Compare the2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVVS 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X3 xDrive30e doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Outlander PHEV and the X3 xDrive30e have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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 Outlander PHEV comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The X3 xDrive30e’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Outlander PHEV 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X3 xDrive30e. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the X3 xDrive30e ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The battery on the Outlander PHEV is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Outlander PHEV’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The X3 xDrive30e’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 22 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th, below the industry average.

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander PHEV running on electricity gets better mileage than the X3 xDrive30e running on electricity (77 city/71 hwy vs. 59 city/61 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander PHEV running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the X3 xDrive30e running its gasoline engine (26 city/26 hwy vs. 21 city/27 hwy).

The Outlander PHEV’s maximum driving range in pure electric mode is 24 miles, 9% further than the X3 xDrive30e’s 22 mile range.

The Outlander PHEV has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The X3 xDrive30e doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Outlander PHEV’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the X3 xDrive30e’s standard 60 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Outlander PHEV’s turning circle is 3.8 feet tighter than the X3 xDrive30e’s (35.6 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 pounds less than the BMW X3 xDrive30e.

The Outlander PHEV has .6 inches more front legroom and 1.5 inches more rear legroom than the X3 xDrive30e.

The Outlander PHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the X3 xDrive30e with its rear seat up (30.4 vs. 27.2 cubic feet). The Outlander PHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the X3 xDrive30e with its rear seat folded (66.6 vs. 59.4 cubic feet).

The Outlander PHEV has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The X3 xDrive30e doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Outlander PHEV GT has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X3 xDrive30e doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.