Compare the2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVVS 2026 Mazda CX-90

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 CX-90 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Both the Outlander PHEV and the CX-90 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.

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 CX-90’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Outlander PHEV 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the CX-90. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the CX-90 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Outlander PHEV’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CX-90’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Mitsubishi pays for scheduled maintenance on the Outlander PHEV for 2 years and 30,000 miles. Mitsubishi will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance (up to 3 visits). Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CX-90.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Outlander PHEV’s reliability 31 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 and 33 points higher than the Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mitsubishi higher than Mazda.

The Outlander PHEV’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 17 more horsepower (297 vs. 280) than the CX-90’s standard 3.3 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander PHEV running on electricity gets better mileage than the CX-90 PHEV running on electricity (76 city/69 hwy vs. 52 city/62 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander PHEV running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the CX-90 running its gasoline engine:

The Outlander PHEV can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 44 miles. The CX-90 PHEV has to start its internal combustion engine after only 27 miles.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CX-90 PHEV requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV higher (6 out of 10) than the Mazda CX-90 (5 to 6). This means the Outlander PHEV produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CX-90 every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the Outlander PHEV’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-90:

The Outlander PHEV’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-90 are solid, not vented.

The Outlander PHEV stops shorter than the CX-90:

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 CX-90 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Outlander PHEV SEL Premium handles at .85 G’s, while the CX-90 Premium Plus pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Outlander PHEV’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the CX-90’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 600 pounds less than the Mazda CX-90.

The Outlander PHEV is 1 foot, 3 inches shorter than the CX-90, 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 CX-90 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outlander PHEV has .9 inches more front headroom and .7 inches more front shoulder room than the CX-90.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Outlander PHEV’s middle and third row seats recline. The CX-90’s third row seats don’t recline.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Outlander PHEV’s second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CX-90 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the CX-90 Preferred/Premium, the Outlander PHEV SEL 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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Outlander PHEV has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The CX-90 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

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 CX-90.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-90 Premium.

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