In the world of SUVs, midsize variations tend to dominate the market, successfully providing drivers with ample space for passengers and cargo while remaining agile and easy to maneuver. The rise in popularity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has also been notable in the past few years, as more people are ready to dive into the world of electric vehicles and enjoy the gradual transition that plug-in hybrids allow. The plug-in hybrid versions of the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander and the Volvo XC60 are two of the top SUVs in this sector, with good reason.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the top-selling SUVs that Mitsubishi has to offer, providing drivers with the best features of Mitsubishi engineering at an affordable price. The Volvo XC60 attempts to venture more into the luxury SUV category and brings with it a hefty price sticker. Our team at Boardman Mitsubishi has taken a close look at these two SUVs to help you determine which is the best match for your needs and budget.
Price Comparison
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes in five different trim levels: ES, SE, SEL, SEL Platinum, and Ralliart. The Volvo XC60, on the other hand, has four trim levels branded as the “Recharge” editions, which is the term it uses for its plug-in hybrid variations. The XC60 is available as a Recharge Core, Recharge Plus, Recharge Ultimate, or Recharge Polestar Engineered. It's noteworthy that even the highest trim level of the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid, the Ralliart, is less expensive than the lowest trim level of the Volvo XC60 Recharge, the Recharge Core.
Pricing for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $41,985 for the ES and increases to $44,840 for the SE, $48,140 for the SEL, $51,790 for the SEL Platinum Edition, and an estimated $53,000 for the Ralliart. When looking at the Volvo XC60, however, pricing starts at $59,095 for the Recharge Core, then goes to $63,595 for the Recharge Plus, $69,045 for the Recharge Ultimate, and $76,445 for the Recharge Polestar Engineered.
If you're looking for the best value for your money, the Outlander PHEV comes out ahead here. In the following sections, we'll break down exactly what you're getting for the price. Most drivers agree that the significantly higher price tag of the XC60 is difficult to justify when you compare the features of these two vehicles.
Performance Comparison
The Outlander plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that's assisted by a pair of electric motors for a combined 248 horsepower. Each Outlander comes equipped with Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control — a highly responsive four-wheel-drive system designed to tackle slippery and wet road conditions with ease. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth driving and acceleration. This hybrid configuration gives 64 MPGe and 26 mpg combined without using the electric motor. The Outlander PHEV provides up to 38 all-electric miles, which is an impressive range that's perfect for daily commuting.
The plug-in-hybrid powertrain of the XC60 is known as the T8, and it pairs a super-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a set of electric motors for a combined total of 455 horsepower. As with the Outlander, all-wheel drive is standard. Instead of the smooth CVT, however, the XC60 opts for an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup results in 63 MPGe and 28 mpg combined, with around 35 miles of all-electric range.
While the XC60 might boast more horsepower, most drivers find that the Outlander has more than enough for their daily driving needs. What seems to matter the most to drivers is the fuel efficiency and driving range, which are strong suits of both the Outlander and the XC60. The Outlander does, however, beat the XC60 when it comes to its all-electric driving range — a feature that could mean the difference between a stop at the gas pumps or a smooth drive home.
Technology and Comfort Comparison
The Outlander includes either an 8-inch or a 9-inch touch screen depending on the trim, and both come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch vertically oriented touch screen on the XC60 also includes the same features, making the two vehicles very similar when it comes to technology. A key difference between them, however, is the lack of physical controls in the XC60. Some drivers need help navigating the touch screen and finding features hidden behind menus.
Both cars offer a comfortable ride with technologies to boost the convenience and efficiency of your drives around Boardman and beyond. The Outlander stands out for its available third-row seating, which makes excellent use of its size to allow for up to seven passengers. The XC60, however, limits seating to two rows and five passengers, a factor that could make the difference in which SUV you choose.
Safety Features Comparison
When it comes to safety, advancements in driver-assistance technology have made it easier than ever to feel safe and confident behind the wheel. The Outlander comes standard with many of these features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. If you opt for some of the higher trim levels, you'll also gain access to more safety features, such as a multiview camera system, traffic sign recognition, front parking sensors, and the MI-PILOT driver-assistance system, which bundles full-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
The Volvo XC60 also includes an impressive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a blind-spot monitoring system with steering assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, traffic sign assist, slippery road alert, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a driver monitor that warns you when it detects you're drowsy or inattentive. Because the starting price of the base trim level is so high, it seems only appropriate that these are included.
Take a Look at Our Current Inventory
At Boardman Mitsubishi, we stand behind the fact that Mitsubishi produces quality vehicles that have exceptional standards of safety and comfort. When comparing the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to the much pricier Volvo XC60, there are minimal differences between the two, and the Outlander even exceeds the XC60 on electric driving range and hybrid fuel efficiency. Come in and take a look at our available inventory of Outlander plug-in hybrids today, or stop by for a test drive. Our experienced sales team is waiting to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today to get started.