Compare the2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVVS 2023 Lexus RX

The Outlander PHEV has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The RX doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Outlander PHEV. But it costs extra on the RX.

Both the Outlander PHEV and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

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 Outlander PHEV its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 129 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The RX has not been fully tested, yet.

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 RX’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Outlander PHEV 4 years and 30,000 miles longer than Lexus covers the RX. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the RX ends after only 6 years or 70,000 miles.

The Outlander PHEV’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the RX’s (7 vs. 6 years).

There are over 32 percent more Mitsubishi dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Outlander PHEV’s warranty.

The Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 2 more horsepower (248 vs. 246) and 99 lbs.-ft. more torque (332 vs. 233) than the RX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (332 vs. 317) than the RX 350’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

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

The Outlander PHEV can travel with zero emissions for 38 miles. The RX has to start its internal combustion engine after only .6 miles.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses regular unleaded gasoline. The RX 350 requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

For better stopping power the Outlander PHEV’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the RX:

The Outlander PHEV stops much shorter than the RX:

For better traction, the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RX (255/45R20 vs. 235/60R19).

The Outlander PHEV SE/SEL’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s optional 50 series tires.

The Outlander PHEV has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The RX doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

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

The Outlander PHEV SEL Premium handles at .85 G’s, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Outlander PHEV is 7.1 inches shorter than the RX, making the Outlander PHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Outlander PHEV uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The RX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outlander PHEV has standard seating for 7 passengers; the RX can only carry 5.

The Outlander PHEV has 1.1 inches more front headroom, .6 inches more front legroom, .5 inches more rear headroom and .7 inches more rear legroom than the RX.

The Outlander PHEV’s cargo area provides more volume than the RX.

The Outlander PHEV’s cargo area is larger than the RX’s in almost every dimension:

The Outlander PHEV’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RX’s (1500 vs. 0 pounds).

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RX Premium/Luxury/500h F Sport, the Outlander PHEV has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outlander PHEV to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The RX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Outlander PHEV SEL offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RX.