BMW X3 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the BMW X3 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 BMW X3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats and Dynamic Sound Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers leather appointed. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 3-zone in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a 4B12 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder MPI VVT making 185kW and 195Nm, paired to a single speed transaxle driving all four wheels.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 140kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 35mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the BMW X3 a 98L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 11.2 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV about $1,767 a year (6.2 L/100km as a hybrid), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 472L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,600kg).

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: more power (185kW against 140kW).

The Verdict

BMW X3 scores higher, 73 vs 69

The BMW X3 scores 73 to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 3 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 11 points), value (BMW X3 ahead by 10 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Common questions