Volkswagen Caddy vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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 Volkswagen Caddy starts from $57,600 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Volkswagen Caddy the more affordable entry point by $1,390.
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 $63,360 and $64,889 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 Volkswagen Caddy, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $8,545 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Caddy and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Volkswagen Caddy and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Volkswagen Caddy.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Volkswagen Caddy and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
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 usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public 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.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Caddy features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Caddy stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with power tailgate and Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen Caddy gets cloth (double grid) upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Caddy uses a Petrol I4 Turbo TSI producing 84kW and 220Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual clutch (dsg) to a FWD layout.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 84kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Caddy measures 4,853mm long on a 2,970mm wheelbase, 133mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Caddy generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 446L in the Volkswagen Caddy and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 26L advantage. The Volkswagen Caddy seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg 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 12.1m
Based on 12.1m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Volkswagen Caddy and $58/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,709 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Volkswagen Caddy) vs $58 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,709 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Volkswagen Caddy) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Caddy if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $1,709 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, Volkswagen Caddy and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Volkswagen Caddy is the cheapest at $57,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $1,390.
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 — Volkswagen Caddy and 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 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.
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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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