While both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Highlander are competitive and high-performing three-row SUVs, they have distinct characteristics that cater to diverse people and preferences. The team at Boardman Mitsubishi in Boardman, Ohio, has written this comprehensive guide to explore what sets the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2024 Toyota Highlander apart. We compare their pricing, performance, range, technology, and safety features to help you uncover which is the best choice for you. Whether you're a Mitsubishi enthusiast or simply exploring your SUV options, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
How Does the Pricing Compare?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has gained a reputation for its exceptional affordability. The 2024 base model offers a competitive price point with an MSRP of $28,395, which appeals to budget-conscious buyers. As you move up the trim levels, you'll find that the Outlander continues to deliver strong value for the features it offers, making it an attractive choice for families and individuals looking for a cost-effective SUV.
The Toyota Highlander is known for its quality and reliability, but this comes with a higher price tag than the Outlander with an estimated MSRP of $38,000 for the 2024 model. While it may be pricier than the Outlander, it compensates with its strong resale value and reputation for longevity. The vehicle that's best for you depends on your budget, preferences, and long-term goals; however, Mitsubishi's commitment to affordability, paired with a comprehensive feature set, might make the Outlander a more attractive choice if you're looking to maximize value.
Which SUV Offers the Best Performance?
When it comes to performance, the Toyota Highlander tends to offer better acceleration and towing capabilities than the Mitsubishi Outlander. This, of course, comes at a cost. Even at the base level, Mitsubishi designed the 2024 Outlander to deliver enhanced performance and torque distribution to give you seamless acceleration while improving fuel economy. To compare them like for like, we'll compare the Highlander's four-cylinder engine against the Outlander's four-cylinder engine. With this setup, the Outlander produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Highlander's 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
While the Outlander may not be the most powerful option in its class, it delivers a comfortable and competent ride for daily commuting and family trips. The available Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system features six available drive modes for precision handling across all road conditions. This S-AWC system lets you adapt your driving to changing terrain and weather conditions, such as snow and mud.
The Outlander also offers a slightly higher displacement and compression ratio than the Highlander to deliver more power with less fuel. All in all, the Outlander focuses more on efficiency and smooth driving, making it an excellent choice if you prioritize comfort and daily usability over high-performance capabilities.
Which SUV Is More Fuel-Efficient?
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is designed with fuel efficiency in mind, offering above-average efficiency for a three-row SUV. Features such as direct injection, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, mirror bore coating, and an electrically operated valve timing control system balance the best of power and efficiency. The Outlander is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is pretty competitive for a compact SUV. The figures for the 2024 Toyota Highlander haven't been released yet, but the 2023 model achieves 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Comparing Technology and Comfort
Although the seven-seater Outlander seats one less person than the eight-seater Highlander, it allows more considered interior room for each of its passengers. The Highlander's eight seats are pretty cramped and unlike the Outlander, the third row is suitable for kids only. The standard infotainment system is one inch larger in the Highlander, but the Outlander makes up for it with all the same features and more. One of its key perks is the addition of Mitsubishi Connect for safety, connection, and entertainment on the road and handy features such as Smart Remote Start, Parental Control, and Car Finder.
Both SUVs come with creature comforts such as triple-zone climate control to give the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers control over their comfort. There's power seating available in both SUVs, but the Outlander offers an impressive eight available power seating adjustment options that are hard to ignore. The available memory seat function that's key-linked to each driver is a treat. What's more, the mirrors, leather (or semi-aniline leather) seat cushions, and digital cluster settings all adjust automatically to suit you.
Safety Features for Peace of Mind
Toyota and Mitsubishi are renowned for their safety features, and you'll be in good hands whichever you choose. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2024 Outlander as a Top Safety Pick and awarded it “Good” ratings for side crashworthiness. The IIHS has not yet rated the 2024 Toyota Highlander, but it named the 2023 model as a Top Safety Pick.
Both the Outlander and the Highlander come with a host of advanced driver-assistance systems to keep you safe on the road. These include forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, blind-spot assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Outlander comes with the addition of Mitsubishi Connect, which offers Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, and Roadside Assistance. The available MI-PILOT Assist offers next-level navigation using radar and cameras that allow for speed control and lane centering assistance and smoother turning and highway exits.
Warranties That Serve You
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with Mitsubishi Motors' Confidence care program that's included in the price of all 2024 models. It offers a longer new vehicle limited warranty that lasts for five years or 60,000 miles, compared to Toyota's three years or 60,000 miles. Both come with a powertrain limited warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, but Mitsubishi also includes a limited maintenance plan for tire rotations, oil and filter changes, and cabin filter for two years or 30,000 miles and a roadside assistance plan.
Ready for a Test Drive?
While both the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2024 Toyota Highlander are excellent three-row SUVs, the Outlander offers a compelling blend of affordability, performance, tech-savvy features, and advanced safety that's hard to beat. Are you curious to discover the efficiency and precision handling of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander for yourself? Browse our current inventory of Mitsubishi Outlanders for sale or visit Boardman Mitsubishi in Boardman, Ohio, for a test drive. Our team is eager to assist you in finding the perfect Outlander to meet your needs.