Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota RAV4
Plug-in hybrid with 7 seats vs the hybrid that outsells everything. Which one?
Price Breakdown
The RAV4 is $11,430 cheaper. That's a big gap. The Outlander PHEV can close it if you charge daily, since 84km of electric range covers most commutes without using petrol. But if you don't plug in regularly, the PHEV actually uses more fuel than the RAV4 Hybrid because it's carrying a heavier battery.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP. Both have comprehensive active safety. The Outlander has a slightly newer ANCAP test date. Both have AEB, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic, lane keep, and adaptive cruise. No real difference here.
Feature Showdown
The Outlander Exceed is loaded: 12.3-inch screen, Bose audio, 360-degree camera, heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats. The RAV4 GXL is more modest: 10.5-inch screen, wireless CarPlay, digital key. Feature-for-feature the Outlander wins, but it also costs $11k more.
Drivetrain
This is where they're fundamentally different. The Outlander can drive 84km on pure electricity. The RAV4 can't plug in at all.
| Drivetrain | Outlander PHEV | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Plug-in Hybrid | Standard Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.4L + dual electric motors | 2.5L + electric motor |
| Power | 115kW | 163kW |
| Electric Range | 84km | n/a |
| Battery | 20 kWh | 1.6 kWh |
| Fuel (charged daily) | ~1.5L/100km | 4.8L/100km |
| Fuel (never charged) | 7.5L/100km | 4.8L/100km |
| Charge Time (home) | ~7 hours (240V) | n/a |
Here's the thing most people miss: that 1.5L/100km figure for the Outlander assumes you charge it every day. If you don't plug in, it drinks 7.5L/100km because it's lugging around a 20kWh battery for no reason. The RAV4 does 4.8L/100km regardless. No plugging in needed.
True Cost to Own
The ownership story depends entirely on whether you plug in the Outlander.
| 5-Year Cost | Outlander PHEV (charged) | Outlander (not charged) | RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveaway | $61,000 | $61,000 | $49,000 |
| 5yr Fuel | $2,100 | $10,688 | $6,840 |
| 5yr Insurance | $9,500 | $9,500 | $8,500 |
| 5yr Servicing | $3,200 | $3,200 | $3,500 |
| Resale (est.) | -$27,000 | -$27,000 | -$28,400 |
| True 5yr Cost | $48,800 | $57,388 | $39,440 |
The RAV4 is $9,360 cheaper over 5 years even compared to a regularly charged Outlander. The lower purchase price and better resale are hard to overcome. But the Outlander PHEV gives you 7 seats and a 10-year warranty that the RAV4 can't match.
The 7-Seat Question
The Outlander has 7 seats. The RAV4 has 5. If you need 7 seats in a hybrid/PHEV SUV under $60k, the Outlander is basically your only option. The third row is small (kids only) but it's there. The RAV4 doesn't offer a third row at all.
Warranty: 10 Years vs 5
Mitsubishi's 10-year / 200,000km warranty is double Toyota's 5-year coverage. On a complex PHEV powertrain with a large battery, that extra coverage is genuinely valuable. Toyota's hybrid battery warranty is 10 years, but the rest of the car is only covered for 5.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Outlander PHEV if: you need 7 seats, can plug in daily, value the 10-year warranty, or want to do most of your driving on electric power.
Buy the RAV4 Hybrid if: you want the lower price, don't need a plug, want more boot space, care about resale, or just want the simplest ownership experience.
The Verdict
Totally different cars for different buyers. The Outlander PHEV gives you 7 seats, 84km electric range, and a 10-year warranty, but costs $11,430 more. The RAV4 Hybrid is cheaper to buy, has more boot space, more power, and Toyota resale. If you need 7 seats or can charge daily (most driving on electric), the Outlander wins. If you want the better all-round value and don't need the plug-in capability, the RAV4 is hard to beat.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
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