The RAV4 and Outlander are two Japanese compact crossovers from automakers Toyota and Mitsubishi, respectively. The first has been produced in St. Petersburg since the summer of 2021, the second has been assembled in Russia for a long time. Both models are popular in the Russian car market. Sold in mono- and all-wheel drive versions. They are equipped with various power units and gearboxes to choose from.
The cars belong to one segment - compact crossovers for cities, family SUVs. Despite the presence of 4x4 modifications, the main habitat is city streets and light country roads. They cannot conquer real off-road conditions.
The models can be considered twin brothers. The general similarity can be seen in the overall dimensions, the level of equipment and the cost of the equipment. However, if you study the cars in more detail, you can find many differences.
Today we will compare cars from Toyota and Mitsubishi and answer the question: “Which crossover is better to buy: Toyota Rav4 or Mitsubishi Outlander?”
Appearance of the models
To compare the appearance of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4, it is enough to pay attention to photographic materials, of which the two new products already have quite a lot.
The body of the fifth generation Toyota RAV4 is completely different from any previous version of the car, so comparing it with the 2010 and 2015 modifications is pointless.
The completely new “Ravchik” has more rigid body lines that give it brutality. This design solution is in perfect harmony with the smoother details of the exterior.
The new RAV4 has improved visibility from the driver's seat, as the mirrors are now mounted on "legs", so the roof pillars are slightly thinner.
The visibility on the sides has also improved, since Toyota brand designers lowered the glazing line a little, and the rear window became larger.
The updated Outlander also began to look more interesting. The head optics are now more angular, it has four lenses, and the daytime running lights have built-in LEDs.
The radiator grille has also received an update, which now has two chrome trims. The brand's designers also installed additional plastic inserts on which the logo is located.
The air intake, which is now located under the bumper reinforcement, is made in the shape of a trapezoid. A small spoiler appeared above the rear glass.
Interior of Toyota Rav4 and Mitsubishi Outlander
To more accurately compare two cars: Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4, you need to understand the design solutions that are relevant for the interior of updated cars.
The new RAV4 was first talked about back in 2021; even then, brand representatives announced the use of premium quality finishing materials. The salon really received original architecture.
Inserts made of polished material are also noticeable; some interior elements are upholstered in leather.
The interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander, in comparison with the previous version, has not changed much. A visor has appeared, which is now covered in leather, and the designers installed wooden inserts on the center console.
The interior mirror now has automatic dimming. A compartment for storing glasses appeared next to it. Analysts note that it is located too high, but no other places were found.
The steering wheel in the updated version is now more comfortable to hold. Next to it appeared light-alloy “petals”, the same ones installed on sports cars.
Owners have comments about the wrong driver's seat. If you raise it to the highest position, the backrest begins to lean back.
Comfort
Looking deeper into the cabin, we discover another common feature of the cars - space. Both the RAV4 and Outlander are very spacious vehicles. This note applies to both front and rear seat space. Both cars do not have a drive shaft, so their floors are flat and do not affect the comfort of rear passengers. The differences in comfort only become apparent when you take a closer look at the rear seats. It is true that in both cases the recline of the backrests can be adjusted, but when it comes to the seats, the Mitsubishi's seats are too short. Toyota has no problem with this and provides great comfort to the people sitting in the back.
Toyota boasts a larger trunk. The 501 liter capacity will satisfy the needs of most users. The Outlander isn't an outlier in this category either, allowing you to cram a ton of stuff into its 463-litre boot. Interestingly, in the case of the regular varieties of the presented models, Mitsubishi has a larger trunk - 591 liters, while the petrol or diesel version of Toyota has 547 liters).
Another interesting feature of the Outlander is cup holders for third-row passengers. There would be nothing extraordinary about this if it were not for the fact that the Japanese hybrid version presented cannot be a seven-seater car. Only petrol and diesel versions offer this option.
The RAV4 wins in the multimedia and intuitive control categories. The Mitsubishi touch screen not only does not display information in Russian, but also has a more confusing menu. Multimedia Ravs are more transparent, and some options have Russian-language names. What is notable is that the graphics of both systems are somewhat archaic and different from the interfaces of European competitors. It is also worth noting that both Toyota and Mitsubishi can have very rich equipment.
Fact!
Active cruise control, heated seats and steering wheels or even blind spot assistants in the mirrors are just some of the systems offered by both rivals.
Motor comparison
To understand which engine is better: the Outlander or the RAV4, you need to find out the opinion of an expert, because the indicators are almost the same.
First, it’s worth finding out which power units are relevant for the Toyota RAV4 in the new generation. The minimum configurations include a motor with the following characteristics:
- Type: gasoline.
- Volume: 2 liters.
- Maximum power: 149 horsepower.
- Maximum speed: 190 km/h.
- Acceleration to 100 km/h: 9.8 seconds.
- Combined fuel consumption: 6.8 liters.
Another version of the two-liter power unit is also available, with a maximum power of 175 horsepower. This type of engine is equipped with “mechanics” and “variator”.
The minimum configuration of the Mitsubishi Outlander has the following engine:
- Type: gasoline.
- Volume: 2 liters.
- Maximum power: 146 horsepower.
- Maximum speed: 193 km/h.
- Acceleration to 100 km/h: 11.4 seconds.
- Mixed fuel consumption: 7.5 liters.
The car accelerates slower than its direct competitor, but fuel consumption is higher. The advantage in maximum speed is insignificant.
Comparison of Rav4 and Outlander 2021
Almost everyone knows the Toyota RAV4. The car has firmly entered the urban landscape, becoming at the same time the calling card of the Japanese automobile brand. Interestingly, great popularity and recognition appeared relatively quickly, because the first generation debuted a little over 20 years ago (in 1994). During this time, the popular RAV has had 4 generations, and the last of them received a facelift a few months ago. It brings a hybrid variant to Toyota's compact SUV lineup for the first time, joining an extensive hybrid family with the Prius, Auris, Yaris and C-HR.
The family of hybrid Mitsubishi Outlanders standing on the other side of the barricade is not so many. Not only that, but the Outlander PHEV is actually Mitsubishi's only hybrid. The first generation of Japanese 3 Diamonds was created in 2001. The third generation of this model is currently available, restyled in 2015. A hybrid version of the Mitsubishi SUV debuted in 2014, sparking a lot of interest and hope.
Differences in Specifications
To understand which is better: the RAV4 or its competitor, the Outlander, you also need to compare the packages of options and equipment available in the minimum versions.
The following options are relevant for RAV4:
- multifunction steering wheel;
- on-board computer;
- air conditioner;
- heating of windshield washer nozzles, wiper areas, mirrors, front seats, steering wheel;
- headlight washer.
Outlander's standard set looks like this:
- climate control;
- on-board computer;
- heated windshield.
With a difference in cost of only 60,000 rubles, the model from Mitsubishi is much inferior to its competitor from Toyota.
RAV4 Dimensions:
- Length: 4600 mm.
- Width: 1855 mm.
- Height: 1685 mm.
- Ground clearance: 195 mm.
- Wheelbase: 2690 mm.
Outlander sizes differ in all respects:
- Length: 4695 mm.
- Width: 1810 mm.
- Height: 1703 mm.
- Ground clearance: 215 mm.
- Wheelbase: 2670 mm.
The advantages of a car from Mitsubishi include increased ground clearance by 20 mm.
Both cars have front-wheel drive, but some versions have two drive axles.
Prices
Comparing price tags, Mitsubishi wins, and this is quite expected. Toyota has always been distinguished by its higher price in its class for its build quality and reputation earned over the years. Basic equipment Rav 4 with a 2.0 liter engine. A 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive costs 1,493,000 rubles. The initial version of Mitsubishi with the same front-wheel drive, CVT and 2.0 liter engine. costs about the same - 1,499,000 rubles. This is the cost of the 2017 model range. At the moment, you can purchase the 2021 version from an official dealer for 1,399,000 rubles. But in maximum all-wheel drive configurations with 2.4 and 2.5 liter engines. there is a noticeable difference - the 2021 models cost RUB 2,109,990. for Outlander and RUB 2,209,000. at Rav 4.
Cost of ownership
Many car enthusiasts don’t know which is better to choose: Mitsubishi Outlander or Toyota RAV4. Car maintenance costs are often analyzed to make decisions.
The RAV4 model, according to some analytical portals, costs owners 89,000 rubles per year. This is the average price for compulsory motor liability insurance - about 5,000 rubles, tax - 1,400 rubles, the rest is fuel and maintenance, which is expressed in the replacement of “consumables”.
Similar information for the Outlander model reports that the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance, as well as transport tax, will remain at the same level. On average, 20,000 rubles per year are spent on maintenance. The rest is spent on fuel. The result is approximately the same - 99,000 rubles.
Summary
Toyota Rav 4 absolutely deservedly enjoys greater popularity among car owners than its rival. Rav4 not only costs less, but also offers more installed equipment. And its top version is equipped with active safety systems that its competitor does not have at all. At the same time, the price of a CASCO policy for Toyota is lower. The Mitsubishi Outlander is a slightly more spacious car, the maintenance of which will cost the buyer much less. Plus it has an ace up its sleeve - a 7-seater version. However, this is unlikely to significantly change the demand for models in favor of Mitsubishi at the end of the current year. This is confirmed by sales statistics for the first half of 2021: RAV4 - 13,277 units, Outlander - 10,656 units, that is, RAV 4 is in 1.25 times more demand than the Outlander.
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Control and Security
When choosing a RAV4 or Outlander, which back in 2008 was famous for its good handling, you need to pay attention to test drives conducted by professionals; there are plenty of videos on the Internet.
The RAV4 is interesting because it has a selector that allows the driver to adjust the suspension to specific road conditions. In the "Rocks and Dirt" mode, the car copes really well with light off-road conditions.
When starting off and switching the selector to the “Drive” position, the driver does not notice “kicks” or extraneous sounds. The car drives smoothly, and the traction distribution system helps with steering.
Experts also have flattering comments about the handling of the Outlander. The car responds well to pressing the gas pedal, the car quickly picks up speed and accelerates easily.
The car drives smoothly on the highway. The brand's engineers have improved the sound insulation, so there is no sound in the cabin.
Off-road the car has a different character. If small potholes appear, the suspension begins to “punch” and knock, and the passengers shake along with the car.
The following systems are responsible for safety in the RAV4: BAS, EBD, ABS, ASR, ESP, HSA. There are also 7 pillows installed.
The minimum version of Outlander has a more modest set of systems: ABS. Also, only 3 airbags are responsible for safety.
Controllability
The first thing you notice when driving the Outlander is the rubber steering wheel. The recoil is weak, the return is uncorrected, and in the straight position the steering wheel wobbles incomprehensibly. There is no rigidity at all, the car constantly has to be balanced, and this is annoying. With slight jerks of the steering wheel to the sides, the car begins to sway rather than wobble like the Rav4. This indicates insufficient steering wheel response. Mitsubishi has always been distinguished by mischief, so this driving style may appeal to drivers who need constant adrenaline, and they will enjoy controlling a car that is not very stable and precise.
A clear advantage of the Outlander is the softness of the suspension. The engineers did a great job to make the driver and passengers feel as comfortable as possible. Gently swaying, the car overcomes both minor and serious irregularities.
The opponent has a stiffer steering wheel, which reacts well to the slightest movements and has excellent feedback. It is clearly fixed, but to a certain extent it may seem too rigid. The steering wheel has no blind spots and, unlike its competitor, it will not present the driver with unexpected surprises. The obvious drawback of the Rav 4 is the suspension. Compared to the pre-restyling version of 2012, it has become softer, although small bumps and ripples on the road are still very noticeable. Large holes and potholes are overcome flawlessly, but small things clearly hit the passengers. In Outlander, everything feels softer: the suspension, pedals, and steering wheel. But such softness does not allow you to relax, but constantly keeps you on your toes, reminding you of the playful nature of the car with a claim to a sporty driving style.
The stability control system in both crossovers works flawlessly. If necessary, it reduces engine speed and corrects the trajectory of the wheels, preventing skidding and warning the driver against rash actions. However, by disabling this option, both cars turn into wild cats. It is noteworthy that disabling the stabilization function of the Outlander is easier. It is important to remember that before frolicking on the ice, you should switch the Mitsubishi variator to the “Ds” position, and the Toyota automatic transmission to the “Sport” mode.
When all available options are connected, including clutch lock, stability control and traction control, both cars show approximately the same off-road capabilities. The hill descent system, with the help of which the car independently brakes, works on the Rav4 both in forward and in reverse. In this case, a point for passability can be given to both participants.
Comparing price tags, Mitsubishi wins, and this is quite expected. Toyota has always been distinguished by its higher price in its class for its build quality and reputation earned over the years. Basic equipment Rav 4 with a 2.0 liter engine. A 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive costs 1,493,000 rubles. The initial version of Mitsubishi with the same front-wheel drive, CVT and 2.0 liter engine. costs about the same - 1,499,000 rubles. This is the cost of the 2017 model range. At the moment, you can purchase the 2021 version from an official dealer for 1,399,000 rubles. But in maximum all-wheel drive configurations with 2.4 and 2.5 liter engines. there is a noticeable difference - the 2021 models cost RUB 2,109,990. for Outlander and RUB 2,209,000. at Rav 4.
Pros and cons of RAV 4
Positive aspects of the Toyota RAF 4 car:
- Economical fuel consumption. The 2021 model has some of the lowest gas mileage ever.
- Spacious salon. There is more space inside the car.
- Almost silent suspension that better copes with uneven roads.
- Aggressive appearance. Square arches, angular headlights and a new grille changed the exterior of the car.
- Reliability. Reports of breakdowns from drivers are difficult to find.
But the car also has its disadvantages:
- Multimedia. The system does not always work correctly.
- Inconvenient button placement. When driving a car, it is quite difficult to reach some elements.
- Poor quality of plastic linings. For some owners they scratch, for others they fall off.
These are the main disadvantages of the car that owners talk about.
Outlander vs RAV4. We compare two “Japanese” on the Russian market in the CUV class
Brief description of models
RAV4 is a car that has been tested over the years and hundreds of kilometers of roads, including difficult Russian ones. One of the strong middle peasants (in terms of sales) in the compact crossover segment.
Now the fourth generation car is being sold on the domestic market. Compared to the third generation model, it began to look more elegant and received an increased wheelbase. The car has also grown in length and width, resulting in more space in the rear of the cabin.
Outlander for a long time did not dare to challenge the successful Japanese compatriot, inferior in many components. And only the third generation model is trying to oust its competitor. The car body is made in accordance with the corporate X-style, referencing the AvtoVAZ design by Steve Mattin.
In 2021, Mitsubishi carried out a deep restyling of the model, improving sound insulation, expanding the list of options and improving the suspension. But is this enough to win against a strong rival in Toyota?
Video: Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison of technical characteristics of Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4
The following gearboxes are available for the RAV4:
- Manual transmission-6.
- Stepless variator.
- Automatic transmission with 6 speeds.
There are 2 engines to choose from - 3ZR-FE (4 cylinders, 146 horsepower, 2 liters, 187 Nm of maximum torque) and 2AR-FE (4-cylinder, 180 horsepower, with a maximum thrust of 233 Nm and a displacement of 2. 5 l).
A larger number of powertrains are available for the Mitsubishi Outlander. The engine line consists of the following options:
- A 2-liter engine with a thrust rating of 196 Nm and a maximum power of 146 horsepower.
- 167-horsepower 4-cylinder 2.4.
- V6 3.0 with 230 horsepower.
When purchasing an Outlander, you won't be able to choose a manual transmission. The automaker offers Russians a CVT and a 6-band automatic transmission. An automatic transmission is only available in the expensive Sport version. Paired with the most powerful engine in the line (V6).
| Characteristic | RAV4 | Outlander |
| Motor | 146 hp, 187 Nm | 146 hp, 196 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | stepless variator |
| type of drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel consumption in the combined cycle per 100 km, in l | 7,8 | 7,7 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, in s | 10,7 | 12 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 180 | 188 |
Table. Comparison of power, fuel consumption and dynamics of cars in 2 mid-level trim levels with a junior engine
Video: Toyota Rav4 (Exclusive) - let's go on the highway!
Conclusion: the presence of “mechanics” in the gearbox line is a serious advantage of the Toyota Rav4. Cars with this gearbox are a little more dynamic and agile. The variator is characterized by lower reliability and increased maintenance and repair costs.
On the other hand, the Outlander engine family has a strong argument - a 6-cylinder 230-horsepower engine. It is powerful, dynamic and moderately economical. Perfect for lovers of active driving and fans of crossovers from Mitsubishi.
Pros and cons of Outlander
The car, first presented in 2021, has the following advantages:
- Engine dynamism. It is enough to press the gas pedal a little for the car to start accelerating.
- Good handling. The car holds the road perfectly, changes lanes and turns clearly.
- Factory sound insulation sufficient for comfortable driving.
- High ground clearance. This figure is one of the best in the segment.
- Space in the cabin. All four passengers are equally comfortable.
Disadvantages noticed by car owners:
- Big expense. In the city, the figure rises to 15 liters per 100 kilometers.
- Weak paintwork. After several months of operation, chips appeared, and later the first spots of rust.
- Poor low beam. Many drivers modify optics for comfortable driving.
Such disadvantages are more significant when compared with the disadvantages of the RAV4.
What to choose: expert opinion
When choosing an Outlander or RAV4, which has been reliable and handles well since 2008, it's worth turning to the experts.
With equal price tags, it’s worth paying attention to the richness of the minimum configurations. The RAV4 offers more options, but the Outlander has a CVT.
The choice of car is influenced by the buyer's tastes in design. The cars have different looks, so the body parts of the RAV4 may not appeal to Outlander fans and vice versa.
To independently assess the car's handling, experts recommend that potential owners sign up for a test drive. This will allow you to understand how justified the drivers’ comments are.
It is impossible to say unequivocally which car is better, because each potential owner evaluates the car according to his own parameters.
Summing up
In the Rav4 vs Outlander battle, it is difficult to determine a clear winner. “Rafik” is tougher and more stable in handling, while its rival is soft and cocky. The first car will definitely suit respectable drivers who value comfort, optionality and want to emphasize their status. Absolutely everything hints at prestige in Toyota. Outlander, in turn, attracts younger, hot-blooded clients. They will like the wayward character of Mitsubishi.
The cross-country ability and practicality of the cars are also at a similar level. It is worth noting that Toyota has greater comfort for passengers and Mitsubishi has a softer suspension. In terms of trunk space, there is no clear favorite, since the leader is determined by the choice of configuration. Other points, such as design, choice of finishing materials and gearbox type, are a matter of taste. The Rav 4 has more engine and transmission options, and, it would seem, when viewed objectively, Toyota has more advantages. But the cornerstone when choosing a car will always be the price tag. And since in Toyota it is as much as 100 thousand higher, it will no longer be possible to give preference to Rafik.
Each crossover has its own character and style that will appeal to different types of buyers. The main thing is to determine which one you like best! Good luck on the roads!
