Compare the2023 Volvo XC40 RechargeVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Volvo XC40 Recharge have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The XC40 Recharge’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the XC40 Recharge and Outlander PHEV have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The XC40 Recharge has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Outlander PHEV’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The XC40 Recharge has a standard Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WHIPS allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. At the same time the pretensioning seatbelts fire, removing slack from the belts. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The XC40 Recharge has standard Post-impact braking, which automatically apply 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XC40 Recharge has a standard CTA Auto Brake that use rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The XC40 Recharge’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The XC40 Recharge has standard Volvo On Call, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a GPS response system, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the XC40 Recharge and the Outlander PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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 Volvo XC40 Recharge weighs 497 pounds more than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the general design of front seat head restraints for their ability to protect front seat occupants from whiplash injuries. The IIHS also performs a dynamic test on those seats with “good” or “acceptable” geometry. In these ratings, the XC40 Recharge is safer than the Outlander PHEV:

	XC40 Recharge	Outlander PHEV
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Restraint Design	GOOD	GOOD
Distance from Back of Head	6 mm	48 mm
Dynamic Test Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Seat Design	Pass	Fail
Neck Force Rating	Low	Low
Max Neck Tension	236	488

(Lower numerical results are better in all tests.)

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the XC40 Recharge its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 95 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Outlander PHEV is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick.”

Warranty

The XC40 Recharge’s corrosion warranty is 5 years and unlimited miles longer than the Outlander PHEV’s (12/unlimited vs. 7/100,000).

Volvo pays for scheduled maintenance on the XC40 Recharge for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Volvo will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mitsubishi doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Outlander PHEV.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Volvo vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volvo 2 places higher in reliability than Mitsubishi.

Engine

The XC40 Recharge’s standard electric motors produces 181 more horsepower (402 vs. 221) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Volvo XC40 Recharge is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

	XC40 Recharge	Outlander PHEV
Zero to 30 MPH	1.8 sec	3.3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	4.2 sec	8.5 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	6.9 sec	15.1 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	1.9 sec	4.3 sec
Quarter Mile	12.8 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	107.7 MPH	83.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the XC40 Recharge gets better mileage than the Outlander PHEV running on electricity (92 city/79 hwy vs. 77 city/71 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the XC40 Recharge gets better mileage than the Outlander PHEV running its gasoline engine (92 city/79 hwy MPGe vs. 26 city/26 hwy).

The XC40 Recharge can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 223 miles. The Outlander PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 24 miles.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volvo XC40 Recharge higher (10 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (7). This means the XC40 Recharge produces up to 11.8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander PHEV every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the XC40 Recharge’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Outlander PHEV:

	XC40 Recharge	Outlander PHEV
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	11.9 inches

The XC40 Recharge stops shorter than the Outlander PHEV:

	XC40 Recharge	Outlander PHEV
60 to 0 MPH	118 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XC40 Recharge has larger tires than the Outlander PHEV (F:235/50R19 & R:255/45R19 vs. 225/55R18).

The XC40 Recharge’s standard 235/50R19 front and 255/45R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series front and 45 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander PHEV’s standard 55 series tires. The XC40 Recharge’s optional 235/45R20 front and 255/40R20 rear tires have a lower 45 series front and 40 series rear profile than the Outlander PHEV’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XC40 Recharge has standard 19-inch wheels. Only 18-inch wheels are available on the Outlander PHEV. The XC40 Recharge offers optional 20-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

The XC40 Recharge has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Outlander PHEV’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The XC40 Recharge has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XC40 Recharge’s wheelbase is 1.3 inches longer than on the Outlander PHEV (106.4 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XC40 Recharge is 2.4 inches wider in the front and 3 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander PHEV.

The XC40 Recharge handles at .84 G’s, while the Outlander PHEV GT pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XC40 Recharge executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.7 seconds quicker than the Outlander PHEV GT (26.3 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

The XC40 Recharge is 10 inches shorter than the Outlander PHEV, making the XC40 Recharge easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The XC40 Recharge has 2.1 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, 2.7 inches more rear hip room and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

Cargo Capacity

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the XC40 Recharge’s optional rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XC40 Recharge. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the XC40 Recharge’s liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The XC40 Recharge’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (2000 vs. 1500 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on the XC40 Recharge uses the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The XC40 Recharge uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Outlander PHEV uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the XC40 Recharge, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a memory system.

The power windows standard on both the XC40 Recharge and the Outlander PHEV have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the XC40 Recharge 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.

If the windows are left open on the XC40 Recharge the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Outlander PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Outlander PHEV’s standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The XC40 Recharge’s standard doors lock when a certain speed is reached. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights. (The power lock’s automatic feature may have to be activated by your dealer.)

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the XC40 Recharge to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XC40 Recharge has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Outlander PHEV only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The XC40 Recharge’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Outlander PHEV’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The XC40 Recharge’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Outlander PHEV’s headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The XC40 Recharge offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XC40 Recharge Ultimate has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer cornering lights. The XC40 Recharge Ultimate also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

When the XC40 Recharge is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Outlander PHEV’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XC40 Recharge’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Outlander PHEV has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the XC40 Recharge and the Outlander PHEV have standard heated front seats. The XC40 Recharge also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Outlander PHEV.

To direct the driver from any location to a given street address, a GPS navigation system is available on the XC40 Recharge. The XC40 Recharge’s navigation system also has a real-time traffic update feature that offers alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a navigation system.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volvo XC40 Recharge offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the XC40 Recharge second among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Outlander PHEV isn’t in the top three.