Outlander PHEV vs R2
The Outlander PHEV and the R2 land in the same compact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The R2 is ahead in 3 of 4, led by a clear margin in engine & performance. Then there’s the $14,745 question: that’s how much more the R2 launched at compared with the Outlander PHEV.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance R2 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range R2 wins
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing R2 wins
- Price Outlander PHEV wins
- Space & Practicality7.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
- Space & Practicality5.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
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 R2 has 359 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 656 hp for the R2 versus 297 hp for the Outlander PHEV. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The R2 has 286 mi more electric range
The Outlander PHEV lists 44 mi; the R2 comes in at 330 mi. That’s not a rounding error. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful.
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The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
At 7 seats versus 5 seats, this is a decisive lead for the Outlander PHEV, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The R2 has 2,900 lb more towing capacity
If max towing is one of your priorities, this settles it: the R2 leads clearly with 4,400 lb to the Outlander PHEV’s 1,500 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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The R2 has 23% more maximum cargo space
The numbers aren’t close. The R2 lists 79.4 cu ft for cargo (seats folded), while the Outlander PHEV lists 64.7 cu ft. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Design & Size
- Outlander PHEV 185.8 in × 68.8 in
- R2 185.6 in × 75 in × 67 in
In overall size, the Outlander PHEV and the R2 are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75 in |
| Height | 68.8 in | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 115.6 in |
Engine & Performance
R2 leads
The R2 wins the engine & performance section decisively. Point to the R2 for 359 hp more power. The R2’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the R2 is the one to beat.
Total system output
Outlander PHEV: 297 hp R2: 656 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
R2 leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the R2 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. On the R2, you get 286 mi more electric range. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the R2 is the safer choice.
Electric range
Outlander PHEV: 44 mi R2: 330 mi If you can charge at home, the R2’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
The space & practicality comparison comes down to priorities: room for 7 seats on the Outlander PHEV, or 23% more maximum cargo space on the R2. Pick the strength that fits your routine; that’s the honest answer for space & practicality.
Seats
Outlander PHEV: 7 seats R2: 5 seats The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Cargo (seats folded)
Outlander PHEV: 64.7 cu ft R2: 79.4 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
R2 leads
On off-road & towing, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the R2. In its favor, the R2 has 2,900 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the R2’s higher rating gives you more margin. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the R2.
Max towing
Outlander PHEV: 1,500 lb R2: 4,400 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Plug-in hybrid | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery | Dual electric motors (Performance) |
| Total system output | 297 hp | 656 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 609 lb-ft Most torque in class |
| Transmission | Single-speed (direct drive) | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (S-AWC) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 330 mi (winner) Longest electric range |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 29 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.7 cu ft | 79.4 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 9.60 in Highest ground clearance |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 4,400 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Rivian software) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | 185.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75 in |
| Height | 68.8 in | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 115.6 in |
Price
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,245 (winner) | $57,990 Priciest in class |
“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
A launch price gap of 34% is hard to ignore, and in this case it amounts to $14,745 in favor of the Outlander PHEV. The Outlander PHEV saves $14,745, but the R2 answers with 359 hp more power and 286 mi more electric range.
Launch prices in the US as of June 2026; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Outlander PHEV if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’d put the $14,745 saving toward something else
- you prefer staying with Mitsubishi
Choose the R2 if…
- you want more power (656 hp vs 297 hp)
- you want more electric-only range (330 mi vs 44 mi)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (4,400 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you want more room with the seats folded (79.4 cu ft vs 64.7 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Outlander PHEV or the R2?
The R2 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about room for 7 seats than anything else.
Does the Outlander PHEV last longer on a charge than the R2?
The R2 comes out ahead on electric range, with 330 mi compared with 44 mi on the Outlander PHEV.
Which is larger, the Outlander PHEV or the R2?
The Outlander PHEV and the R2 are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Which costs less, the Outlander PHEV or the R2?
At launch, the Outlander PHEV undercut the R2 by $14,745. These figures are as of June 2026, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Outlander PHEV and the R2 purely on what they offer. Start with the headline difference (the R2 has 359 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. It also helps that the R2 has 286 mi more electric range. In fairness to the Outlander PHEV, room for 7 seats is a genuine strength.
Who should get which? The Outlander PHEV for passenger space, the R2 for engine & performance.
My pick: the R2 gets my vote, but the Outlander PHEV is the right call if you specifically want room for 7 seats, where the Outlander PHEV has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.