2023 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV vs TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME PHEV // ENGINEER'S REVIEW // WHICH IS BETTER?

Is it possible that the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in-hybrid) is a better SUV than the market-leading Toyota RAV4 Prime? Automotive Engineer David Chao performs the most comprehensive comparison between the two rivals, pitching the Outlander against the RAV4. Both are still built in Japan, and therefore both have excellent quality and fit-and-finish. But what about things like the AWD system, handling, overall performance, and value for money? Watch the entire video to find out which one David would pick, if he were to buy another PHEV SUV in the near future (he already owns the RAV4 Prime).

Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean Thinking or Toyota Production System. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[vap]

I purchased one. I took delivery on March 28th. I traded in a Mercedes Benz B Class. I didn't really like the front end, but it has grown on me over the time that I had to wait for it to be delivered. But I think that it's its weakest point. Family and colleagues think it's very sophisticated looking and my brother and sister in law think it's nicer than my B Class. The interior blows me away. The ride blows me away. The build quality blows me away. My gas gauge has not moved since I took delivery. I purchased a GT model not a GT Premium which is what is shown in the video. The only difference is that you don't get the upgraded leather seats, massaging front seats, 4 way lumbar support instead of 2 way. By the way, I purchased this with the intent of using it as a two row vehicle. I doubt the third row will ever be used. However, there is a video on YouTube where they load 7 adults in and head to Starbucks, so it can be done if all three rows compromise on the leg room. It rides great on the highway, which is when I put it into Power mode. When not highway driving, I drive it in EV mode all the time and it easily charges to full overnight on a regular three pronged plug in my garage.

[KR]

I just booked 2024 Outlander GT-P PHEV, and I'm going to get it in 4 days. Very exciting 🎉❤

[tonymiranda]

One of the best unbiased reviews i have seen! As they say, Mitsubishi under-promises yet overperforms

[troothhertz]

Mitsubishi got it right. I am buying this car as I can use it as a generators to run my home and or shop.. I live in South Africa and we have planned black outs of 6-10hourse per day. I can fast charge it inbetween black outs . Well done sir's.

[kmasonschecter]

I really appreciate that you review isn’t just a bunch of parroted observations like so many others, and that you dig in and give your own informed, subjective, opinions about both fit and finish and the driving experience. Excellent, and very informative.

[NoelRCrawford]

A great review! I have a 2023 Outlander phev GT model and we love it. On EV mode using adaptive cruise control, eco, coasting as much as possible, and regenerative braking and often one pedal driving which will stop the car when there's a vehicle in front we have never achieved less than 72 km on battery alone and have often exceeded 90 km on battery alone. Fuel economy when the battery is depleted on the highway using traction and charging we are getting seven and a half liters to 100 km without using charging and traction on the highway at 100 km an hour we're getting 6.1 L to 100 km. The car will charge from 0 to 80% at idle and approximately 80 minutes using 2 L of fuel. The right is firm and quiet on decent new asphalt using the Nexen Roadian tires which have excellent rolling resistance as per Consumer Reports testing. Recharge at home all the time and have never used fast charger. This is a fine car with every conceivable option that one can have. I do recommend the GT premium model for a few hundred dollars extra as I do think it does have a more luxury appearance to it however we are very happy with our GT model.

[MadMatty]

Very nice review, you mentioned the differences that almost all other reviews fail to mention (critically the Outlander is an EV that tries to stay in EV mode; Prime is just a hybrid). Real world low km efficiency numbers would have been a nice addition.

[DanQuentinJames]

David, Excellent detailed review on the two vehicles. I must agree with you on your analysis. It would be good to see Mitsubishi expand again in North America with their more upscale models. As you know, they sell many small cars and larger trucks in Japan.

[RichardJoashTan]

And Mitsubishi recently won the 2022 AXCR Rally in Thailand.

[jamesdavidsmith]

Big improvement in your presentation, really excellent, I give David an A- .
I don't see anyone else bringing the relevant details to a review that you do.

[cooking_secrets]

The Outlander is more beautiful, modern, has seat massage, very nice and interesting instrument panel and looks more expensive, even though it is cheaper than Rav4. I am planning to buy Outlander.

[warcrabcyber]

This is the best unbiased comparison I have seen so far. Between the outlander and rav 4 prime.

I like how you also touched on the manufacturing quality between the nissan rogue or t33 x-trail vs the 2022 phev outlander in North america. The rogue is built in the US and the outlander is built in Japan.

The outlander has superior built quality than the nissan rogue, people are always quick to say that the outlander is just another nissan rogue just because they share the same platform, in reality they are totally different.

Mitsubishi has a much more sophisticated all wheel drive system compared to nissan. The e power nissan rogue and Mitsubishi phev system in the outlander are totally different.

You are also the first to point out that the rav 4 interior is a bit outdated compared to the outlander.

Overall I think Mitsubishi is on the right track in phev design. Mitsubishi should definitely design a phev lancer evolution and have limited numbers just to please the fans. A car company should always have a halo product even if they are produced in limited quality

[richardneedles]

I bought my 2023 Outlander PHEV (SEL Premium) 2 weeks ago - local dealer had 7 Outlander PHEVs on the lot. I got it for $1, 200 UNDER MSRP. I have driven 550 miles and still have half a tank of gas. I am plugging it in every night for my daily commute and weekend errands. It feels "luxurious" inside -- premium leather, panoramic roof, 360 camera, power folding side mirrors, heated, steering wheel, heated seats, hands-free tailgate, head up display AND massaging seats! If I take a longer drive, I will have no "range anxiety." Plus, the Outlander has a 10-YEAR WARRANTY.
ONE BIG NOTE: the owner's manual clearly states that the 3rd row is ONLY for people under 5' 3" -- I am frustrated by all the YouTube videos that do not share this critical information. I do not need a 3rd row, so I partially "fold" it. This opens up a HUGE, DEEP storage well. And, I can stack items on the folded 3rd row!
The RAV4 Prime may have better overall mpg, but the 18-month wait and $12, 000 "dealer adjustment" are outrageous. One local dealer wanted $65k for loaded Prime with MSRP of $52k.

[andremcamara]

Great video thank you.

Please consider doing a real world EV Range test on both vehicles.

Mitsubishi claimed range of 61kms is way too low as many other youtubers are getting 90 to 100kms after a full charge a d 65 to 70 Kms in winter weather.

[drzoidberg]

Great review that is different than other standard reviews. Love the attention on fit and finish. Re: comparing mileage and EV range between the two from the official numbers, I believe as a 7-passenger the testing assumes 7 passengers while the RAV4 as a 5-passenger is assumed with 4 passengers, so that explains partly why even though the battery is larger on the Mitsu, the NRC rating has less range than the RAV. The Mitsu is also 500 lbs heavier in gross vehicle weight. But I agree with your conclusion, at the end of the day, close enough in the real world to be considered the same.

[jimmyamico]

Hi David,
It is a total joy to listen to a genius at work. I can’t tell you how much I have learned from you in the past the present and ultimately in the future you are closing in on 75, 000 subscribers, and I will subscribe to your channel forever and I can’t wait until you get 1 million subscribers, I feel you will top off somewhere at around 5 million maybe more I’m hoping and pushing for you to get to be the number one channel in the world… How do you eat an elephant… One bite at a time… you are the best of the best of the best on top of being one of the smartest people I’ve ever read about or seen in my lifetime. Wait till the world sees what your subscribers see if there was a Hall of Fame for channels you would be there at the top.
Respectfully Submitted,
JimmyUSAF 🇺🇸✈️🇯🇵🇨🇦🇮🇹✝️💜🙏⭐️😇👍🌎

[wilsonwili]

Thanks alot for your detailed honest revew.

[rezakaaccount]

Great review and comparison. What a lot people would want to know is the fuel economy in hybrid mode(when the batteries drop below ev only mode charge level). The official numbers are 9L/100Kms which leaves a lot to be desired but would be great to have some real world numbers too.

[thomaslam]

Thanks for another great video David! 🙏

[ccc_sss_]

I like Rav4Prime's EV/HEV auto-switching mode which looks very natural. It's always so powerful and efficient regardless of the battery charge level.