Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Tucson
$39,990 vs $38,900. Two mid-size SUV best-sellers barely $1,100 apart. A 10-year warranty and seven-seat option vs spacious, feature-packed value.
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.
Mitsubishi Outlander ES
From $39,990
Mid-Size SUV
2.5L Petrol
135kW
7.5L/100km
5★ ANCAP (2025)
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Hyundai Tucson Active
From $38,900
Mid-Size SUV
2.0L Petrol
115kW
8.1L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Price Breakdown
The Tucson Active is $38,900 against the Outlander ES's $39,990, just $1,090 between them, two of Australia's best-selling mid-size SUVs.
Running costs lean to the Outlander: its 7.5L/100km uses about $2,140 a year over 15,000km versus roughly $2,310 for the Tucson's 8.1, despite the Mitsubishi being more powerful. Warranty is the bigger story: Mitsubishi's up-to-10-year / 200,000km cover (with dealer servicing) doubles Hyundai's 5 years, a major long-term ownership advantage. Both hold value well in a deep, popular used market.
Safety Rundown
Both are 5-star ANCAP, the Outlander carrying a fresh 2025 rating, the newest in the class, with the full active-safety suite standard on both. The Outlander's newer assessment is a minor edge. Both are well-built family SUVs with ISOFIX points; there's little to separate them on everyday safety.
Feature Showdown
The Outlander is the slightly larger and more rugged-feeling of the two at 4,720mm, with 205mm of ground clearance and the option of a third row higher up the range, a genuine point of difference if you occasionally need seven seats. Its cabin is modern and well-equipped.
The Tucson is the more overtly tech-forward and arguably the roomier in its two-row layout, with Hyundai's generous standard equipment and a contemporary, screen-led dashboard. Both are easy to live with and well-finished. The Outlander's seven-seat option and higher stance versus the Tucson's cabin space and tech are the main practical points of difference.
Drivetrain
The Outlander's 2.5-litre makes 135kW and 244Nm against the Tucson Active's 2.0-litre with 115kW and 192Nm, so the Mitsubishi is the stronger and quicker of the two (8.7s to 100km/h versus 9.2), and the more efficient. Both are front-wheel drive; the Outlander uses a CVT, the Tucson a conventional six-speed automatic.
Crucially, both nameplates also offer electrified options: the Outlander has a well-regarded plug-in hybrid (with AWD and seven seats), and the Tucson offers hybrid grades. If low running costs or AWD are priorities, those are worth comparing directly. But on this entry petrol pairing, the Outlander's extra power, efficiency, clearance and warranty give it the edge.
CarSorted Data Insight
In our database, the Mitsubishi Outlander's up-to-10-year warranty is among the longest in the mid-size SUV class, and its plug-in hybrid is one of the few PHEV options in the segment with seven seats. The Hyundai Tucson consistently ranks among the roomiest and most feature-rich mid-sizers for the money.
The Verdict
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if: you want more power, better economy, the longest warranty and seven-seat or PHEV options.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: you want a slightly lower price and Hyundai's spacious, tech-rich cabin.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: Outlander vs RAV4 | RAV4 vs Tucson.
The Verdict
Two mid-size SUV staples, barely $1,100 apart, and the Mitsubishi Outlander edges ahead on the numbers. It's more powerful, more efficient, rides higher, holds a newer 2025 ANCAP rating, and is backed by a class-leading 10-year warranty (with Mitsubishi servicing) against Hyundai's 5. It also offers a seven-seat option and a strong plug-in hybrid higher up the range. The Tucson counters with a slightly lower price, a touch more cabin space, and Hyundai's polished, feature-rich approach. Both are excellent; the Outlander's warranty, efficiency and PHEV option make it our pick, but the Tucson remains a strong, spacious alternative.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (21 June 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 · 21 June 2026
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