Volkswagen T-Cross 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 Volkswagen T-Cross starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander opens at $39,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
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 $38,489 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $2,565 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 Volkswagen T-Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Cross stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mitsubishi Outlander counters with Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 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 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Cross measures 4,108mm long on a 2,563mm wheelbase, 602mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander a 86L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m 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 $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross and $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Volkswagen T-Cross saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen'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 7 key spec categories. The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $513 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen T-Cross and Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Outlander 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 has the largest boot at 478L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander makes the most power at 135kW. The Mitsubishi Outlander is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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