Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs smart #3
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.
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $58,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $64,889 and $63,690 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 #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 #3.
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.
How long to charge
62kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay and Yamaha audio that you will not find on the smart #3. The smart #3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, Beats audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets cloth upholstery while the smart #3 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 221kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 22.7kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 66kWh (smart #3), giving WLTP ranges of 84km and 435km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 150kW (smart #3).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,720mm long on a 2,704mm wheelbase, 320mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 370L in the smart #3, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 102L advantage.
For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.5m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m 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
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 #3). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #3 takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and smart #3?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $1,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and smart #3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the largest boot at 472L.
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. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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