Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs smart #5
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.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
smart #5: not on sale yet, so smart hasn't published transmission.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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.
Track the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV & smart #5
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Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $58,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #5 opens at $58,900. That makes the smart #5 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $64,790 respectively.
The smart #5 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV does not: plug-in hybrids lost the fbt exemption on 1 april 2025.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- REC-005692 · published 31 May 2023Due to a software issue, the rear-view camera image may be temporarily disrupted when reversing.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2023
- REC-001686 · published 25 Aug 2021The 12 volt AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery located in the rear of the luggage compartment may have been replaced prior to/or after sale, with a non-AGM battery supplied by Mitsubishi Motors Australia.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2020
- REC-001055 · published 14 Jul 2020The second row, right side seat belt shoulder anchorage was incorrectly assembled and may not restrain the occupant properly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- 2 more on the model page.
smart #5
None open 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 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
94kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 400kW 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 #5 gets a 13-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with Yamaha audio — features our data doesn't list for the smart #5. The smart #5 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, V2L 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 #5 offers man-made leather.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 221kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout.
The smart #5 counters with its electric setup making 267kW and 373Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The smart #5 has the clear power advantage at 267kW vs 221kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 22.7kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 100kWh (smart #5), giving WLTP ranges of 84km and 590km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 400kW (smart #5).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,720mm long on a 2,704mm wheelbase, 25mm longer than the smart #5 at 4,695mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 494L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 630L in the smart #5, giving the smart #5 a 136L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1414L vs 1530L.
For towing, the smart #5 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 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 (smart #5). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
smart #5: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 63
The smart #5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 63), taking 7 of 8 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (smart #5 ahead by 69), safety (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ahead by 35), technology (smart #5 ahead by 24). If boot space matters, the smart #5 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and smart #5?
The smart #5 is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for smart #5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #5 has the largest boot at 630L with the seats up (1,530L with the seats folded).
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 smart #5 makes the most power at 267kW.
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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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