Compare the2025 Toyota Rav4 Plug-In HybridVS 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has not been tested.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid and Outlander PHEV have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers optional Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Outlander PHEV’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid and the Outlander PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander PHEV’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are almost 4 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s reliability 39 points higher than the Outlander PHEV.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 54 more horsepower (302 vs. 248) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the Outlander PHEV running on electricity (105 city/84 hwy vs. 67 city/61 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the Outlander PHEV running its gasoline engine (40 city/36 hwy vs. 25 city/27 hwy).

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 42 miles. The Outlander PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 38 miles.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander PHEV; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For greater off-road capability the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander PHEV ES (8 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL (8.2 vs. 7.9 inches).

The Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 pounds less than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is 4.5 inches shorter than the Outlander PHEV, making the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander PHEV has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has .3 inches more front hip room, .4 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander PHEV with its rear seat up (33.5 vs. 11.7 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (2500 vs. 1500 pounds).

The power windows standard on both the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid and the Outlander PHEV have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Outlander PHEV prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander PHEV’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Outlander PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the Outlander PHEV only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE’s optional Smart Key System also allows you to unlock the doors from either rear door handle. The Outlander PHEV SE/SEL’s available FAST-Key doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s driver power window and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander PHEV’s power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid XSE keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation that can trigger allergies or asthma. The Outlander PHEV’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

Insurance will cost less for the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid will cost $765 to $2320 less than the Outlander PHEV over a five-year period.

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid will retain 59.06% to 59.32% of its original price after five years, while the Outlander PHEV only retains 45.22% to 47.91%.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by almost 9 to one during 2024.