Outlander PHEV vs ID.4
The Outlander PHEV and the ID.4 land in the same compact suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. There is a favorite. The Outlander PHEV beats the ID.4 in 2 of 4 areas, and space & practicality is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Outlander PHEV wins
- Fuel Economy & Range ID.4 wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander PHEV wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The ID.4 has 247 mi more electric range
For electric range, the ID.4 leads by a wide margin: 291 mi versus 44 mi. If you can charge at home, the ID.4’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
-
The Outlander PHEV has room for 7 seats
This is a headline difference. With 7 seats to the ID.4’s 5 seats, the Outlander PHEV has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The Outlander PHEV has 15 hp more power
Slight advantage to the Outlander PHEV: 297 hp compared with 282 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 | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Outlander PHEV leads
On engine & performance, the difference is modest, and it favors the Outlander PHEV. The Outlander PHEV gives you 15 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Outlander PHEV has the edge.
Total system output
Outlander PHEV: 297 hp ID.4: 282 hp The Outlander PHEV’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
ID.4 leads
The Outlander PHEV is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the ID.4 leads by a clear margin. The ID.4 has the edge with 247 mi more electric range. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the ID.4 comes out ahead.
Electric range
Outlander PHEV: 44 mi ID.4: 291 mi More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Space & Practicality
Outlander PHEV leads
The Outlander PHEV wins the space & practicality section decisively. The Outlander PHEV pulls ahead with room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Outlander PHEV.
Seats
Outlander PHEV: 7 seats ID.4: 5 seats The Outlander PHEV has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Plug-in hybrid | Electric |
| Engine | 2.4L I4 + two electric motors, 22.7 kWh battery | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 297 hp (winner) | 282 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 402 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed (direct drive) | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (S-AWC) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 291 mi (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander PHEV | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ID.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (297 hp vs 282 hp)
- you trust Mitsubishi and want to keep things familiar
Choose the ID.4 if…
- you want more electric-only range (291 mi vs 44 mi)
- you’re comfortable with how Volkswagen does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Outlander PHEV or the ID.4?
For most people, the Outlander PHEV is the stronger choice, unless what you want most is 247 mi more electric range.
Which has better battery life, the Outlander PHEV or the ID.4?
Going by the official figures, the ID.4 leads: 291 mi versus 44 mi for electric range. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Outlander PHEV and the ID.4. It’s hard to argue with room for 7 seats, which is exactly what the Outlander PHEV brings. Another thing in the Outlander PHEV’s favor is 15 hp more power. Where the ID.4 fights back is 247 mi more electric range.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Outlander PHEV fits. If fuel economy & range matters more, the ID.4 makes more sense.
My pick: the Outlander PHEV, though the ID.4 makes sense if you’d rather have 247 mi more electric range on the ID.4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.