Outlander PHEV vs RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Outlander PHEV from Mitsubishi or the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid from Toyota. Think of it as a split decision: the Outlander PHEV takes space & practicality, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid takes engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid wins
- Fuel Economy & Range RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander PHEV wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid 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 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has 23 hp more power
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid gets a small bonus on total system output, with 320 hp against the Outlander PHEV’s 297 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has 6 mi more electric range
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads 50 mi to 44 mi. If you can charge at home, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | 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
If you’re keeping score, the engine & performance point goes narrowly to the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid stands out with 23 hp more power. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the safer choice.
Total system output
Outlander PHEV: 297 hp RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 320 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid takes fuel economy & range by a nose. The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid adds 6 mi more electric range. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is where you should land.
Electric range
Outlander PHEV: 44 mi RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid: 50 mi More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Space & Practicality
Outlander PHEV leads
Here the Outlander PHEV opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Outlander PHEV comes with room for 7 seats. The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Outlander PHEV has the edge.
Seats
Outlander PHEV: 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
In the off-road & towing category, the Outlander PHEV and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid land in almost the same place. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
The Outlander PHEV and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Plug-in hybrid | Plug-in hybrid |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery | 2.5L I4 plug-in hybrid |
| Total system output | 297 hp | 320 hp (winner) |
| Transmission | Single-speed (direct drive) | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD (S-AWC) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 50 mi (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | 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 PHEV | 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 PHEV | RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 already use other Mitsubishi products
Choose the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid if…
- you want more power (320 hp vs 297 hp)
- you can charge at home and want more of your daily driving on electricity (50 mi vs 44 mi)
- you’re comfortable with how Toyota does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Outlander PHEV or the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid?
It depends on your priorities: the Outlander PHEV is stronger on space & practicality, while the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid leads on engine & performance.
Which has better battery life, the Outlander PHEV or the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid?
On paper, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has the edge: 50 mi of electric range against 44 mi for the Outlander PHEV. Real-world results also depend on how you use it.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Outlander PHEV and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid purely on what they offer. The Outlander PHEV earns my vote first and foremost with room for 7 seats. I don’t want to sell the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid short, though: it has 23 hp more power.
Match the strength to your habits (space & practicality for the Outlander PHEV, engine & performance for the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: I’d go with the Outlander PHEV if I cared most about space & practicality, and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid if engine & performance mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.