Renault Arkana vs Mitsubishi Outlander
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 Renault Arkana starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander opens at $39,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $43,989 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Renault Arkana and Mitsubishi Outlander hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Renault Arkana and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Arkana packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Renault Arkana and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Arkana features a 9.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Renault Arkana stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mitsubishi Outlander counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Arkana uses a Petrol producing 105kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 244Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Arkana measures 4,568mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 142mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 430L in the Renault Arkana and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander a 48L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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 $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana and $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.
Estimated annual total: $1,482 (Renault Arkana) vs $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $599 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Renault Arkana will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander 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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