inch display. Both vehicles' systems feature MP3/WMA playback, USB capabilities, and auxiliary inputs. Both vehicles also feature Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls. Something to note here is that the base Outlander ES features the same 6-speaker sound system that is standard on the Highlander LE. Only moving up to the $25,350 Outlander SE with the selectable AWC can you get a better sound system. This system isn't available on the base ES because of the base's pricing that is reduced due to the lack of AWC. The $25,550 Outlander SEL has a different 6-speaker sound system, and the $26,750 Outlander SEL has a Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system with 9 speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The Limited trim comes with the Rockford-Fosgate system and an added automatic dual-zone climate control system. The 6-speaker system is most likely adequate, but be advised the top-notch sound system only comes with the SEL Outlander or higher and the Limited Highlander.

2.3. Connectivity Options

In both cars, the Bluetooth system allows for hands-free phone calls and wireless MP3/WMA playback capability. The Bluetooth also provides access to the phone book and streaming audio. Turning on the sound system is possible by simply plugging in the USB, Memory-Stick® or the iPod, which can also be controlled by the radio or steering wheel audio controls. High-end models with the FUSE system come with an HD Radio, while navigation models also feature it. The Outlander offers a standard 6-speaker sound system, but limited and high-end models upgrade to the 9-speaker Rockford-Fosgate® sound system. This is also with the FUSE voice-activated navigation system with a 7-inch touch panel display, rearview camera, and music server, which includes 3 months of prepaid subscription and provides real-time traffic. Multimedia options include Bluetooth and USB port. The FUSE system allows two phones to be paired to the Bluetooth system. Step-up models and all navigation-equipped Highlanders are now fitted with an 8-inch display screen and backup camera. A 6-speaker system is standard in all models except for the Limited, and it also now has added a standard 3-month subscription to SiriusXM™ Radio. New features of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, although very unclear, are understood to be included in the 2018 Highlander. Even though some features are specific to certain models for the two cars, connectivity options are simple and contribute to easy access and control of the multimedia devices and services in either car.

2.4. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Drivers find relief in knowing their vehicle is keeping them safe when they're not able to do so themselves. It is comforting to know that evolution in technology has brought many innovations and advanced driver assistance systems to aid the driver in tasks such as parking, staying on course in their lane, or being alerted if there is a risk of collision. Both the Highlander and Outlander have technology aimed not only to reduce collisions but also to reduce the severity of frontal collisions. The Outlander's Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) uses radar to keep an eye on the road ahead helping to avoid or mitigate an accident. If the system anticipates a frontal collision with a solid object, it will alert the driver with audible and visual signals and apply the brakes if the driver does not. The Mitigation System works in the same way; however, it will only function at speeds between approximately 3 and 37 mph. The Outlander also has an Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System that not only detects when an obstacle is in your way but works to see if you are going to accelerate into the object. If so, it will make an audible alert and a display shows the distance and position of the object to the vehicle. It also reduces engine power and if the brake pedal is not pressed, it will automatically apply the brakes helping to prevent the collision. Highlander's Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can prepare in the event that a frontal collision becomes unavoidable. Measures will be taken to prepare the cabin, brake, and tighten seat belts. This system works in conjunction with DRCC, which is designed to keep the vehicle a safe distance from the preceding vehicle traveling at a lower speed. It allows the vehicle to automatically adjust the following speed within a set range. If the vehicle is too close to the preceding car or there is no longer a vehicle ahead, the icon will not be displayed and the system will return to regular cruise control.

3. Fuel Efficiency and Engine Options

Engines have always been the strength of both Highlander and Outlander. Both are very strong, with high performance. Highlander comes with a 3.5 liter V6 2GR-FE engine under the hood. This engine is very powerful and can produce 270hp and 6200rpm with torque of 265Nm and 4700rpm. On the other hand, Mitsubishi's commitment to developing stylish, luxurious yet still eco-friendly vehicles has led to the creation of the Mitsubishi Outlander - a well-designed and highly versatile recreational vehicle. The Outlander's clever design provides seating for 5 to 7 adults and a large cargo area. In addition, the Outlander also leads its class in safety with features such as 6 airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control, and its Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body, all of which has paved the Outlander as a 5-star ANCAP vehicle. Step inside the Outlander and you will be pleasantly surprised with the high-quality finish and features; such as Rockford Fosgate sound system, next-generation cargo logic tray and flap-fold tailgate, built-in 3rd row seating, sunroof, and the list goes on. With its fuel-efficient MIVEC engine and almighty 4WD system, the Outlander captures the best of both worlds with performance and fuel economy. Outlander has 3 engines available: 3.0 liter 24-valve V6 engine giving 162KW of power and 276NM of torque, 2.4 liter 16-valve engine giving 125KW of power and 226NM of torque, and the fuel-efficient 2.0 SOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine giving 100KW of power and 186NM of torque. With the release of the ZG model, the Outlander is now available with a 2.2 liter DOHC turbo diesel engine that gives high torque with improved fuel economy. Its class-leading INVECS 3 transmission and its intuitive 4WD system are sure to keep you in control in all driving conditions.

3.1. Engine Specifications

Highlander's base engine is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder rated at 185 horsepower and 184 lbs-ft of torque. It replaces the previous standard 187-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, and both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are offered with the 4-cylinder. 4-cylinder fuel economy is virtually unchanged, with a rating of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for 4-cylinder front-drive models (versus 20/25 mpg previously) and 19/25 mpg with all-wheel drive. Towing capacity is 1500 pounds for 4-cylinder models. This is 500 pounds less than the previous 4-cylinder Highlander. The bulk of Highlander models will continue to come with a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, which is the only engine offered on top-end Limited and Hybrid models. V6 models offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All V6 Highlanders get a new 8-speed automatic transmission that is more fuel-efficient than the 6-speed it replaces. According to the EPA, the most efficient V6 Highlanders come in at 21 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 20 mpg with all-wheel drive, with city and highway ratings ranging from 20-27 mpg. High-rolling Highlander Limited models with their standard 19-inch wheels are rated at 20 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg with all-wheel drive. Highlander V6 tow ratings are 5000 pounds for the front-drive models and 3500 pounds for the all-wheel drive. This is a substantial increase from the previous V6 Highlander tow ratings of 2000 pounds for the unibody version and 5000 pounds for the body-on-frame Highlander.

3.2. Fuel Efficiency Ratings

Whilst both models have built a reputation for offering fuel efficiency in the past, these ratings have been difficult to achieve based on the performance of their given engines. For the 2015 Outlander, we see the carryover of the 2.4L four-cylinder engine as the only non-hybrid option. The official ratings for the 2WD LS model come in at 7.0L/100km for combined city and highway driving. This is a good figure when comparing fuel efficiency to other similarly sized CUVs. However, when comparing to the previous generation, the Outlander, now being larger in size and only achieving approximately 0.5L/100km better than the previous model with a V6 engine, brings in a point to question if the increase in size and weight was truly necessary. The smaller 2.0L engine in the Outlander has been left out of the Canadian market, which would have been a more logical fit for the smaller engine size offers a better time in city driving situations and its fuel ratings are only slightly worse than the larger engine. Unfortunately, the availability for the All-Wheel Control system with the larger engine 1-2 mpg on all ratings, which has been the case with previous generations as well. The 2.4L engine ratings will be similar to the 2015 RVR, however, the heavier weight of the Outlander brings a difference of 1-2mpg on each rating compared to the RVR. This engine has also been used in the ES model of the 2016 Outlander Sport, but only for the 2015 model year as the vehicle was given a mid-year cycle to bring in the new 2.4L engine for the 2016 model year. Also, changes in fuel ratings have been reported for the 2016 Outlander which are slightly lower than 2015 ratings, can warrant an update in this information later on.

3.3. Hybrid Options

The Outlander hybrid has a 2.0-liter engine with two 60-kW electric motors, one on each axle. It doesn't require a plug-in charge and is the only vehicle in Mitsubishi's lineup to feature Super All-Wheel Control, which can be toggled between Eco, Snow, and normal on-pavement driving. The Highlander is only available as a hybrid in AWD and has a 3.5-liter V6 with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator. In addition, there are two electric motors at the front and rear and a large high-voltage battery located under the second-row seats. It comes with a driver-selected electric-vehicle mode that will utilize battery power with zero fuel consumption for short distances. Though the Highlander offers better horsepower and an electric-only mode, the Outlander features a more cost-effective method with an AWD fuel economy of 25/25 city/highway and a reduced MSRP of less than $25,000. Both hybrids exhibit fuel economy similar to the Nissan Murano hybrid.

4. Pricing and Warranty

Despite the fact that the Outlander is less expensive than the Highlander, it is the Toyota which provides the longer warranty. Mitsubishi offers a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, as well as a 10-year/100,000-mile Anti-Corrosion/Perforation limited warranty. This appears to be a lot until it is compared to the Toyota Care, which comes with every new Toyota purchased or leased. This comprises a 36-month/36,000-mile limited basic warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance with a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. This warranty will also have the maintenance covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles.

When it comes to optional features and added packages, the Outlander does not offer a high number of choices. However, one particular value-up package customers can purchase is the Fuse Hands-free link System with USB port. This allows the user to operate the cell phone or music device with voice commands, and it will pause music for incoming calls and read incoming SMS. All of these features can be accomplished without the safety and comfort of the driver's seat.

The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD ES has a base price of $21,670. This can range all the way up to $27,650 for the Outlander 4WD XLS V6. This is much cheaper than the base model price for the 2010 Toyota Highlander, which is $25,855. Not everyone has a large amount of funds available to spend on a new car, and the price can be a large factor in deciding whether to make a purchase or not.

There are some differences between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander in regards to pricing, optional packages, and the warranties that come with them. These areas can be crucial to some people in this tight economy, and buyers need to know what both of these cars have to offer.

4.1. Base Model Pricing

We thought it would be fitting to compare these two SUVs by starting off with the price. The Outlander has over $4,000 worth of a price advantage over the Highlander. The Mitsubishi Outlander ES has a base price of $23,495, while the Toyota Highlander starts at $27,200. The Outlander LS starts at $24,795. The price facts were obtained from [Link] and [Link] Pricing is a key factor to consumers, so it's important we lay out exactly what you're getting for the money you spend. Although both vehicles are larger in size than the average small SUV, the Outlander will save you money because it is classified as a compact Sport Utility, where the Highlander is classified as a midsize. At first glance it would seem that the Highlander is only slightly larger in size compared to the Outlander, but the difference becomes more noticeable the further up the line of trims you progress. The extra size in the Highlander clearly justifies the higher price, but for those looking for a 7-passenger vehicle in the mid $20,000 range, the comparison will be mostly based on these two base models. Both manufacturers offer different financing and leasing options and incentives from time to time, but we won't get into that as it often changes and there are too many variables to make a clear comparison.

4.2. Optional Packages and Upgrades

There are a few notable differences in options and packages between the Outlander and the Highlander. In the Outlander, a Premium Package adds a power remote tailgate, a power sunroof, and a 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system. An SEL provides the option Touring Package which is a bundle of safety features like Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control, in addition to a few aesthetic changes. The V6 GT S-AWC has the option to add a GT Premium Package which adds a multi-view camera, a forward collision system, and a few aesthetic changes. With the Highlander, there are quite a few options and packages available. It gets confusing because not all options are available on all the trim packages. The LE and LE Plus only offer a few optional changes to the vehicle with a power moonroof and provides the option to change the 2nd row bench seat into captain's chairs. The XLE has a little bit more with the ability to add a Navigation Package and rear seat Blu-ray player. The SE offers similar options, and a Safety and Convenience Package which adds parking sensors, second-row captain's chairs, and a power heated steering wheel.

4.3. Warranty Coverage

To protect our purchase, the offered warranties for both Mitsubishi and Toyota are of great importance. Mitsubishi offers worthy security with its 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 5-year or 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. In addition, the Outlander comes with a 7-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. Toyota's offerings for the 2008 Highlander are less impressive with only a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. This gives the Highlander limited edge with its newest and weakest link, the 5-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty but is overshadowed by Mitsubishi's offer of a longer, more inclusive warranty at a higher mileage level. Ultimately, Mitsubishi's warranty coverage seems to be larger in numbers and duration in comparison to Toyota's more basic coverage plan for the same time and mileage constraints.