Compare the2025 Mazda CX-90VS 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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

Safety

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The CX-90 Premium has a standard Secondary Collision Reduction System, 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 CX-90 and Outlander PHEV have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the CX-90 Premium Plus/Turbo S has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (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 CX-90 and the Outlander PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front 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, 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda CX-90 is safer than the Outlander PHEV:

	CX-90	Outlander PHEV
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	104	203
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.28 in	.83 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.22 in	1.61 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	513 lbs.	1071 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	18	125
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mazda CX-90 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Outlander PHEV has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The CX-90’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander PHEV’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 64 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-90’s warranty.

Engine

The CX-90’s standard 3.3 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 32 more horsepower (280 vs. 248) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The CX-90 PHEV’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 75 more horsepower (323 vs. 248) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 332) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The CX-90 Turbo S’ standard 3.3 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 92 more horsepower (340 vs. 248) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 332) than the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the CX-90 PHEV 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

	CX-90	Outlander PHEV
Zero to 60 MPH	5.9 sec	6.6 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	15.4 sec	31.9 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.3 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.5 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97 MPH	82 MPH
Top Speed	118 MPH	110 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The CX-90’s standard fuel tank has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander PHEV (18.5 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The CX-90 Turbo S’ standard fuel tank has 4.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander PHEV (19.6 vs. 14.8 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

The CX-90’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 CX-90 stops shorter than the Outlander PHEV:

	CX-90	Outlander PHEV
70 to 0 MPH	166 feet	171 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CX-90 has larger standard tires than the Outlander PHEV (265/55R19 vs. 235/60R18). The CX-90 Premium/Turbo S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander PHEV (275/45R21 vs. 255/45R20).

The CX-90’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander PHEV’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-90 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Outlander PHEV. The CX-90 Premium/Turbo S’ 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

The CX-90 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.

Suspension and Handling

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-90’s wheelbase is 16.3 inches longer than on the Outlander PHEV (122.8 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-90 is 4.4 inches wider in the front and 4.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander PHEV.

For greater off-road capability the CX-90 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander PHEV (8 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the CX-90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-90 PHEV Premium/Turbo S’ minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the Outlander PHEV (8.1 vs. 7.8 inches).

Chassis

For excellent aerodynamics, the CX-90 has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander PHEV has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

Passenger Space

The CX-90 offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Outlander PHEV can only carry 7.

The CX-90 has 16.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander PHEV (141.6 vs. 125.5).

The CX-90 has 1.3 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear legroom, 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room, 3.8 inches more third row headroom, 11.3 inches more third row legroom and 2.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

Cargo Capacity

The CX-90’s cargo area provides more volume than the Outlander PHEV.

	CX-90	Outlander PHEV
Behind Third Seat	14.9 cubic feet	11.7 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	40 cubic feet	33.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	74.2 cubic feet	64.7 cubic feet

The CX-90’s cargo area is larger than the Outlander PHEV’s in almost every dimension:

	CX-90	Outlander PHEV
Length	96”	80.3”
Max Width	49.8”	53”
Min Width	43.7”	42.1”
Height	30.4”	n/a

Towing

The CX-90’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is only 1500 pounds. The CX-90 offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The CX-90 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.

The engine in the CX-90 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Outlander PHEV. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The power windows standard on both the CX-90 and the Outlander PHEV have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the CX-90 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 CX-90’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.

On a hot day the CX-90’s driver can lower all 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 CX-90’s standard Advanced Keyless Entry and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, 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. Pushbutton Start is not available on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

The CX-90’s driver power window switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-90’s standard power window power lock switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander PHEV’s power window switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The CX-90’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Outlander PHEV’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-90 Turbo S has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The CX-90’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL.

The CX-90’s optional 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 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The CX-90 Premium Plus/Turbo S has standard front air conditioned seats and the CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus also has them in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.