Outlander PHEV vs Solterra
The Outlander PHEV and the Solterra land in the same compact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. On the overall scorecard, the Solterra is ahead: 2 of 4 areas, with fuel economy & range doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Solterra wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Solterra wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander PHEV wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Solterra has 244 mi more electric range
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 288 mi for the Solterra versus 44 mi for the Outlander PHEV. If you can charge at home, the Solterra’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
-
The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
The Solterra lists 5 seats; the Outlander PHEV comes in at 7 seats. That’s not a rounding error. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Solterra has 41 hp more power
On total system output, the Solterra edges out the Outlander PHEV, 338 hp to 297 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 68.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Solterra leads
On engine & performance, the difference is modest, and it favors the Solterra. The Solterra brings 41 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If engine & performance is your priority, the Solterra is the car to pick.
Total system output
Outlander PHEV: 297 hp Solterra: 338 hp The Solterra’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Solterra leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Solterra isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Solterra delivers 244 mi more electric range. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Solterra has the edge.
Electric range
Outlander PHEV: 44 mi Solterra: 288 mi More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Space & Practicality
Outlander PHEV leads
On space & practicality, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the Outlander PHEV. The Outlander PHEV makes its case with room for 7 seats. The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. For space & practicality, the Outlander PHEV is the one to beat.
Seats
Outlander PHEV: 7 seats Solterra: 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
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Outlander PHEV and the Solterra list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Plug-in hybrid | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery | Dual motor |
| Total system output | 297 hp | 338 hp (winner) |
| Transmission | Single-speed (direct drive) | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD (S-AWC) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 288 mi (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 68.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,245 | 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 PHEV if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you trust Mitsubishi and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Solterra if…
- you can charge at home and want more of your daily driving on electricity (288 mi vs 44 mi)
- you want more power (338 hp vs 297 hp)
- you’re loyal to Subaru and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Outlander PHEV or the Solterra?
We’d point most buyers to the Solterra. The main exception is if you care more about room for 7 seats than anything else.
Does the Outlander PHEV last longer on a charge than the Solterra?
On paper, the Solterra has the edge: 288 mi of electric range against 44 mi for the Outlander PHEV. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Outlander PHEV and the Solterra. To me, the standout is that the Solterra offers 244 mi more electric range. There’s more, too: the Solterra offers 41 hp more power. I’ll admit the Outlander PHEV has a point with room for 7 seats.
The Outlander PHEV is for you if space & practicality tops your list; the Solterra is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Solterra, unless what you want most is room for 7 seats.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.