Volvo XC90 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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.

Volvo XC90
From $97,990
SUV
2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5
183kW
8.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
810L

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
From $58,990
SUV
Petrol
221kW
1.2 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
472L
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 Volvo XC90 starts from $97,990 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the more affordable entry point by $39,000.
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 $107,789 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 Volvo XC90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $11,255 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.
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 Volvo XC90 features a 11.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Volvo XC90 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay and Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo XC90 gets leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the Volvo XC90 and 2-zone in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Drivetrain
The Volvo XC90 uses a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 producing 183kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.
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 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC90 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo XC90 measures 4,953mm long on a 2,984mm wheelbase, 233mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 810L in the Volvo XC90 and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Volvo XC90 a 338L 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.4m
Based on 12.4m 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 $2,309/year for the Volvo XC90 and $58/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $2,251 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Volvo XC90) vs $58 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $2,251 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC90) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo XC90 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $2,251 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC90 has a clear edge. 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, Volvo XC90 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the cheapest at $58,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo XC90 by $39,000.
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 — 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 Volvo XC90 has the largest boot at 810L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo XC90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
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. The Volvo XC90 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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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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