Audi Q3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $6,375 in fuel alone.

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 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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.

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 that you will not find on 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.

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. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 179mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 575L in the Audi Q3 and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Audi Q3 a 97L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,275 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q3) vs $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,275 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.