Cherokee vs Outlander PHEV
Brand preference aside, the Cherokee and the Outlander PHEV are close competitors, both pitched at compact suv buyers. Each has a clear strength: the Cherokee leads on fuel economy & range, and the Outlander PHEV answers with engine & performance. And the price tags aren’t close: the Cherokee came in $8,245 below the Outlander PHEV at launch.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Outlander PHEV wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Cherokee wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander PHEV wins
- Off-road & Towing Cherokee wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Cherokee wins
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing7.9
- Fuel Economy & Range2.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Outlander PHEV has 87 hp more power
Put simply, the Outlander PHEV is far ahead here: 297 hp compared with 210 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Cherokee has better fuel economy
The Cherokee’s 37 mpg leaves the Outlander PHEV’s 27 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
Not a close call. The Outlander PHEV lists 7 seats and the Cherokee lists 5 seats. That’s a substantial gap. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Cherokee has 2,000 lb more towing capacity
Among all the differences on this page, 3,500 lb against 1,500 lb is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Cherokee. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The Cherokee has better city fuel economy
The Outlander PHEV gives up a lot on fuel economy (city): 27 mpg, compared with 39 mpg on the Cherokee. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Cherokee starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
- Cherokee 188 in × 74.7 in × 67.5 in
- Outlander PHEV 185.8 in × 68.8 in
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 106.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Outlander PHEV leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Outlander PHEV. On the Outlander PHEV, you get 87 hp more power. The Outlander PHEV’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the Outlander PHEV.
Total system output
Cherokee: 210 hp Outlander PHEV: 297 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Cherokee leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The Cherokee leads where it counts. The Cherokee delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the Cherokee.
Fuel economy (combined)
Cherokee: 37 mpg Outlander PHEV: 27 mpg The Cherokee uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Cherokee: 39 mpg Outlander PHEV: 27 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Cherokee has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Outlander PHEV leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Outlander PHEV. The Outlander PHEV brings room for 7 seats. The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Outlander PHEV is the safer choice.
Seats
Cherokee: 5 seats Outlander PHEV: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Cherokee leads
If off-road & towing is high on your list, the Cherokee makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Cherokee takes this one with 2,000 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Cherokee’s higher rating gives you more margin. Weighing only off-road & towing, the Cherokee comes out ahead.
Max towing
Cherokee: 3,500 lb Outlander PHEV: 1,500 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t safety & tech. So safety & tech is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 210 hp | 297 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | Single-speed (direct drive) |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD (S-AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 37 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 39 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 44 mi Shortest electric range |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 64.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb (winner) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 106.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander PHEV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 (winner) | $43,245 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Cherokee launched at $8,245 less than the Outlander PHEV, a gap of 24%. The Outlander PHEV costs $8,245 more but doesn’t win everywhere, so the value depends on which strengths you need.
These are US launch prices, recorded October 2025; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Cherokee if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (37 mpg vs 27 mpg combined)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (3,500 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you mostly drive in town (39 mpg vs 27 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (35 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you’re working to a firm budget and $8,245 matters
Choose the Outlander PHEV if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (297 hp vs 210 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you already use other Mitsubishi products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Cherokee or the Outlander PHEV?
The Cherokee offers better value, saving $8,245 compared with the Outlander PHEV.
Which is larger, the Cherokee or the Outlander PHEV?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Cherokee and the Outlander PHEV is too small to matter.
Is the Cherokee cheaper than the Outlander PHEV?
The Cherokee is the cheaper option, launching at $8,245 less than the Outlander PHEV (launch prices as of October 2025).
Executive Summary
The Cherokee versus the Outlander PHEV is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Jeep and Mitsubishi made different bets. What tips it for me is that the Cherokee has better fuel economy. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Cherokee has 2,000 lb more towing capacity. Still, if you care most about 87 hp more power, the Outlander PHEV deserves a look.
A quick self-test: do you care more about fuel economy & range or engine & performance? The first answer means the Cherokee, the second means the Outlander PHEV.
My pick: the Cherokee, unless the Outlander PHEV’s extras are worth $8,245 to you personally.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.