Lexus RX vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 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 $31,360.

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 $99,385 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 Lexus RX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $7,405 in fuel alone.

Both the Lexus RX and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX 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 8 in the Lexus RX and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Lexus RX features a 14-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 Lexus RX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay and Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus RX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the Lexus RX and 2-zone in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 184kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 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 184kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 170mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Lexus RX a 140L advantage.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Lexus RX and $58/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,481 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Lexus RX) vs $58 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,481 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.