Outlander PHEV vs Ariya
Both the Outlander PHEV and the Ariya sit in the compact suv class, and Mitsubishi and Nissan are clearly watching each other. If you only read one line, make it this: the Outlander PHEV takes 2 of 5 compared areas, and the engine & performance gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Outlander PHEV wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Ariya wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander PHEV wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Ariya wins
Key Differences
-
The Ariya has 172 mi more electric range
The spread here is large: 216 mi on the Ariya versus 44 mi on the Outlander PHEV. Expect to notice it. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
-
The Outlander PHEV has 83 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Outlander PHEV makes its strongest case: 297 hp against 214 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
The Outlander PHEV clearly leads on seats, and 7 seats versus 5 seats is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
- Outlander PHEV 185.8 in × 68.8 in
- Ariya 182.9 in × 74.8 in × 65.4 in
Their dimensions are close enough that size should be one of the last things you weigh.
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | 68.8 in | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 109.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,323 lb |
Engine & Performance
Outlander PHEV leads
The Outlander PHEV dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Outlander PHEV wins here with 83 hp more power. The Outlander PHEV’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If engine & performance is your priority, the Outlander PHEV is the car to pick.
Total system output
Outlander PHEV: 297 hp Ariya: 214 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Ariya leads
This is one of the Ariya’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the Outlander PHEV falls well short. The Ariya adds 172 mi more electric range. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all. That makes the Ariya the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Electric range
Outlander PHEV: 44 mi Ariya: 216 mi If you can charge at home, the Ariya’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
Space & Practicality
Outlander PHEV leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Outlander PHEV is the stronger of the two. The Outlander PHEV comes with room for 7 seats. The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Outlander PHEV is the stronger car.
Seats
Outlander PHEV: 7 seats Ariya: 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
In the off-road & towing category, the Outlander PHEV and the Ariya land in almost the same place. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
The safety & tech section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. On safety & tech alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Plug-in hybrid | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery | Electric motor, 63 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 297 hp (winner) | 214 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed (direct drive) | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD (S-AWC) | FWD (e-4ORCE AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | 44 mi Shortest electric range | 216 mi (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 37 in Least rear legroom |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 6.30 in Lowest ground clearance |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.8 in |
| Height | 68.8 in | 65.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 109.3 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,323 lb |
Price
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Ariya |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,245 | $39,770 (winner) |
“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
Choosing the Ariya saves $3,475 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. The Outlander PHEV costs $3,475 more, and for that you get 83 hp more power and room for 7 seats.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Outlander PHEV if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (297 hp vs 214 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you already use other Mitsubishi products
Choose the Ariya if…
- you can charge at home and want more of your daily driving on electricity (216 mi vs 44 mi)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $3,475 more
- you’re comfortable with how Nissan does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Outlander PHEV or the Ariya?
We’d point most buyers to the Outlander PHEV. The main exception is if you know that 172 mi more electric range would make a real difference in your routine.
Which has better battery life, the Outlander PHEV or the Ariya?
On paper, the Ariya has the edge: 216 mi of electric range against 44 mi for the Outlander PHEV. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Is the Outlander PHEV bigger than the Ariya?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Outlander PHEV and the Ariya differ only marginally.
Is the Outlander PHEV cheaper than the Ariya?
The Outlander PHEV launched at $3,475 more than the Ariya, based on prices as of launch.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Outlander PHEV and the Ariya chase the same buyer. In the details, Mitsubishi and Nissan made different calls. What I like most about the Outlander PHEV here is 83 hp more power. I also like that the Outlander PHEV brings room for 7 seats. Don’t write off the Ariya entirely: it has 172 mi more electric range.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the Outlander PHEV. If fuel economy & range is what you’d miss, go with the Ariya.
My pick: the Outlander PHEV, unless you care more about 172 mi more electric range than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.