Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls 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 a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with ventilated seats and Dynamic Sound Yamaha audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets leather appointed upholstery while the Volvo XC90 offers leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 4-zone in the Volvo XC90.

Drivetrain

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a 4B12 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder MPI VVT producing 185kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a single speed transaxle to a AWD layout.

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 183kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,720mm long on a 2,704mm wheelbase, 233mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 171L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.2 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV costs about $1,767 a year (6.2 L/100km as a hybrid) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $542 a year less for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Where each one leads

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: more power (185kW against 183kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (472L against 301L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,767 a year against $2,309).

The Volvo XC90: the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,600kg).

The Verdict

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV scores higher, 69 vs 67

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV scores 69 to the Volvo XC90's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ahead by 17 points), fuel economy (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ahead by 17 points), performance (Volvo XC90 ahead by 14 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV costs about $542 less (6.2 L/100km as a hybrid against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions