Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Volkswagen Tiguan starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $53,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

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 $58,289 and $59,389 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 Tiguan, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $9,080 in fuel alone.

Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV misses.

The Volkswagen Tiguan features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Volkswagen Tiguan uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 98kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Volkswagen Tiguan has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 98kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Volkswagen Tiguan measures 4,539mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 171mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 137L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan and $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,816 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,816 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.