Compare the2025 Toyota Highlander HybridVS 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Safety
Warranty
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Highlander Hybrid has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Outlander PHEV doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Highlander Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, 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 Highlander Hybrid and Outlander PHEV have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum has Parking Support Brake (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 Highlander Hybrid and the Outlander PHEV have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is safer than the Outlander PHEV:

	Highlander Hybrid	Outlander PHEV
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	71	203
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.51 in	.83 in
Torso Max Deflection	1.26 in	1.61 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	10 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	201 lbs.	469 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Outlander PHEV has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

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

There are almost 4 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Highlander Hybrid’s warranty.

Fuel Economy and Range

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

		MPG
Highlander Hybrid
	LE 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	35 city/35 hwy
	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	35 city/34 hwy
Outlander PHEV
	2.4 4-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/27 hwy

The Highlander Hybrid has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander PHEV (17.1 vs. 14.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

The Highlander Hybrid’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.

Tires and Wheels

The Highlander Hybrid 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 Highlander Hybrid’s wheelbase is 5.7 inches longer than on the Outlander PHEV (112.2 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Highlander Hybrid is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander PHEV.

For greater off-road capability the Highlander Hybrid has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander PHEV (8 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Highlander Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

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

Passenger Space

The Highlander Hybrid offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Outlander PHEV can only carry 7.

The Highlander Hybrid has 14 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander PHEV (139.5 vs. 125.5).

The Highlander Hybrid has .3 inches more front legroom, 3.2 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, .6 inches more rear legroom, 3.7 inches more rear hip room, 2.5 inches more rear shoulder room, 3 inches more third row headroom, 8.9 inches more third row legroom, 3.5 inches more third row hip room and 3.8 inches more third row shoulder room than the Outlander PHEV.

Cargo Capacity

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

	Highlander Hybrid	Outlander PHEV
Behind Third Seat	16 cubic feet	11.7 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	48.4 cubic feet	33.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	84.3 cubic feet	64.7 cubic feet

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

	Highlander Hybrid	Outlander PHEV
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	17.8”/48”/80.7”	n.a./80.3”
Max Width	50”	53”
Min Width	45.8”	42.1”
Height	31”	n/a

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

Towing

The Highlander Hybrid’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander PHEV’s (3500 vs. 1500 pounds).

Ergonomics

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

If the windows are left open on the Highlander Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Outlander PHEV can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Highlander Hybrid’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, 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 Highlander Hybrid’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander PHEV’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum 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 Highlander Hybrid’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.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Highlander Hybrid Limited/Platinum 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.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Highlander Hybrid’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation that can trigger allergies or asthma. The Outlander PHEV’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the overhead console. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Mitsubishi charges extra for Homelink® on the Outlander PHEV.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Outlander PHEV SE/SEL offers wireless charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Highlander Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Highlander Hybrid will cost $435 to $2850 less than the Outlander PHEV over a five-year period.

The Highlander Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Highlander Hybrid will retain 55.94% to 57.42% of its original price after five years, while the Outlander PHEV only retains 45.22% to 47.91%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Highlander outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by over three to one during 2023.

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