Outlander vs RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
The Outlander and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid land in the same compact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has 146 hp more power
Not a close call. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid lists 320 hp and the Outlander lists 174 hp. That’s a substantial gap. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Outlander has room for 7 seats
Among all the differences on this page, 7 seats against 5 seats is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Outlander. The Outlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 68.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads
This is one of the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the Outlander falls well short. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid steps ahead thanks to 146 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the safer choice.
Total system output
Outlander: 174 hp RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 320 hp The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Outlander leads
The Outlander is the clear pick if space & practicality is what you care about most. The Outlander gives you room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Outlander has the edge.
Seats
Outlander: 7 seats RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 mild hybrid | 2.5L I4 plug-in hybrid |
| Total system output | 174 hp | 320 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 206 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (S-AWC AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 50 mi |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 68.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Outlander | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $29,995 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Outlander if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’re comfortable with how Mitsubishi does things
Choose the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (320 hp vs 174 hp)
- you trust Toyota and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Outlander or the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid?
The Outlander and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid split the comparison (space & practicality for the Outlander, engine & performance for the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Outlander and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The Outlander has room for 7 seats, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Still, if you care most about 146 hp more power, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid deserves a look.
The Outlander is for you if space & practicality tops your list; the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: the Outlander for space & practicality, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid for engine & performance, and no wrong answer between them.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.