Choosing your next SUV is exciting. There are many vehicles to choose from, but, at LaFontaine Mitsubishi of Ann Arbor, we believe the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two top picks.
These models perfectly blend efficiency, comfort, and advanced features, assuring your Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Troy, MI commutes will be enjoyable. Which one better aligns with your needs? It’s time to find out!
ALL-ELECTRIC DRIVING RANGE
MASSAGING FRONT SEATS
STANDARD DRIVE MODES
When looking for a sustainable SUV that reduces your carbon footprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are ready to impress. Let’s explore which model provides greener driving solutions.
The first step to a greener future is choosing the best power source. In the case of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, you have your pick between a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a hybrid (HEV) powertrain. What’s the difference between these two types? Let’s take a look!
PHEV and HEV vehicles have the advantage of adding an electric motor to the internal combustion engine (ICE). However, while hybrid vehicles add a permanent magnet motor, plug-in hybrid vehicles, like the Outlander PHEV, add rechargeable twin electric motors, offering you more power and driving range.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrids utilize fuel and regenerative braking to power the ICE and the electric motor. While these are the only options for a hybrid vehicle, plug-in hybrids add the advantage of charging at home or on the go through a public charging station.
With the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, at-home charging can be completed in under seven hours when equipped with a 240V wall box. When visiting a compatible DC Fast Charge station, the Outlander PHEV can recharge to 80% in only 38 minutes.
Yes! You can choose where power is pulled from when you drive the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Outlander PHEV has three options:
- EV system for 100% electric energy and zero tailpipe emissions
- Hybrid system, which uses a mix of gas and electric energy
- Engine system, which fires up the engine to preserve electric energy
While the Highlander Hybrid has two systems—a hybrid system, which is typically always in use, and EV Mode, which can be selected for very short trips—you’ll have fewer options with HEV models.
While PHEV and hybrid powertrains allow you to produce fewer tailpipe emissions, the PHEV provides more freedom.
Now that you know the differences between a PHEV and a hybrid vehicle, let’s compare the capabilities of the Outlander PHEV and the Highlander Hybrid.
The Highlander Hybrid has an EPA-estimated 35 city/35 highway MPG rating so you can travel far distances with fewer interruptions. Additionally, you’ll experience your daily dose of thrills thanks to a combined 243 horsepower.
If you think this is impressive, be prepared to be amazed. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has an EPA-estimated 64 MPGe (MPG equivalent) and a combined 248 horsepower. But the Outlander PHEV doesn’t stop there. It continues to outperform the Highlander Hybrid with its EPA-estimated 38-mile all-electric driving range and a total driving range of 420 miles.
And if that’s not enough to love, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was named the 2025 Family Green Car of the Year™ by Green Car Journal—an honor not extended to the Highlander Hybrid.
You live a dynamic life, often leading to extra time spent behind the wheel. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid boost your mood thanks to their thoughtful cabin designs and feature integration.
In today’s modern world, staying connected is essential. Luckily, you’ll find many advanced tech features inside the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that will help keep you in the loop. Notable similarities include:
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Smartphone integration
- 3-month SiriusXM® Satellite Radio trial
- Available premium audio system through Bose® (Mitsubishi) or JBL® (Toyota)
You’ll also notice that both SUVs have a 12.3-inch digital driver display. This display, conveniently housed behind the steering wheel, provides essential driving data. Its crisp and vibrant digital display makes it easy to glance at the information quickly.
A crucial difference with this 12.3-inch display is that it’s only standard on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Highlander Hybrid drivers must upgrade to a higher trim level to obtain this feature.
Climb inside the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and you’ll notice the well-considered designs that help you feel at home while on the go. For example, your home features ample seating around the TV for family movie nights, and these SUVs provide seating for seven passengers, ensuring room for friends and family.
Additional standard and optional comfort features of these SUVs include:
- Tri-zone climate control
- Heated front seats
- Power panoramic sunroof
- Supple leather upholstery
These vehicles have many mood-boosting features; however, only the Outlander PHEV has available massaging front seats to help release back and shoulder tension.
You deserve to drive a vehicle that enhances your driving experience. When comparing the Outlander PHEV and the Highlander Hybrid, you’ll quickly notice that one model offers more refinement.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, like its driver, embraces challenges with standard Super All-Wheel Control. This system, rooted in Mitsubishi's rally racing legacy, ensures exceptional road handling in any weather or terrain. In contrast, Toyota Highlander Hybrid drivers settle for a basic all-wheel drive system that lacks the rally racing heritage of the Mitsubishi.
Another performance-based feature that boosts the driving experience is the drive mode system including seven standard drive modes with the Outlander PHEV. When selected, each drive mode systematically adjusts how your SUV performs, ensuring each commute is tailored to match your mood and environment.
While you’ll find standard drive modes with the Highlander Hybrid, the options are limited since it comes standard with only five possibilities.
The integration of advanced driver-assistance systems further optimizes the driving experience. Cameras and sensors monitor your surroundings and alert you to hazards you may have missed so you’ll always feel confident behind the wheel.
Regardless of which vehicle you choose, you’ll have standard access to features like Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert for 360-degree monitoring.
The Outlander PHEV offers a robust driving experience with MI-PILOT Assist™, providing mild autonomous capabilities that are absent in the Highlander Hybrid. This feature reduces fatigue on long trips by maintaining lane centering and adjusting speed for safe following distances.
TWhen you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling around Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Troy, MI, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two great options. However, we vote for the Mitsubishi Outlander for its more sustainable freedom and vehicle features.
Want to confirm this choice? Visit us at LaFontaine Mitsubishi of Ann Arbor and test-drive the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV today!
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