Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs Volvo EX40
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $76,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the more affordable entry point by $23,000.
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 $59,389 and $84,689 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volvo EX40 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 5 in the Volvo EX40.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 7 in the Volvo EX40.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 225kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 225kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 20kWh (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 82kWh (Volvo EX40), giving WLTP ranges of 84km and 520km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 150kW (Volvo EX40).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 270mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 58L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX40 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 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, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volvo EX40?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the cheapest at $53,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $23,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volvo EX40 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
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 225kW. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is quickest to 100km/h in 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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