2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV: About to be replaced, yet still relevant

For those who aren’t ready to switch to electric but still want to reduce their emissions and save money at the pump, plug-in hybrid models are an ideal solution. Among these, two of the most popular on the Canadian market are the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota RAV4 PHEV.

Although the Outlander is about to receive a mid-cycle update and Toyota has unveiled a new generation of its RAV4, the current versions are still competitive and should be available at dealerships for a few more months.

Efficiency and electric range: Points for the RAV4 PHEV

Much of the relative success of the Outlander PHEV and RAV4 PHEV can be attributed to their generous electric range. With 61 km and 68 km of range on a full charge, respectively, the Mitsubishi and Toyota allow you to complete most daily trips without using the gasoline engine.

This means that drivers can take full advantage of the benefits of electrification without too much effort, unlike other models that are limited to around 40 km of electric range in the best circumstances.

When the battery is depleted, the hybrid system continues to support the gasoline engine, limiting fuel consumption; however, the results differ for our two vehicles.

In fact, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is significantly more efficient than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV when the gasoline engine is running. According to Natural Resources Canada, the RAV4 PHEV averages 6.0 L/100 km, while the Mitsubishi requires 9.0 L/100 km under the same circumstances.

While the Mitsubishi’s larger size necessarily has an impact on fuel consumption, its engine, which revs very high at highway speeds (around 4,000 rpm), doesn’t help matters either.

Another point to consider is charging speed, which also favours the Toyota. The RAV4 PHEV’s 18.1 kWh battery takes 12 hours to go from 0 to 100% charge on a 120-volt outlet, or only 2.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s 20 kWh battery takes about 16 hours to reach 100% on 120 V and 6.5 hours on 240 V.

In both cases, installing a charging station may not be necessary, depending on how you use the vehicle.

Power and driving experience: Points for the RAV4 PHEV

Still on the mechanical side, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV maintains its lead by offering surprising performance and a good level of comfort.

Despite fairly similar mechanical components consisting of a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (2.4L for the Mitsubishi, 2.5L for the Toyota) and two electric motors, here again, the RAV4 PHEV and Outlander PHEV differ considerably.

First, the RAV4 PHEV has a combined power output of 302 horsepower, which gives it impressive performance, including 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 6 seconds and strong passing power at highway speeds.

While the total combined torque of the powertrain is unknown, we do know that the gasoline engine can deliver up to 165 lb-ft, while the front and rear electric motors generate 199 lb-ft and 89 lb-ft, respectively. On the road, this is more than enough in all situations.

Despite its very dynamic straight-line performance, the RAV4 PHEV isn’t really sporty, as its handling lacks a bit of bite. Nothing major, but comfort is prioritized at the expense of handling, which is safe but not exciting.

At Mitsubishi, its almost the opposite. The Outlander PHEV has a total power output of 248 horsepower, which isn’t that high considering its substantial weight. The combined torque of 332 lb-ft is significant, and the Outlander PHEV is more dynamic than the gasoline model, but it can’t match the RAV4 PHEV in this regard.

On the other hand, the handling is (very) slightly more inspired than what we find in the Toyota. Also, Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel drive system is more advanced and more competent than most of its competitors, particularly because it includes a torque vectoring function that transfers power to the outer wheels when cornering.

It should also be noted that Mitsubishi’s driver assistance systems perform better than Toyota’s, which are often intrusive and lack smoothness.

Otherwise, the Outlander PHEV’s driving experience falls short of the RAV4 PHEV, mainly due to a suspension that seems to lack travel over large imperfections, rather artificial steering, and regenerative brakes that take some getting used to.

Interior refinement: Points for the Outlander PHEV

While the Outlander PHEV may not be as efficient and powerful as its Toyota rival, Mitsubishi scores points when you take a peek inside. For starters, the Outlander offers a spacious interior that places it somewhere between a compact and mid-size SUV. In fact, the Outlander is one of the few so-called compact SUVs to offer a third row of seats.

Please note, however, this vehicle should not be considered a true 7-seater, as only children can sit in the back row, and only for short trips. In addition, when this bench seat is in place, the otherwise generous cargo area becomes virtually non-existent.

Nevertheless, the Outlander’s second row is very spacious, and the high-end versions pamper occupants with sunshades in the doors, their own climate control zone, heated seats and a large panoramic roof.

Interior refinement is another area where the Mitsubishi outperforms the Toyota. For example, the Noir model we tested features semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond stitching, tasteful silver accents, heated and massaging front seats with memory settings, and all the technology you would expect for the asking price.

For its part, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV certainly doesn’t lack interior space, as it’s even a little roomier than the Mitsubishi, and it also offers all the usual technology, but its presentation is more utilitarian, and luxury is less obvious, largely due to the abundance of black plastic and leatherette on board.

In addition, the infotainment system and dashboard menus are not the most user-friendly, requiring a lot of attention from the driver to make adjustments that should be simple.

That said, the materials are high quality and the assembly is solid, true to Toyota’s tradition.

Value: Points for the Outlander PHEV

Another area where the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes the lead over the Toyota RAV4 PHEV is value. This plug-in hybrid SUV is available in several versions, including relatively affordable entry-level models. The price range starts at $48,698 for the ES S-AWC and ends at $60,598 for the Noir S-AWC as tested.

In comparison, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV is only available in two versions, the SE with a starting price of $54,718 and the XSE, priced at $59,558. The latter model can also be equipped with a technology package at a cost of $5,390, bringing the total price close to $65,000.

While the Mitsubishi’s financial advantage is already apparent, it becomes even more so when you take a look at the equipment list. The entry-level Outlander PHEV is relatively well equipped, and you can choose from three trim levels while still staying below the starting price of the RAV4 PHEV.

For example, the LE version, with an MSRP of $52,998, features leatherette and microsuede upholstery, wireless connections for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a surround-view camera, among other features.

For about $1,000 more than the entry-level RAV4 PHEV, the Outlander PHEV SEL adds 20-inch wheels, a power passenger seat, memory settings for both front seats, genuine leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

To get many of these features from Toyota, you have no choice but to select the XSE Technology package, which adds nearly $10,000 to the price tag of the Outlander SEL.

Let’s not forget Mitsubishi’s excellent 10-year, 160,000-kilometer powertrain warranty, which is a significant advantage when it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles with highly complex powertrains.

Conclusion

Despite their imminent replacement by revised and improved models, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV continue to do a good job for families looking to save money at the pump. Thanks to its more sophisticated powertrain and lack of major flaws, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV comes out on top in this comparison, in my opinion, but that doesn’t make the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a bad choice.

A word of advice: If you set your sights on the Mitsubishi, forget the GT Premium and Noir versions, whose prices are too close to those of the RAV4 PHEV given their lesser showing in terms of technology and everyday driving experience.