2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander was available in ES, SE, and SEL trims, offering both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Its distinctive front design, featuring a thin upper eyebrow as a daytime running light and a large square headlight below, was a standout feature. Despite subtle changes to the grille and diffuser, the Outlander retained its unique, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the top SEL trim boasted quilted leather seats, soft-touch surfaces, and Yamaha speaker faces inspired by Japanese geometric patterns, though some plastic elements detracted from the overall luxury feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a more rugged and sporty aesthetic with its distinct trims: Woodland and three Sport grades, including the exclusive GR Sport. The RAV4 maintained its square, truck-like presence, with boxy wheel arches and bulging fenders. The Woodland trim emphasized off-road capability with features like chunky all-terrain tires and a black roof rack, while the GR Sport showcased racier elements such as red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The interior featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with the option for a larger 12.9-inch display on higher trims.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While its AWD system, developed from rally racing experience, provided stability on curvy roads, the Outlander struggled with acceleration due to its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT's rubber-band feeling detracted from the driving experience, and the vehicle's fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon combined fell short compared to competitors. However, the plug-in hybrid variant offered a more powerful 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel rating of 64 MPGe and 38 miles of all-electric range.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. Its larger 22.7-kwh battery pack provided an estimated 52 miles of electric range. The RAV4 PHEV's all-wheel drive system, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque, delivered impressive acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in the low five seconds. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, allowing for seamless power transitions. The GR Sport trim, with its lower stance and performance tires, enhanced handling and reduced body roll.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander included a third row of seating, though it was cramped with only 18.7 inches of legroom, making it suitable for small children or occasional use. With the third row in place, cargo space was limited to less than 11 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded storage to 30 cubic feet. The interior featured digital HVAC controls with physical buttons for fan and seat heating, and the top-line model offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. However, the cup holders were shallow, causing issues with larger bottles during braking.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's interior was well-equipped, with features like a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and multiple USB ports. The top XSE grade extended power adjustments to the passenger seat, and ventilated seats were standard on the GR Sport and XSE trims. Despite maintaining similar dimensions to the previous generation, the RAV4 optimized interior space with clever storage solutions, such as a dashboard shelf and a versatile center console. The rear legroom of 37.8 inches accommodated taller passengers, though cargo space was slightly reduced to 33.6 cubic feet due to the PHEV's powertrain.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a Yamaha premium sound system with eight speakers, or a 12-speaker, 1,650-watt system on upper trims. The system offered customizable sound modes and volume adjustments based on driving conditions. The Outlander came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a physical volume knob, and Sirius 360L. Upper trims included a digital gauge cluster, a rear camera mirror, and a head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect and Remote Services were available with a trial period, offering features like remote start and live traffic information.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy navigation, while the digital cluster offered various display settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV also included a built-in dash cam for recording exterior camera footage, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a limited suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Outlander received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating for headlights from the IIHS. However, its front crash prevention received a "Poor" rating.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The system's enhancements improved responsiveness and detection, particularly at night. While crash-testing results for the 2026 model were pending, the RAV4's strong safety record was expected to continue.