Compare the2024 BMW iXVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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

Safety

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/12/21

The iX’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 iX and Outlander PHEV have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The iX 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 BMW iX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The iX’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the front seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The iX has a standard PostCrash iBrake, 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The iX has a standard Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The iX’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 iX has standard BMW Assist, 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 iX and the Outlander PHEV 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 BMW iX weighs 1415 to 1525 pounds more than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

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

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the iX for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Mitsubishi doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Outlander PHEV.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. With 1 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Mitsubishi.

Engine

The iX xDrive50’s standard electric motors produces 295 more horsepower (516 vs. 221) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The iX M60’s standard electric motors produces 389 more horsepower (610 vs. 221) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW iX is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

	iX xDrive50	iX M60	Outlander PHEV
Zero to 60 MPH	4 sec	3.2 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter Mile	12.3 sec	11.5 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	115.8 MPH	121.6 MPH	83.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the iX gets better mileage than the Outlander PHEV running on electricity:

			MPGe
iX
	AWD	xDrive50 Electric Motors	83 city/82 hwy
		M60 Electric Motors	78 city/82 hwy
Outlander PHEV
	AWD	Electric Motors	77 city/71 hwy

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

			MPGe
iX
	AWD	xDrive50 Electric Motors	83 city/82 hwy
		M60 Electric Motors	78 city/82 hwy
Outlander PHEV
			MPG
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	26 city/26 hwy

The iX can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 274 to 307 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 BMW iX higher (10 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (7). This means the iX produces up to 11.8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander PHEV every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The iX’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s at 60 in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	iX	Outlander PHEV
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	11.9 inches

The iX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Outlander PHEV are solid, not vented.

The iX stops shorter than the Outlander PHEV:

	iX	Outlander PHEV
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the iX has larger standard tires than the Outlander PHEV (235/60R20 vs. 225/55R18). The iX’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander PHEV (275/40R22 vs. 225/55R18).

The iX’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander PHEV’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the iX has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 18-inch wheels are available on the Outlander PHEV. The iX offers optional 22-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

The iX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Outlander PHEV’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The iX M60 has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The iX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The iX 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 iX’s wheelbase is 13 inches longer than on the Outlander PHEV (118.1 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the iX is 5.4 inches wider in the front and 6.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander PHEV.

The iX’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (48.2% to 51.8%) than the Outlander PHEV’s (54% to 46%). This gives the iX more stable handling and braking.

The iX M60 handles at .86 G’s, while the Outlander PHEV GT pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The iX M60 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the Outlander PHEV GT (25.5 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 28 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the iX has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander PHEV (8.8 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the iX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

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

Passenger Space

The iX has .9 inches more front headroom, 5.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 1 inch more rear legroom and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

Cargo Capacity

The iX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Outlander PHEV with its rear seat up (35.5 vs. 30.4 cubic feet). The iX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Outlander PHEV with its rear seat folded (77.9 vs. 66.6 cubic feet).

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the iX’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the iX’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.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 12th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the iX, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and radio stations. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a memory system.

The iX’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The iX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the iX and the Outlander PHEV have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the iX 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 iX 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 lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. 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 iX’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 iX’s standard 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. Laser headlights, optional on the iX, produce their light by firing blue lasers through phosphorus, a process that uses one-half the power of the Outlander PHEV’s LED headlights. Laser headlights can have double the range of LEDs with a much smaller surface area.

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

When the iX is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Outlander PHEV’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The iX’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 iX and the Outlander PHEV have standard heated front seats. The iX 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.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the iX 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.

The iX has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Outlander PHEV GT.

The iX offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging 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 standard on the iX. The iX’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 BMW iX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The iX’s optional Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Parking Assistant Professional will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW iX, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the iX first among upper midsize 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.

See Available Inventory