Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs Volvo XC40
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Volvo XC40 opens at $52,900. That makes the Volvo XC40 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 $59,389 and $58,190 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 Volvo XC40, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $8,655 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with power tailgate and Yamaha audio that you will not find on the Volvo XC40. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo XC40 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 225kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Volvo XC40 responds with a Petrol making 145kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 225kW vs 145kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 270mm longer than the Volvo XC40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 452L in the Volvo XC40, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 26L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo XC40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40. That is a $1,731 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs $2,081 (Volvo XC40). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,731 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC40). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $1,731 a year in fuel. 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 Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $52,900 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 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 478L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo XC40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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 225kW.
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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