Audi Q3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 8 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the more affordable entry point by $2,610.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,760 and $64,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $6,515 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q3 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 83% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q3
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005591 · published 22 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear window glass may have been manufactured out of specification.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-000063 · published 12 Aug 2019If the vehicle's external front indicator light stops operating over time, the driver may not receive the corresponding warning.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2018
- 1 more on the model page.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- REC-005692 · published 31 May 2023Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera image may be temporarily disrupted when reversing.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- REC-001055 · published 14 Jul 2020The second row, right side seat belt shoulder anchorage was incorrectly assembled and may not restrain the occupant properly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- REC-001048 · published 17 Mar 2019The airflow sensor located within the petrol engine may fail.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2015
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
22.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 50kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 50kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 gets leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 189mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Audi Q3 a 16L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $322/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,303 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q3: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 63, but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is $2,610 cheaper
The Audi Q3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 63), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q3 ahead by 65), performance (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ahead by 14), value (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ahead by 11). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $1,303 a year in fuel. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q3 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the cheapest at $58,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q3 by $2,610.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi Q3 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q3 has the largest boot at 488L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the most power at 221kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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