Mitsubishi Outlander Vs. Toyota Highlander Comparison Of Specs & More

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Dimensions

These SUVs are designed with unique goals in mind. The more compact Mitsubishi Outlander aims to give drivers big things in a smaller package. Not only can it seat up to seven people or offer 64.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the second and third rows down, but you will also find the interior very comfortable. It boasts 41.7 and 39.9 inches of front- and second-row legroom, respectively. At the same time, its svelte form – measuring 185.8 inches long and 74.7 inches wide with its mirrors folded – makes this an easy vehicle to park or navigate dense traffic.

The Toyota Highlander is approximately 10 inches longer (in standard configurations) and slightly wider. While this translates to extra front-seat legroom and greater maximum cargo space, its second row has surprisingly less legroom than the Mitsubishi model. Additionally, the 2025 Outlander even features more ground clearance than the 2025 Highlander.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander Performance

Being compact also scores the Mitsubishi sport-ute another advantage by helping boost its fuel efficiency over the Toyota SUV. You can enjoy an EPA-estimated 24/31/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)¹ with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and FWD. Even with S-AWC, the Outlander renders an EPA-estimated 24/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).¹

Meanwhile, up to six drive modes and a smooth-as-silk suspension system enhance your ride. Opt for the available tow package to unlock the maximum Outlander towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.⁵

Looking at the competition, the Toyota Highlander operates on a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)⁴ with FWD. AWD is available, too, but it will cost you some efficiency with an EPA-estimated 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).⁴

To compare the 2025 Highlander vs. Outlander MPG ratings in more depth, contact us at Gunther Mitsubishi. We can also talk to you about the hybrid versions of both SUVs: the Outlander PHEV and the Highlander Hybrid. Furthermore, while the Highlander has a higher maximum towing capacity, it only offers up to five drive modes.

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Trims & Features

You will have a full menu of choices when it comes to the 2025 Mitsubishi model, not only in terms of 2025 Outlander colors but also trim levels. Here are your options:

• ES
• SE
• SEL
• Platinum Edition

The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers five trims:

• LE
• XLE
• XSE
• Limited
• Platinum

We could compare these trims in several ways – matching entry-level trim against entry-level trim or top-tier trim against top-tier trim. Instead, we opted for the variants that are closest in price range to each other. Doing this happens to put the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Platinum Edition against the 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Platinum Edition comes standard with the following:

• 20-inch two-tone aluminum alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch full digital driver display
• 12.3-inch smartphone-link display with navigation
• 10.8-inch Head-Up Display
• 12-speaker Yamaha® Ultimate sound system
• Multi-View Camera System
• Leather-appointed seating surfaces
• Heated first- and second-row seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Power panoramic sunroof

By comparison, the Toyota Highlander XLE provides the following:

• 18-inch machined-finished alloy wheels
• 7-inch Multi-Information Display
• 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system
• Six-speaker sound system
• Backup Camera
• SofTex-trimmed seating surfaces
• Heated first-row seats
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Power tilt/slide moonroof

Amenities like leather upholstery, front-seat ventilation, and a Head-Up Display will require you to upgrade to a higher trim of the Highlander, leading us to prefer the inviting ambiance of the Outlander interior. This is just one of many reasons why the 2025 Outlander earns a higher J.D. Power Consumer Rating.³

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander Safety

It's easier to love what you drive when you are confident in its ability to keep you and your family safe. Both SUV options have advanced safety and driver-assistance systems built in.

The 2025 Outlander comes equipped with Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, and Rear Parking Sensors, among others.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Highlander boasts Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ driver-assistance features, including the Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Road Sign Assist. It also has a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard equipment. However, it does not feature a similar Driver Attention Alert function, and its Front and Rear Parking Assist is only offered in top trims.

For more details about the safety and driver-assist Outlander vs. Highlander comparison, get in touch with our team today.

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Warranties & Maintenance

When you want to compare the Mitsubishi Outlander to the Toyota Highlander, it's important to think long term. Mitsubishi automakers believe in the reliability of their vehicles, which is why the Outlander comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty,² a five-year/60,000-mile Basic Warranty,² and five-year/unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance.⁷

The Toyota Highlander is protected by a less impressive 60-month/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty² and a three-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty.² Its Roadside Assistance enrollment lasts for two years or 25,000 miles.⁸

Maintenance is, of course, a crucial part of longevity, too. We not only have a state-of-the-art service center to keep your car in top shape, but we also honor the two-year/30,000-mile Mitsubishi Motors Confidence maintenance plan.⁹ When we look at the competitor in our Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander matchup, it comes with the ToyotaCare maintenance plan, but it's only in effect for two years or 25,000 miles.¹⁰

Embark on New Adventures in the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

While the Toyota model puts up a good fight, the differences between Highlander and Outlander SUVs are pretty stark for those looking for fuel efficiency, agility, creature comforts, affordability, and coverage. If you want to check out our new Mitsubishi Outlander deals in person, stop by Gunther Mitsubishi, where we can help you find or build the SUV of your dreams. We invite you to bring the whole family along so they can give their seal of approval on this well-equipped ride, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is larger than the Mitsubishi Outlander. While they are both three-row SUVs, the Toyota Highlander is considered a midsize SUV, while the Mitsubishi Outlander is classified as a compact SUV. Being 185.8 inches long rather than 194.9 or 197.4 inches long can make the Outlander easier to park while still allowing you to seat up to seven people.

Which has better gas mileage between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Highlander?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has better gas mileage than the 2025 Toyota Highlander. It delivers up to an EPA-estimated 24/31/27 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),¹ while the Highlander makes up to an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined);⁴ these ratings are with FWD. Even when equipped with S-AWC for the Outlander and AWD for the Highlander, the Outlander achieves greater MPG.

Which offers more legroom for rear passengers: the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Highlander SUV?

The Mitsubishi Outlander offers more legroom for rear passengers in the second row: 39.9 inches vs. 38.7 inches in the Toyota Highlander. Both third rows are designed more for young children than adults, as the Outlander has 18.7 inches and the Highlander has 28 inches. In the front row, the 2025 Highlander offers 0.3 inches more front legroom than the 2025 Outlander.

Which is more cost-effective: the Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota Highlander?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is more cost-effective than the 2025 Toyota Highlander. It has a lower starting MSRP, and its highest-level trim is more competitively priced than the top Highlander variant. Additionally, the Outlander boasts better warranty coverage and a more comprehensive maintenance plan. For all the details about the Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota Highlander, contact us at Gunther Mitsubishi today.

Mitsubishi Outlander Reviews

Continue Your SUV Research

¹2025 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates: 24 City/31 Highway/27 Combined for Outlander ES, SE, SEL 2WD, 24 City/30 Highway/26 Combined for Outlander ES, SE & SEL S-AWC. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.

²Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/.

⁴Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.

⁵Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

⁶Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

⁷Timed from the date first sold or put into use, whichever is earlier. Coverage excludes winching of vehicles off road, vehicles disabled in rally racing or other competitive events and vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as police, taxi, route delivery, livery or daily rental services. Please see your warranty manual for details. MMNA reserves the right to limit and/or change available services.

⁸ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour Roadside Assistance is included for two years, unlimited mileage (Note: bZ4X, Mirai, Prius and Prius Prime include enhanced ToyotaCare and/or Roadside Assistance). Roadside Assistance limits towing distances and locations and does not include parts and fluids, except emergency fuel delivery for certain vehicles. Excludes rental company fleet sale vehicles. See your Toyota dealer for additional restrictions and exclusions. Valid only in the continental U.S.

⁹Included on 2025 model-year Mitsubishi Motors vehicles sold in the United States. Includes the following services and parts: 1st service (12-months/12,000 miles) – oil and filter changes, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection; 2nd service (24-months/30,000 miles) - oil and filter changes, tire rotation, cabin air filter change, and multi-point inspection; 3rd service (24-months/30,000 miles) - oil and filter changes, tire rotation, and multi-point inspection. Mitsubishi Motors genuine oil and parts only. Services and parts not specified herein are excluded. Valid only for original owner of new, retailed 2025 model-year Mitsubishi Motors vehicle purchased from an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealer in the United States, and not transferrable to any subsequent owner. Service not redeemed within specified time/mileage window is forfeited. References to time/mileage limitations are to whichever occurs first.

¹⁰ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24/7 Roadside Assistance is for 2 years/unlimited mileage (note: ToyotaCare for Mirai is 3 years/35,000 miles and Roadside Assistance for Mirai, bZ4X, Prius, and Prius Prime is 3 years/unlimited mileage). Roadside Assistance does not include parts and fluids, except limited emergency gas delivery. Towing distance up to 25 miles. Restrictions apply. Available in the continental U.S. and Canada. See Toyota dealer for details and exclusions.