Compare the2026 Toyota Rav4VS 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Rav4 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 and Outlander PHEV have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Rav4 SE/Woodland/XLE/XSE/Limited/GR Sport has 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 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, 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, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The Rav4’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’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. With 22 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Toyota higher than Mitsubishi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 94 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 30th.

The Rav4’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 76 more horsepower (324 vs. 248) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Outlander PHEV running its gasoline engine:

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE/XSE can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 52 miles. The Outlander PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 38 miles.

The Rav4 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 Woodland has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL (8.5 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the Rav4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Toyota Rav4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 950 pounds less than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The Rav4 is 4.4 inches shorter than the Outlander PHEV, making the Rav4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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

The Rav4 has 1.3 inches more front hip room, .4 inches more rear headroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Outlander PHEV with its rear seat up (37.8 vs. 11.7 cubic feet). The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Outlander PHEV with its rear seat folded (70.4 vs. 64.7 cubic feet).

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

The Rav4’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (1750 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is only 1500 pounds. The Rav4 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The power windows standard on both the Rav4 and the Outlander PHEV have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Rav4 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’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 the driver can close all of them 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’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle 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.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Rav4 XSE/Limited 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’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.

The Toyota Rav4 stands out above the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and one of them provide more flexibility.

The Rav4 (except LE/SE/XLE)’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Rav4 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

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