Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs smart #1
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $59,389 and $60,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 98kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 98kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 20kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 84km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 440mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 275L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a clear edge. 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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