Compare the2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVVS 2026 Lexus RX

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help 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 RX doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

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.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Outlander PHEV’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The RX doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the Outlander PHEV and the RX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver 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.

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).

Mitsubishi pays for scheduled maintenance (up to 3 visits) on the Outlander PHEV for 1 year and 20,000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RX (2/30,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 22 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 51 more horsepower (297 vs. 246) than the RX 350h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 22 more horsepower (297 vs. 275) 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 running its gasoline engine:

The Outlander PHEV can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 44 miles, up to 10% further than the RX 450h+‘s -mile range on a full charge and a full tank of fuel. The RX 450h+ has to start its internal combustion engine after only 38 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 84.9 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 RX 350h suspension doesn’t offer rear gas-charged shocks.

The Outlander PHEV’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the RX’s (54.7% to 45.3%). This gives the Outlander PHEV more stable handling and braking.

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 6.7 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).

Consumer Reports rated the Outlander PHEV’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the RX’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

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.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Lexus RX, based on reliability, safety and performance.